Lymington Castle

Astonishingly a real castle stands in Auckland. Lymington Castle isn’t ancient. It’s a marvel of modern construction. Built by Ron Reid in the 1950s and 60s it’s a testament to one man’s vision. Ron Reid a founder of Reidbuilt Homes decided to build something different. His wife Esme an Anglophile loved castles. So he researched designs. He even drew up three sets of plans before deciding on the final one. Getting the permits today would be impossible. But he persevered. He demolished an old Kauri villa. He laid the foundations. He painstakingly cut and laid Hinuera stone twenty stones a day. The stonework alone took ten years. Four more were spent on the exterior walls. Mrs Reid says he lost two inches in height wheeling all that stone. The details are incredible. There are coats of arms in the stonework. A working drawbridge spans a moat. There’s even a concealed passageway. A lawn called the “100 ft” lawn is actually 210 feet long. Accidents didn’t stop him not even a fall from a stool onto concrete. Lymington Castle is more than just a house it’s a legacy a testament to dedication and a love of castles. It’s a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. This isn’t just any house. This is Lymington Castle. It’s a quirky unforgettable piece of Auckland history. Many have tried to buy Lymington Castle. Offers have arrived anonymously in the mailbox. But Ron and Esme Reid remain steadfast. They cherish their unique castle their home. Lymington Castle remains a private residence a true testament to a dream realized. A modern castle standing proudly in suburban Auckland.