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Keith Robinson | all galleries >> Galleries >> Fort Worth > Lake Worth Castle
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10-JUN-2005 Keith Robinson

Lake Worth Castle

Fort Worth, Texas

This extraordinary stone mansion, sited on a rise above the south shore of Lake Worth was begun by the Whiting in the late 1920's and was largely completed by 1938. Reportedly, Whiting won the property from a Mr. McPherson in a poker game. The round crenellated front wing and rear tower give the rambling structure the appearance of a castle. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Whiting, wealthy Fort Worth residents called it "Inverness." Mrs. Whiting designed and personally supervised the construction of the house.

A one story gabled rear wing is believed to be a three-room stone farm house that reputedly was build on this site around 1860. It is difficult to trace early ownership of the property because the 1876 courthouse fire destroyed the deed records, but Ulrick Cannon reputedly owned the property during the Civil War and Julian Feild acquired it after the war ended. It is not known who built the stone house, but records do indicate that the land was homesteaded by D.P. Terrell as early as 1872 - the first indicationthat a residence stood on the property. The Charles Turner family owned the property between 1873 and 1894, and the Oliver S. Kennedy family held it between 1904 and 1911, when it was sold to the City of Fort Worth because portions of land were needed for the Lake Worth project. After construction of Lake Worth, the City of Fort Worth leased the lake front property, and many homes were built around the shore of Lake Worth. It is during this period that the Whitings constructed what has come to be known locally as the "Lake Worth Castle" and the guest cottages across Heron Drive to the West. During the ownership by the Whiting's it is believed that their son committed suicide at the castle and it also suffered a serious fire in 1939.

The Vultee Aircraft Corporation leased the estate between 1944 and 1954, probably using it to entertain visiting businessmen and dignitaries. Jimmy Stewart stayed here in the early 1950's during the filming of "Strategic Air Command" at nearby Carsell Air Force Base. General Dwight D. Eisenhower spend time here also.

In the mid 70's,Tony and Marian May offered Adult Self-Improvement Training Programs at the Castle and called it "Castle St. Michael." The mid 80's found the castle owned by a John Pigenburg from Hawaii and a Richard Ruiz who left the property as you see it today.

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Michelle 22-Dec-2016 21:31
I looked the address up. The owner is under "Heron Castle Properties, Ltd". I followed the address of the property company. It will either take you to an airline parts company or to a picture of a vacant plot of land. I am going to try to call the phone numbers that someone listed below. I am desperately wanting a tour of the castle.
Jenn 06-Feb-2013 06:12
It's so beautiful! I'm trying to do a photo shoot soon, would it be possible to shoot at the castle? I am very interested if so.
Guest 12-Feb-2012 15:28
John Pijnenburg lives in California and can be reached at 619-468-6993 or 619-599-3759
theresa 15-Jun-2011 02:15
it has a for sale sign how much are they wanting
Guest 20-May-2011 23:23
Its beautiful inside there like the neptune the king of the sea at the door way
Linda 01-Apr-2011 04:57
The castle is on Heron Drive. From NW Loop 820 you may take the Silver Creek exit north to Heron Drive, and turn right. The castle is on the right overlooking the lake. There is video surveillance, though, and no stopping is allowed. We found the castle in 2001, and as of 2010, it was still in a state of ruin, at least from what could be seen from the street.
M& M13-Mar-2011 17:10
What is the address or general directions?
M& M13-Mar-2011 17:06
My husband and I went to several parties in the late 50's and early 60's at the Castle. We have very fond memories of the castle. We had been unable to find it recently when we were out driving around. We are going there today to go down memory lane. M&M 3/13/2011
Lewis 22-Aug-2009 22:34
Was by there today....doesn't look much different unfortunatily, would love to purchase and restore it, would make a great b&b or events location.
Stephanie 06-Aug-2009 03:07
We recently moved to Fort Worth and were out driving one day and found this. It is such a beautiful property and I wanted to learn more about it. Interesting history!
Stacy 06-May-2008 19:39
Hey Keith!!! This photo was taken 3 years ago...Do you have any recent info as far as the sale of the property to the Houston investor? I think I need to take a drive out there and see what's going on.
Stacy 05-May-2008 19:24
I use to go by there all the time whenever I was enroute to the lake with my mom back in the 70's...early 80's...I was always fascinated by it.It's a shame that the previous owner's just abandoned it, and it is so rundown now.....I always wished that I could have got to see the inside of it!!! Maybe one day...
Sandie 05-Feb-2008 20:19
A dream of ours in to get the oppertunity to go inside and take a tour of this Castle. anyone know how to do this? It would be a great Valentines gift for the Man I love.
Sandie 05-Feb-2008 20:17
I love that castle, I first saw when the love of my life and I were out driving. We fell in love with it. And wish we could own it someday. My Fiance' could make it look like it once did..he is a very talented Man in repairing and rebuilding. Its a shame its just sitting there now.