Does anyone have any information on 'The Castle' house in Riverside...looks so regal, with guard dogs & all. Also, it seems the owner(s) have a heavy Scottish accent. (No, haven't been stalking them...I just walk by everyday and am curious)
Very interesting place...
Are you talking about the house across the road from the river?
I was told it came from scotland on a barge and assemble here...not sure though...i lived on that street for about 5 years and it is a beautiful house..especially at night when all of the lights are on...
Yes...
Can't miss it. Remnants of an old dock out front. Surrounded by an iron gate. Two German Sheppards.
It's mostly known as The Cheek Residence. I don't think that is the original owner/builder, but that was a family that lived there for quite a long time. The husband was a doctor as well as a jack of all trades and hobbies.
The house was originally built by the owner of what is now the Maxwell House Coffee plant. He was one of five sons, each sent to a different city throughout the country to set up similar plants. The house has 5 stories, as well as a roof top deck.
The house is currently owned by the grandmother of one of my friends. Her family has a large presence in the Avondale/ San Marco area.
I have always loved that house! when i was kid I used to tell my grandmother to drive me by the castle!
One of my favorite places to ride by on the bike. That road is so quiet and the breeze coming off the river (while a bit smelly) is nice.
It was featured on HGTV a few years back.
Quote from: ben says on March 01, 2011, 08:43:58 AM
Yes...
Can't miss it. Remnants of an old dock out front. Surrounded by an iron gate. Two German Sheppards.
I herd that the dock was torn down by a father whos son drowed off that dock and vowed to never rebuild it.
Also, for more information listen to the RAP audio walking tour.
I had always heard the dock was destroyed by Hurricane Dora.
I believe that the Hurricane and other reasons caused the dock's demise. Apparently it was commonly used by (unauthorized) teens for playing and partying. People would often go out there (again, without authorization) after drinking and would fall or injure themselves climbing on the dock. It just became a liability, so it was allowed to fall into disrepair.
is it in the Jacksonville architectural history book?
Quote from: billy on March 01, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
is it in the Jacksonville architectural history book?
I believe so
Dr. Emmet Ferguson and his wife have lived there for many years. Dr. Ferguson passed away last year, but I am sure his wife is still there. The house is truly one of a kind and is in Dr. Wood's book on the architecture of Jacksonville.
The German Shepherds are getting old and slow, but are still doing their duty.
I think I heard a story about the drowning.
Was there a servant who was supposed to be watching the child?
Also, Dr. Ferguson bought the house by paying the back taxes on it- I've heard he got it for somewhere around 30K. Their children now own most of the properties in that area of St. Johns Quarter.
It is definately in Dr Woods' book.
QuoteIt was featured on HGTV a few years back.
What show was this on????
Umm. I saw the program too. Was it the one about haunted houses?
I used to live on Copeland right around the corner from the Castle. I spoke to the one of the owners a handful of times. They had great stories about the history, construction and guests it's had over the years. They also mentioned the unbelievable purchase price and how they were having trouble keeping up with the taxes.
The good news is; no one will be able to demolish this place. It's anchored something like 50' under ground and could most likely survive a head on nuclear strike.
Anybody have a photo?
Quote from: Shwaz on March 02, 2011, 12:41:10 PM
I used to live on Copeland right around the corner from the Castle. I spoke to the one of the owners a handful of times. They had great stories about the history, construction and guests it's had over the years. They also mentioned the unbelievable purchase price and how they were having trouble keeping up with the taxes.
The good news is; no one will be able to demolish this place. It's anchored something like 50' under ground and could most likely survive a head on nuclear strike.
Where on Copeland? I now like on the block next to Park in the giant green building.
Quote from: exnewsman on March 02, 2011, 01:42:32 PM
Anybody have a photo?
Here is a link to some pictures from an earlier discussion on MJ:
http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/gallery/7431210_a7ka8#479046681_UjXRT
Quote from: ben says on March 02, 2011, 01:43:51 PM
Quote from: Shwaz on March 02, 2011, 12:41:10 PM
I used to live on Copeland right around the corner from the Castle. I spoke to the one of the owners a handful of times. They had great stories about the history, construction and guests it's had over the years. They also mentioned the unbelievable purchase price and how they were having trouble keeping up with the taxes.
The good news is; no one will be able to demolish this place. It's anchored something like 50' under ground and could most likely survive a head on nuclear strike.
Where on Copeland? I now like on the block next to Park in the giant green building.
Pretty much the corner of Riverside Ave & Copeland - right next to the Fenmore and a block off the river.
Is this the Brick home with the diamond-shaped panes in the windows.
One of my all time favorite Riverside houses, although Id hate to have the heating bill for that place :)