Castell Gwynn is the realization of Mike Freeman's dream, one begun in 1970 in a high school architecture class, in which he drew the first sketches of his dream house
Castell Gwynn is the realization of Mike Freeman's dream, one begun in 1970 in a high school architecture class, in which he drew the first sketches of his dream house. With the help of parents Joe Paul and Bessie Freeman, he established his professional photography career and began his search for the proper location for such a structure. Just south of Nashville, near the small town of Triune, a landowner named John Covington made it possible for the young dreamer to purchase a portion of his land.
The first tower was begun in 1980: five stories of which the first-floor kitchen is the crowning glory. Master mason Kenneth Canady worked two years molding the 14,000 bricks into 60 arches. Tilemaker David Wright highlighted his feat with his reproduction of the castle coat-of-arms.
Castell Gwynn will be completed as a four-towered structure. Finer points of the plans began to take shape when Mike visited a twelfth-century border castle in Wales. Castell Coche, or "Red Castle," became the prototype of Castell Gwynn, or "White Castle."
The second tower, begun in 1985, boasts a focal point of Castell Gwynn: a second-floor Great Hall. Under a 28' ceiling, a balcony with a minstrel gallery will lead into the area. The great hooded fireplace is Indiana limestone: 14' tall x 6' wide x 3' deep. The mantel, resting at a height of 5 1/2 feet, is 7' thick and 6' long. Finished with a coat-of-arms, the fireplace will center a room with cut-stone ceiling arches. The third and fourth towers will feature Guest Suites, including a "Honeymoon Suite" with personal elevator and hot tub in a glass gazebo on the roof.
Castell Gwynn is the centerpiece of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, held from 10:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M. each weekend in May, and Memorial day. The fully-costumed festival is held in a shaded site, complete with entertainment, crafts, games, and foods. Each day features several armored jousts. Unlike other Renaissance festivals, it is the only one in the country which is held on the grounds of a castle residence. Tours of the castle are included in the admission price.
http://www.dupontcastle.com/
Free
25.00 USD
Childre under 5: free
Children (6-12): 10.00 USD
- Private property
- Visiting is possible during the festival
- Pets are not allowed