Scotty's Castle Mystery Tour

[WesternOutlaw]

Scotty's Castle Mystery Tour

Alone in the arid heat of Death Valley stands a castle, a desolate castle in the middle of nowhere. The castle is known as Scotty's Castle, a 32,000 square foot compound built in 1927. Join the Phantom Rider as he takes a tour within the walls of the mysterious castle. He may even find old Scotty himself, or perhaps Albert Johnson, the actual builder of the castle within the chambers that lie within...

Coming Soon...

[WhiteFang]

Brickster, I can't wait for you to start your mystery orientation tour for us. I am sure there are lots of amazing things for us to discover in that old castle.

[Sandy]

I don't know, there's just something in American castles that strike me as kinda unauthentic...

But I'm looking forward what you have to offer, anyway!

[WesternOutlaw]

Part 1: The Castle, Grounds, and History

Let's shed some light on the old castle, shall we?

While some might question the authenticity of Scotty's Castle, it was a structure whose construction began in 1927 in the style of a Spanish Villa. The architecture style was shared by large mansions being constructed during the same time in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. This castle; however, was unique in that it was constructed in northern Death Valley. Although parts of Death Valley are at sea level where summer temperatures exceed 120 degrees, the castle was built in Grapevine Canyon at a 3,000 foot altitude, avoiding the extreme summer heat as well as cold winters.

Now let's have a closer look at the castle and its grounds, starting at the front. Here's a close-up of one of the towers. Notice the Spanish-style architecture:

In the center of two main sections of the house is a large gate to the courtyard:

Riding toward the side of the castle, we can see one of the bedrooms with balcony:

I love the numerous arches and patios:

Here's the side tower:

And side entrance. I get that funny feeling as if someone is watching me... Perhaps it's the Ghost of Ol' Scotty.

A never completed pool awaits water from the nearby spring:

I can see myself looking out toward the desert from one of the many balconies:

Around back, there is another entry to the courtyard. Should I sneak in?

Perhaps I'll wait for the tour guide...

[Fluyt]

I don't know, there's just something in American castles that strike me as kinda unauthentic...

Maybe because they are unauthentic , there are no genuine castles in the U.S.

The building looks nice, but it looks a lot more like a mediterranean house/villa than a castle.

[WesternOutlaw]

Part 2: Inside the Castle

We begin our tour of Scotty's Castle as a young lady dressed in 20s attire greets us after ringing the 3:30 Tour Bell. DING! DING! DING!

Within the main courtyard, the story of Scotty's CASTLE is revealed.

It turns out that Scotty's Castle isn't really a castle at all but actually called "Death Valley Ranch". While many believe the ranch belonged to local miner and prospector Walter Scott, it was actually built by wealthy mid-western businessman Albert Johnson. The two men formed an unlikely friendship and Scotty went around telling everyone that he owned the castle that had been financed through the rewards of his gold mine. Scotty loved to tell tall-tales.

Under the shade of the patio, I spied Albert Johnson's 1933 Packard before entering the main house:

Within the dim light of the main room, I adjusted my lantern to behold the wood working, tapestries, and wonderful light fixture hanging from the tall ceiling:

Looking up, I couldn't help to think, "how can I create this in Lego"?

Stairs led to the 2nd floor with another set of stairs leading to a 3rd floor, or perhaps one of the mysterious towers...

Venturing into a nearby bedroom, I found myself back in the 1930s, where Scotty stayed. Or was it? Actually, Scotty had his own residence away from the castle, but Albert had this room made for Scotty so that he could show it to guests and stay the night if he wanted:

A small bed with a Shoshone Indian bed cover provided Scotty a nice place to sleep. Scotty said that he built the castle on top of his hidden gold mine, the entrance being under his bed. He would pay servants to clank on the pipes and walls of the house to make his story more believable.

On the wall of Scotty's room is a picture of Buffalo Bill Scotty? I feel as if he's watching me...

Leaving Scotty's room, I enter a small music room, noticing the simple furnishings and Spanish fountain:

The chairs and curtains are definately very old:

There are a number of beautiful fire places within the house, all having different Spanish tile:

Next, we'll be visiting the dining room and kitchen...

[WesternOutlaw]

Part 3: Continuing Inside the House

A large table and china cabinet provides needed plates and cups for guests:

Inside the kitchen, a working sink provides water for washing the dishes:

Check out this oven:

I like the hand-carved lighting fixture in the kitchen:

A view from the 2nd floor of the house. I get this funny feeling that someone is following me...

Inside one of the guest bedrooms, an old type writer stands ready:

This is one of the nicer guest bedrooms:

This chest is actually the oldest antique in the house:

Outside one of the guest bedrooms is a wonderful balcony area with a small fountain:

The "Italian Room" has a large desk and all the comforts needed in the 1930s.

Wow! Did you see that? Seems my eyes are playing tricks on me.

Not much has changed in the area of the bathroom:

The final room that we'll be touring inside Scotty's Castle is the Upper Music Room, a large gathering area for Albert, his wife Bessie, Scotty, and guests:

A large organ with an entire wall of pipes plays music that can be heard throughout the house:

The wood in the ceiling is entirely hand carved:

I love the beautiful fireplace in this room, not quite what one would expect in Death Valley:

We climb down the spiral stair case that exits the house. The music of the organ still plays in my ears:

Last part, Scotty's Grave and the Clock Tower...

[WesternOutlaw]

Part 4: Powerhouse, Clock Tower, and Scotty's Grave

Once outside the house, I walk toward the Power House near the back of the castle. The original Pelton hydro-electric water wheel is displayed. I was expecting something much larger:

A sign explains the power system. I wonder if they had 12V back in the late 20s? Perhaps only for blue track.

Here's the Hydro-Electric power system:

I climb through one of the towers:

To see a beautiful view of the large Clock Tower. Now here's one I'll be adding to my Grimwell Manor:

And a view of Scotty's Castle:

I make my way around the hill toward a large cross on the top of the mountain:

This one's going to take a horse. In the distance, there's a large stock pile of railroad ties and a rusty old car:

I get another view of the Castle:

As well as a spectacular view of the Clock Tower with Death Valley in the distance:

On top of the hill is the grave of Walter Scott (aka Scotty):

And Scotty's "Four Things to Live By":

1. Don't say nothing that will hurt anybody

2. Don't give advice - nobody will take it anyway

3. Don't complain

4. Don't explain

- immortal words to live by

[WhiteFang]

Brickster, thanks for taking your time to do up this Mystery Tour for us. It's defintely an eyeopener, and it's defintely an ideal place for Dragonator to plot its Mystery Castle down there, as well.

There are lots of antique down there, and the condition looks good too.

[I Scream Clone]

I reckon I may have to have a crack at building something like this, very intriguing but def not a true castle in my eyes.

Kinda reminds more of Rancho Relaxo

[Zorro]

Hi there Brickster, this is really a piece of amazing work you have made.

Thanks for showing us this tour.

[Teddy]

Hi TheBrickster,

thanks for sharing these photos with us.

They can be a real source of inspiration.

It must have been quite some work to make this nice compilation.

And I do hope you will share similar work in the future.

The stuff written below is part of my confusion about the location of the photos on the fora,

given the topic of the photos. So I really want to emphasize I do not whish to stamp on your work in any way or form and I do

praise the effort you've put in and highly appriciate you making such a nice tour.

While some might question the authenticity of Scotty's Castle, it was a structure whose construction began in 1927 in the style of a Spanish Villa. The architecture style was shared by large mansions being constructed during the same time in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. This castle; however, was unique in that it was constructed in northern Death Valley. Although parts of Death Valley are at sea level where summer temperatures exceed 120 degrees, the castle was built in Grapevine Canyon at a 3,000 foot altitude, avoiding the extreme summer heat as well as cold winters.

Brickster, I can't wait for you to start your mystery orientation tour for us. I am sure there are lots of amazing things for us to discover in that old castle.

Huh,... old?....Castle?....authentic?...

1927 sounds like a "brand new" house to me.

Heck, my grandma is even older than that house.

But let me just check the English dictionary for a loop hole anyway.

I've had other confusions about words I translated before.

–noun

1. a fortified, usually walled residence, as of a prince or noble in feudal times.

2. the chief and strongest part of the fortifications of a medieval city.

3. a strongly fortified, permanently garrisoned stronghold.

4. a large and stately residence, esp. one, with high walls and towers, that imitates the form of a medieval castle.

5. any place providing security and privacy: It may be small, but my home is my castle.

6. Chess. the rook.

–verb (used with object) 7. to place or enclose in or as in a castle.

8. Chess. to move (the king) in castling.

–verb (used without object) Chess. 9. to move the king two squares horizontally and bring the appropriate rook to the square the king has passed over.

10. (of the king) to be moved in this manner.

Hmm; 1,2, and 3 sound familiar, but I guess it could be called a castle under definition 4 and 5.

I'm not sure if in most dictionaries of other languages defenition 4 and 5 are present for the respective alternative word for castle as defined under 1, 2, and 3?

Although, I'm still wondering if a better place for this nice photoshoot would actually be in the town and train forum, rather than the history forum?

But as I said before, nice photos and thanks for sharing TheBrickster.

Kind regards,

Teddy

[WesternOutlaw]

I'm not sure if in most dictionaries of other languages defenition 4 and 5 are present for the respective alternative word for castle as defined under 1, 2, and 3?

I think many of you are getting hung up on this being called a castle. Compared to European castles of the Middle Ages, I can see why some don't consider it a castle. While I have no issue with it being referred to as such, Scotty's Castle was a nickname for what it really was, and that is Death Valley Ranch. There are also homes a lot older throughout the U.S. that aren't called castles. To me, this is a Western "Romantic Castle" containing architectural features of a Spanish Castle - but let's not get hung up on a name. That's not what this is about.

Although, I'm still wondering if a better place for this nice photoshoot would actually be in the town and train forum, rather than the history forum?

Although the Wild West era took place before the 1900s, this house is really part of "Old West" history in Death Valley.

But as I said before, nice photos and thanks for sharing TheBrickster.

Thanks Teddy.

[Klaus-Dieter]

Thank you very much for this excellent report, TheBrickster!

Now I understand much more why you chose this castle for your Grave Stone series. And I must say that your Lego models are very near to the real castle - very, very well done! :thumbup:

Do you plan to build Scotty's tomb (with ghost and frightened cowboy of course), too?

Klaus-Dieter

[WesternOutlaw]

Do you plan to build Scotty's tomb (with ghost and frightened cowboy of course), too?

Thanks KD. If I had more tan (already made two large tan Pick A Brick orders (pricey$$$)), I would have liked to create a much larger model, closer to the original. I had been looking at numerous pictures prior to visiting Death Valley, studying the architecture and floor plan. I guess you could call Grimwell Manor a "Scotty's Castle Inspired Creation", as it's not really in the shape of the actual castle; perhaps just the Clock Tower.

To answer your question though, since making Grave Stone Cemetery, I had thought about making a Boot Hill-type Cowboy Graveyard inspired from the classic western, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. I wanted to make it on the top of a hill, but not quite sure how to do so with very limited bricks. I did think about creating a 2nd version, but I didn't really plan to make one in the fashion of Scotty's Grave, as there's not much more than the large cross and a tombstone. A large single cross would be interesting. Maybe I'll experiment a bit - nice idea!

What is interesting about my recent visit to the grave; however, are the four Scotty quotes printed on the monument. I had just attended a work-related class that was talking about how to keep a good attitude (a week before visiting Scotty's Castle). There was a book mentioned (can't remember the name), that mentions four secrets to success. They are the same, so I found this very inspirational.

I also picked up a few small rocks on the hill as a keepsake. I thought that was kinda neat. I'm no geologist, but they are rather heavy for their small size, perhaps an ore of somekind?

But maybe I will build a small gravesite.

EDIT: KD: It's interesting to read your thoughts of Scotty's Castle as a fellow Wild West fan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.