A Bavarian-style castle in the middle of 110 acres in Burnet, Texas — two hours north of San Antonio — recently went on the market for the king’s fortune of $15 million.
Despite being built in 1998, Burnet’s iconic Falkenstein castle has the look of a centuries-old structure. From its stone turrets to its arched doorways and windows to a hallowed cathedral, the seven-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home isn’t just “inspired by” medieval design — it seems intent to replicate it down to the last chiseled stone.
The castle was built by businessman and architect Terry Young after a life-changing trip abroad. During a 1995 trip to Europe, Young and his wife Kim visited the historic Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle at Disneyland, according to a Realtor.com article on the structure.
While there, the couple was impressed by drawings on display of another Bavarian castle, designed by King Ludwig II, who became ruler of Bavaria at age 18. Ludwig intended to call the castle Falkenstein. However, he hid the plans from the rest of his family at Neuschwanstein until his death.
“After leaving Neuschwanstein, the Youngs proceeded to Lechbruch to locate the previous director,” according to the Burnet property’s official website. “Once they arrived and finished explaining their interest, he was kind enough to make copies of the original artist rendering of Falkenstein Castle and other minor sketches.”
Like pulling the sword from the stone, Young was armed with detailed plans for a daft mission — and he was just crazy enough to see it through. That vacation to Europe set the Youngs on a course that’s the stuff of Texas legend.
As the Falkenstein website tells it, “On their return flight to the United States, Mr. Young looked lovingly at Mrs. Young and said, ‘Sweetheart, what would you think about spending the next ten years or so, building our own Falkenstein Castle in Texas?’ To which Kim Young smiled and replied, ‘Why not!'”
Medieval castles were more villages unto themselves than simply imposing homes for a royal family. Likewise, this sprawling property also comes with six quaint tiny homes scattered throughout the grounds. But rather than serfs, the castle and its satellite structures are usually inhabited by guests — to the tune of $1,500 a night and up. After Terry Young’s death a few years ago, his son converted the property into an AirBnB and wedding venue.
Now, the 14,000-square-foot home is available for the next would-be monarch on a quest for a unique domicile. But like Young and Ludwig before him, Falkenstein probably belongs in the hands of someone who’s more than a little eccentric.
Still, for the sake of the people of Burnet, we hope the next owner isn’t quite as eccentric as Ludwig, who was known as the “Mad King” of Bavaria.
This home is listed by Kale Stephens with Horseshoe Bay Living 2 LLC.
All photos and listing info via Realtor.com.
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