As a high school trainee at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, builder and architect Bob Marthai fell for the North Georgia Mountains. Years later on, he returned to Helen, Georiga, with a middle ages vision that consisted of gardens, orchards, and yes, a castle. The only thing that appears to be missing is the moat.
” Alpine Helen is naturally a fantastic fit for European-inspired castle architecture,” explains his daughter and home manager Naomi Marthai. “It is surrounded by mountains of lavish forests loaded with waterfalls and outstanding biodiversity that is tough to equal.”
His objective took 18 years to manifest, but the outcome feels like a European location. Castle Uhuburg (pronounced OO-hoo-berg and German for Eagle Owl Castle) welcomes visitors and over night visitors to explore its tranquil mountain premises and enjoy a peaceful getaway. Here are the best ways to invest your time while visiting this new North Georgia treasure.
Take a Tour or Learn Swordsmanship
The property is open Saturday and Sunday during mid-day. Walk the home at your own rate or go with an assisted trip that describes the architectural, philosophical, and garden elements. The emphasize 60-minute assisted trip leaves from the red gate on the hour. A 15-minute trip of the Great Hall and atrium happens twice per hour; gather at the back entrance of the Great Hall.
Upon arrival, a shuttle will transport you from the parking area up the mountain to the castle. Strategy your visit to coincide with Swordsmanship workshops– included in admission– provided by the Appalachian Sword Club.
Other occasions include Contra at the Castle, an English Country Ball, and the signature event CastleFaire, held each January. Unique occasions require bookings.
Admire the Murals
Eight murals line the lower 1,300-foot castle wall surrounding the boundary of the courtyard. They show humankind’s mission to understand life through the ages, portraying stories and ideologies from numerous religions and philosophies. The residential or commercial property intend on an overall of 30 murals in the coming years.
Walk the Gardens
2 acres of manicured grounds greet you as you go into the property. Color takes off in the spring, showcasing roses, azaleas, rhododendron, mountain laurel, plus blooming fruits, while fall ushers in differing colors of the changing season as well as the garden harvest. Discover peace in the Zen Garden, a traditional Japanese area for meditation, or look at the Carnivorous Bog Garden, with Venus flytraps with jaws broad open.
Take in the Castle
A real Renaissance castle, the structure has 12 towers, one turret, and three gatehouses. The Great Hall, its central work of art dressed with lavender walls and ceiling and beams of white pine hewn from trees that when based on the property, is for “celebrating the good life we have,” describes Bob. The indoor atrium provides the ‘greenhouse result’ and is home to a variety of plants. Appreciate the classical statues throughout the grounds, and embrace the relaxing setting. The attention to historic information is showcased in every space.
Stay the Night
Wake up in among the 10 chambers tucked within the castle walls, all elegantly embellished with distinct furniture, art, and decoration Marthai has actually gathered in time. Overnight stays permit visitors to experience their own one-of-a-kind fairy tale. Chambers host 2 visitors while the Duchess Chamber accommodates 3.
” Guests are dealt with to the extraordinary atmosphere of a Renaissance castle,” explains Naomi. During their stay, guests have access to numerous more interior spaces not open to the public, as well as the castle towers, grounds, and gardens at any time.”
No matter what brings you to the castle, the Marthai household hopes the time spent at Castle Uhuburg will be reflective, renewing, and inspirational.
