Cliffside Castle in Alabama Lists for $4.9 Million

It’s about that time of year when many wish they had a house on a lake. Bonus points if it’s a castle. 

That’s the case in Bremen, Alabama—about 48 miles north of Birmingham—where a nearly 5,000-square-foot castle has hit the market for $4.9 million. Known as the Castle at Smith Lake, the residence was built into a cliffside and offers 180-degree views of the lake from almost every room, according to Krisalyn Riley Crye of Arc Realty, who listed the property last week. 

“If you look at a Smith Lake map, there’s certain landmarks—different points, different marinas, and then there’s the castle,” she said. “Everyone sort of pinpoints their location based on the castle, like, ‘we’re like 10 minutes north from the castle.’ It’s truly an iconic landmark for Smith Lake.”

And there’s no surprise why, given the one-of-a-kind look. Built in 1980, the home combines several architectural styles—including stone work, a turret and a 20-foot glass solarium—that give it a fanciful feeling. 

The original owner wanted “something extraordinary and beautiful,” the agent added, while his wife wanted “something different and magical, with views on the lake.”

Inside, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom castle offers bright interiors with beamed ceilings, arched doorways and whitewashed walls, listing photos show. An ornate stone fireplace is a focal point for the open living area, which includes space for dining and chef’s kitchen.

The solarium allows for “great natural light” and is perfectly situated to watch the sunrise over the lake, Crye said. There are also several decks throughout so guests and visitors can take advantage of the lake breezes, plus a basement, known as the cave, that could be a perfect wine cellar. 

Other amenities include a wood-clad library, stained glass windows, a gazebo and a trail to the water, according to the listing. In addition, the property has a long, gated driveway, direct access to the water, a dock with lifts and a grandfathered-in fishing hut on the water with bunk beds, a kitchenette and a fishing hole.

Currently, the home is being sold as 6 acres, Crye said. However, an additional 10 to 12 acres are also available, so the buyer could have close to 20 acres on the lake, the agent added. 

Mansion Global was unable to determine how much the castle last traded for or when. The owners were not available for comment.