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As seen on TV ~ Bishops Castle

You have probably seen Bishops Castle on any number of television programs. The castle sits on highway # 165 near the town of San Isabel, CO.

Jim Bishop is a one man work horse and has been building this castle for approx 40 years. Since finding the ground and starting this project as a teenager Jim has had some intermittent help. The death of his son on this ground spurs him on the continue the project, although I've never heard if there is an actual plan to finish.

The second level is open for large groups of people and weddings take place year around. Notice the tiny windows on the second level. These were all donated and arrive by mail, each is a reflection of the person who sent it. The gold dome has a bell in it and when you reach that point you can ring it. Notice the iron work around the castle - Jim Bishop has a shop and does custom iron work out of Pueblo. There are numerous staircases inside and outside of the castle, most are narrow and steep. The iron ball in the center of the castle is approx 20 across and 20 feet high. The plan is to some day cover it with mirrors. The "East Tower" is now under construction and can be seen from the road.

The rock that forms this castle comes from the local area, funds from visitors help keep it going. The head of the dragon is approx 20 feet long and has propane set up to shoot fire out of it's mouth on special occasion. You are allowed to access any part of the castle at your own risk and must sign a waiver when you enter. The stories you hear about Bishops Castle and it's creator are true. Both the castle and the creator are colorful parts of Colorado.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06211/709125-37.stm

Posted by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor on 08/11/2007 10:56 PM

Comments (13)

bishops castle, colorado, san isabel

This post has been included in Colorado Information Pueblo County, CO Information San Isabel, CO Information

13 Comments on As seen on TV ~ Bishops Castle

Wow, this is eccentric! So naturally I like it! Believe it or not I have never heard of it before so thanks for the article. Forty years! Just amazing.

08/11/2007 11:26 PM

by Carole Cohen Realtor®, ePRO (Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)

Carole, Jim's been interviewed by Rosanne, Leno, Letterman and others. He has a reputation for being an Anarchists. There are anti government signs posted all over, this gets the castle lots of attention. It's a spectacular place and for once today I remembered my camera.

08/11/2007 11:32 PM

by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)

I had not heard of it or seen it, and I thought I knew Colorado! I had better get in my car and make some more day trips. So many of these types of places are built by real individualists. Call it yard art in a big way!

08/12/2007 12:03 AM

by Summit County, Colorado Realtor l Joanne Hanson (Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate)

WOW! I have always wanted to check that out ... What an awesome building.

08/12/2007 01:20 AM

by Mariana Wagner ~ Colorado Springs REALTOR® (Wagner iTeam -Keller Williams Clients' Choice)

There is just something that makes me want to sneak up and slap a Hillary '08 bumper sticker on that truck. :)

08/12/2007 06:50 AM

by Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)

There's a buck and lunch in it if you do it!

08/12/2007 09:35 AM

by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)

Dena, this is so neat looking! I'll chip in a Buck and a cup of coffee if Chris does it too. :)

08/12/2007 02:29 PM

by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)

LOL anyone have a flack jacket I can borrow?

08/12/2007 02:40 PM

by Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)

Thanks for sharing this, Dena. It's quite a castle! Maybe next time I'm in Colorado....

08/12/2007 03:37 PM

by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)

Dena, that really seems like a great place and definitely one of a kind. You need to take a picture when the dragon is shutting fire :)

08/12/2007 08:10 PM

by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)

Talk about commitment! Forty years. That is amazing. I'd love to see the inside.

08/12/2007 09:10 PM

by Jennifer Steck- Denver Real Estate (Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado)

Thank you all for the comments. Every once in awhile you will see the castle on HGTV - extreme houses and the like. If you are in the area it's worth the drive, a bit isolated and make your stops before you get there. It's a VERY pretty area and an unusual structure. I try to stop in about once a year, you can see more progress that way.

08/12/2007 10:05 PM

by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)

That was cool! I never saw anything like it and I have traveled all over Europe and the eastern half of our country!

08/17/2007 12:20 PM

by Barbara-Jo & Bill - - Florida Realty Professional - AHWD (Charles Rutenberg Realty)