YOUR PRIVATE CASTLE WITH BREAKFAST
The legendary artist and sculptor Craig Sheldon created this magical one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasure over a forty year span of time. The house is filled with artwork—in fact, the house itself is a work of art. Featured on HGTV, The Ananda Lewis Show, and APT, this unique building is recognized as one of America’s most artistic structures. From floor to ceiling, you will delight in a lifetime dedicated to creating an artistic legacy painstakingly maintained by the family.

This private retreat, nestled in a wooded setting surrounded by acres of forest, is   only a short walk from the center of beautiful downtown Fairhope and all its charm. The Eastern Shore Art Center academy and museum are just across the street, with coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping within easy walking distance. Spirits are often rejuvenated as guests take a nature walk through the beautiful landscaped grounds, admiring the numerous varieties of plant life carefully selected by the original owner, Mrs. Sheldon.

  Guests have complete privacy, as the owners/operators of the castle live next door and, unless requested, will leave guests to enjoy the amenities provided:

•    Master bedroom and fully refurbished bath
•    Fully equipped kitchen
•    Large living room with cathedral ceiling
•    Sunroom
•    Breakfast
•    Central Air and heat
•    Can Accommodate up to five comfortably

This inspirational house is a testament to the imagination and innovation of creator Craig Sheldon. Much of the home is made from discarded and recycled materials—many which came from area historical  sites.In 1946, the Sheldon’s began building what they intended to be a garage, workshop, and laundry room. They had planned to build a Mexican-style house on the west end of the lot, but grew tired of the small apartment they were renting at Whittier Hall on Magnolia Avenue in Fairhope. The family moved into the shell, of the structure which had no partition walls at that time. The garage became a bedroom and hence has the only wood exterior wall in the house. Its rippled stained-glass panels were removed in the summer to allow the cool breezes to flow through.The house was built of Clay City tile that Mr. Sheldon covered with Mobile Bay stone. He embellished the stone with old tools, Civil War shrapnel, cookware, bottles and more.

  The rolled roof design is reminiscent of those he saw in the South Pacific while serving in World War II. Mr. Sheldon salvaged shingles left over from his various construction jobs to create the multicolored patchwork-quilt design of the roof. The tower was built in the 1950s with the help of his young son, Craig, Jr. (then called Mac). Mr. Sheldon had always dreamed of building a round room, so in this tower he constructed three of them. The first two served as bedrooms for Mac and his sister, Suzan Megrez. The top room, on the third floor, was Mr. Sheldon’s office, where he wrote his plays and his newspaper column, “Knee Deep in Fly Creek.” The conical roof was added a little later, but only after many nights of sleeping under the stars. Eventually the office became Mac’s room. Years later both daughters threw their wedding bouquets from the window of this room. During his years in the construction business, Mr. Sheldon built many other structures. Few were as distinctive as this castle, but he did build or help build a similar castle for each of his daughters. The first of these, built for the Sheldon’s  older daughter, Suzan Megrez, is in Brierfield, Alabama. Younger daughter Pagan’s castle, built by her husband Dean Mosher with Mr. Sheldon’s help, is located across the street from the Storybook Guest House.

The home’s distinctive artistic qualities are recognizable even before entering the house.  On the pediment of the porch you will see a welcome symbol. This Chinese character offers “long life” to all who enter. The front door is made from three pine panels, carved with a pattern reminiscent of leafy vines, which Mr. Sheldon observed while stationed in the South Pacific islands. You will see this pattern repeated throughout the home. The signatures carved into the surface are those of artists of local, national, and international fame. Potters, painters, actors, dancers, and even news commentator, Paul Harvey, are represented. Just to the right of the door is “The Admonished Little Girl,” a marble statue of the Sheldon’s’ younger daughter, Pagan, at about the age of four.

Notes from the Guest Book…
There are not enough adjectives to describe this majestic cottage filled with memories and all the beautiful work and love of your parents and all the children.  - Joyce H.

What a fantasy trip into a creative world. I want to go back home and create something.  - Peggy L.

This is a jewel tucked away in this special corner of Fairhope.- J & P Mason

Thanks so much for letting us escape the crazy fast-paced world we live in.  Staying in your family’s house was a peaceful, calming experience.- Lynda & Julianne Aycock

We so enjoyed the lovely guest house.  I always wanted to be a character in a fairy tale and for the past two days, I have been – with my prince. - Kevin & Jan Walsh

I believe that “God is in the details.  If that is true, He is certainly present here.  It has been a privilege to just sit and absorb the details.  We had no idea we would have such a unique experience.- Carolyn & D.

???Magical Place!  Our venture out trips are always spiritual as is this small piece of paradise in Fairhope.  I write this as I sit on the back deck & listen to many birds & enjoy the mimosa tree & so much more. -Maggie Johnston