Castle in Riverside

ben says · March 01, 2011, 08:29:00 AM

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...

acme54321 · March 01, 2011, 08:35:21 AM

Are you talking about the house across the road from the river?

Garden guy · March 01, 2011, 08:43:14 AM

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...

ben says · 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.

Captain Zissou · March 01, 2011, 08:44:55 AM

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.

fsujax · March 01, 2011, 08:51:26 AM

I have always loved that house! when i was kid I used to tell my grandmother to drive me by the castle!

RiversideLoki · March 01, 2011, 09:01:53 AM

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.

avonjax · March 01, 2011, 09:03:17 AM

It was featured on HGTV a few years back.

Garden guy · March 01, 2011, 09:11:12 AM

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.

friedturkey · March 01, 2011, 09:29:29 AM

Also, for more information listen to the RAP audio walking tour.

fsujax · March 01, 2011, 09:32:39 AM

I had always heard the dock was destroyed by Hurricane Dora.

Captain Zissou · March 01, 2011, 09:47:21 AM

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.

billy · March 01, 2011, 10:22:33 AM

is it in the Jacksonville architectural history book?

Captain Zissou · March 01, 2011, 10:33:53 AM

Quote from: billy on March 01, 2011, 10:22:33 AM
is it in the Jacksonville architectural history book?

I believe so

Dog Walker · March 01, 2011, 10:40:33 AM

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.