The Wall Street Journal has a fascinating article about a new 8,500 square-foot castle that 73-year old Gertrude Zachary built in Albuquerque, New Mexico, between a rescue mission and the railroad tracks. It cost millions and took two years to build, but it’s worth a lot less because of the barren industrial location it’s in, known to locals as “Skid Row.”
Zachary says her home was inspired by grand estates in Paris. She built it to showcase her collection of religious art and stained-glass windows. Outside the house is a billboard advertising her antique and jewelry business. She lives alone in the vast mansion with her Shih Tzu named Zipper.
The former English Major in me thinks the story would make for a great novel. You know she has to be an interesting character!
You can read the article and see the slideshow of photos on WSJ.com. Thanks to PJ for the link!
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
What? No cats?
: )
Julie M.
.-= The Little Red Shop´s last blog ..Support Your Local Cowboy =-.
Bwahahahaha! Cats! They might scratch the furniture though.
.-= Mom in High Heels´s last blog ..RTT- Ummmm =-.
What a cool place, but the tags on the furniture make me skeptical. Maybe she’ll start a trend in the area and it will grow apartments, condos, etc.
Let’s hope!
This castle is cool, but I’m not a fan of the medieval style. It would be fun to spend the night in though.
I would end up skewered!
A new castle, that sure sounds intriguing! But it would be way to scary for me. I don’t think I would sleep in there lol. But I would love to have a friend living there, so I could visit the place once in a while. O, and we could give awesome parties there!!
.-= Maaike Quinn´s last blog ..Five gorgeous TV series I love to watch =-.
Unique place, although I don’t think I could live there.
.-= Stacy@RedDoorHome´s last blog ..Stone Houses =-.
Always wanted to live in a Castle….
Why on earth would such an intelligent woman invest so much money in such a bad location unless she never plans on selling it and doesn’t care what happens to it after she’s gone….
Would love to see pictures of the inside….
Click that link I give you at the end of the post–it takes you to an entire slideshow of the castle with more details!
I saw this article the other day and was struck by this lady’s conviction to build “on skid row”. Hopefully her courage to build will help to reinvigorate that area! I love urban revitalization!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..A Love Affair- Part Two =-.
Just thinking that if the purpose was to revitalize the area, she could have built many smaller, but nice homes for the same amount of money and time it took for her to build her castle. Then she could have given them to nice but needy families to live in. Although I’m sure that wouldn’t have made a statement like a castle on Skid Row. Oh well! People with too much money and time on their hands!
Jane
I am a little at a loss for words here. I think the best one to describe this whole sotry might be “random.” But I agree that I would love to read more about this woman!
It’s a fascinating home, but what a waste to put something like that in that location. There is nothing to look out at and enjoy. This is truly eccentric behavior. No doubt she picked up the land dirt cheap, but who will want to own it after she’s gone?
.-= Liz´s last blog ..A View To A Room =-.
Apparently, she enjoys it. I would, too!
Well, this solves a mystery for me.
I was born in Albuquerque, but my family moved to VA when I was a baby. My parents used to refer to Skid Row sometimes, maybe joking (?), and I never had a clue as to what they were talking about until now! Thanks, Julia. 
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Come Link Up Your Best Post of the Week! =-.
Julia,
This is interesting, but sooooo dark! LOL I don’t know… maybe I’m already feeling cold here in Canada, and seeing this castle just made me feel even colder. I will read more about it.
You need to take a look at my post today, it’s a Cottage on a Sandy Beach! I so wish I was there!!!
Are you guys enjoying your puppy?
xo
Have a beautiful week, J!
No thank you. That place is pretty creepy!
.-= Sara @ Russet Street Reno´s last blog ..Ramsign Winner! =-.
I love religious art and stained glass. *le sigh*
.-= Juju at Tales of Whimsy´s last blog ..Book Beginnings Friday- Rain =-.
Wow. It’s opulent but I love it. She should charge for tours. I’d pay it.
.-= Juju at Tales of Whimsy´s last blog ..Book Beginnings Friday- Rain =-.
Keep in mind that Albuquerque has many areas where expensive homes are built next to “skid row” type neighborhoods. Eccentric? Yes, but she seems to be a very creative artist and visionary. I used to live in Albuquerque and have always admired/coveted Gertrude Zachary’s jewelry. Check out her website and you will find the most amazing combinations of traditional turquoise and modern jewelry. (I have no connection to her, just a fan).
Interesting! Thanks!
Wow, I want to check that out…thanks!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Sunday Scripture =-.
Yep, there’s a woman who drove three husbands crazy with her eccentric ways. To each their own.
I think she really enjoys looking down on the poor.
Reminds me of Miss Haversham in Great Expectations.
I’ve never heard of this person and I’m anxious to check out her web page.
Since I don’t know anything about her, it’s impossible for me to make any judgements about her, but the house…now that’s a different story.
I’m surprised that since it’s in such a bad area, it’s not been a target for vandals, or maybe it has? I find the mansion more interesting then appealing, but I don’t care for the top of all her railings…they look dangerous!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Sunday Scripture =-.
I guess this is what they mean by ‘your home is your castle’ its great that she does not conform and perhaps she just likes the area and the people ,just some thoughts of mine
There is a classic Aussie movie called ‘The Castle” it is my favourite all time movie about a very average family living at the end of Sydney International runway ,developers offer them large amounts of money to relocate but they are determined to stay because they love it so much and more importantly its there home ,tis is a very Australian comedy but it is funny you may like to watch it if you get a chance.
~Sharon~
.-= Sharon´s last blog ..My Georgous Dogs Beau and Bella =-.
We visited the antique store adjacent to the Zachary castle last weekend while in Albuquerque and really enjoyed it. They are open for very limited hours on Saturdays (and maybe other times) so call before you go. You have to ring the doorbell and they let you in, much like an expensive jewelry store (for security purposes). Nice antique furniture from Europe and a wide variety of other antiques and some outdoor fountains and wrought iron pieces. We also went to the jewelry store near Old Town…gorgeous gemstone pieces – loved it. I grew up in Albuquerque (“the Heights”) and I can say that the general downtown area is being revived – Central Ave. is much improved since I lived there 25 yrs ago, and like other cities, they are preserving the historic buildings and the character of the older areas, which I am thrilled about. I absolutely love the architecture of the older buildings in our cities, and hate when they are torn down and replaced with ultra-modern high-rises. The castle looks a little out of place right now, but it is beautiful and will uplift the surrounding area. The AT&SF Railroad Station is right nearby and that has been restored, so the area is looking up!!
Great to hear this “on the ground” report from the area. Thanks, Patti!
Sadly Gertrude has passed.
So sorry to hear Gertrude passed away this past Tuesday January 29th. http://www.krqe.com/dpp/features/nm-retail-legend-gertrude-zachary-dies?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+krqe-business+%28KRQE+News+13+-+Business%29
I hadn’t heard that. How sad. Thanks, Patti.