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Fairhope's Storybook Castle: A Whimsical Retreat

Discover a fairytale escape at Fairhope's Storybook Castle, a whimsical landmark born from creativity and repurposed treasures in a charming Alabama town.

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The Storybook Castle in Fairhope, Alabama, is a unique and enchanting lodging experience. What began in 1946 as a simple workshop has evolved into a whimsical castle, crafted from salvaged materials and brimming with artistic details, offering guests a fairytale escape in the heart of a charming Southern town.

A brief summary to Storybook Castle

Local tips

  • Take your time exploring the castle grounds, as every corner holds a unique detail or hidden treasure.
  • Book the studio apartment in advance to experience the magic of staying in a real-life fairytale castle.
  • Consider arranging a tour or photo shoot to capture the castle's charm and learn more about its history.
  • Walk around downtown Fairhope, where you can enjoy the mossy oaks and jasmine that make the town magical.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Storybook Castle is located at 457 Oak Ave, Fairhope, AL, a few blocks from the heart of downtown Fairhope. From the intersection of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street, walk south on Section Street, then turn left onto Oak Avenue. The castle will be on your right. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    While Fairhope itself doesn't have a comprehensive public transportation system, the Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) does provide services to Fairhope from other areas like Mobile and Daphne. From the BRATS Fairhope Hub, you can take a taxi or the free golf cart shuttle to the Storybook Castle. Taxi fare from the hub to the castle is approximately $10-$15.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Fairhope. A taxi ride from downtown Fairhope to the Storybook Castle is a short trip, costing approximately $10-$15. Several taxi companies operate in the area, including United Airport Shuttle and Reliable Taxi Service. Uber estimates the average rate for trips in Fairhope to be $22 for 17 minutes.

  • Driving

    From US Highway 98, turn onto Fairhope Avenue and proceed into downtown. Turn south onto Section Street, then left onto Oak Avenue. The Storybook Castle will be on your right. Free public parking is typically available on the streets of downtown Fairhope. A public parking garage is located off North Church Street between Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Storybook Castle

Tucked away in downtown Fairhope, the Storybook Castle is more than just a place to stay; it's a living work of art. The castle's story began in 1946 when Craig Sheldon, a WWII veteran and artist, started building a garage and workshop for his family. Using salvaged materials like colorful roofing shingles, tiles from Clay City, and stones from Mobile Bay, Sheldon created a whimsical castle adorned with found objects, each holding its own story. In the 1970s, Sheldon's daughter, Pagan, and her husband, Dean Mosher, continued the fairytale tradition by building their own castle next door. The Moshers added features like a drawbridge, moat, and a dragon sculpture, further enhancing the enchanting atmosphere. Today, the Storybook Castle offers a studio apartment for guests seeking a magical experience. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the intricate details, and even arrange tours or photo shoots to capture the castle's unique charm. The castle is a testament to creativity, reuse, and the power of imagination. It stands as a reminder that even the most ordinary materials can be transformed into something extraordinary.

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