The San Juan Castle House

Strange Houses — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:12:42 +0000

It is a commonly held adage that a man’s house is his castle. A forward-thinking individual in San Juan, Dominican Republic took this old saying to a whole new level. With glistening white towers and graceful arched windows, it’s easy to imagine this abode nestled firmly in the midst of a Caribbean fairy tale. That is, with one (or two) exceptions. Number one – this fantastic structure rests ever so delicately atop what appears to be a plain old ranch style house. Number two – the neighbors, while not apparently poverty stricken, would certainly lower the property value of such an auspicious dwelling, were it in fact a true castle.

The Dominican Republic, once home to Christopher Columbus, does boast some genuinely historical structures, including a number of famous cathedrals and churches, as well as a few notable fortifications (most of which came about as a result of repeated civil and revolutionary wars). The National Palace in Santo Domingo and the Royal Buildings are some of the most visited sites in the nation, and are much more reminiscent of a real castle that the aforementioned residence.

The Castle House, as it is commonly referred to, is not without its charm. Who hasn’t imagined living in a fancy castle, especially on an island paradise? I sure have. Throw up a few pennants, hang some banners and tapestries, and maybe invest in some guys to play the trumpet to announce my arrival, and I’ll be home sweet home. Oh, and maybe look into some underpinning or something to cover up that pesky house hiding underneath the gleaming towers. Castle skirt, anyone?

A Daimyo’s Home – Matsumoto Castle (youlivewhere.com)
Hundertwasser House – An Austrian Masterpiece (youlivewhere.com)
Bunratty Castle, a towered fortress (apostcardaday.blogspot.com)
Top 10 Most Famous Micronations (toptenz.net)

Strange Houses & Weird Homes » royal buildings

The San Juan Castle House

Related articles by Zemanta