There
is an adage that states, "If you want something done
right, you have to do it yourself." The Bishop's castle
is an admirable example of that thinking. Started
in 1969 by Jim Bishop, the castle is a bit of architectural
fantasy snug against the San Isabel National Forest
in the mountains of Colorado. The land was destined
to become a castle long before Mr. Bishop knew it,
himself. But his neighbors could see it. He started
the project intending to erect a cottage with the
abundant local stone. As that stone was laid around
a large water tank, people started to joke that it
looked like the Bishop home was beneath a castle turret.
It was several years before Mr. Bishop would see it,
too. But once he did, his focus was attenuated – he
was going to build a fairy tale castle on the land
he loved. His ideas are so strongly rooted and so
well thought out that there are no blueprints or plans.
The king of this castle simply visualizes what he
wants the next segment to look like, and then goes
to work bending iron, felling trees, cutting rock
and laying mortar. Decades of work have yielded surprising
results. The castle is replete with arches, decorated
with intricate ironwork, and sports a bell tower,
a steeple, and stained glass windows. There is even
a dragon on the premises. Its scales are stainless
steel scrap from a local hospital, and it breathes
fire from a hot air balloon burner. But the work of
one man's hands cannot complete the project. The great
castles of Europe were built by hundreds or thousands
of people over the course of many years. In order
for Jim to compete, and see his work finished in his
lifetime, a group of volunteers has been allowed to
build ancillary structures like the castle walls,
and the gate.
From
Roz - 1 January, 2003:
kudos to jim bishop for this amazing "project." to me it looks
more like a church than a castle...but who cares. thanx to glassteelandstone
for making it possible for us to share this. i just cant believe
that one man did most of this himself. utterly amazing.
From
John Maher - 12 January, 2003:
I have been looking for the innovative design of such a structure
for a period of time. I am a stone mason and can appreciate
the amount of time and labor involved in completing such a unique
personal "castle." You have provided me to keep pursuing my
dream of one day designing such a creation, although the ideas
and concepts are within the framework of my own mind, let alone
the financial resources needed to accomplish such a feat, my
hat comes off to you!!! Fantastic work!!!
From
Cat - 7 May, 2003:
I want to congratulate Jim bishop on his truly amazing work
on bishop castle. My school went to see it and I was completely
amazed at the hard work put into it. Good job and keep up the
good work I' mlooking forward to it.
From
Karen Cecchinelli - 3 July, 2003
We live in Colorado and have been watching the progress of Jim's
castle for the last 30 years. It is an amazing work of art,
done by one man's hard work and dreams.
From
Brenda - 15 July, 2003
We visited the castle 2 years ago & plan to return this summer.
We spent over 2 hours there with our two sons, age 4 & 9. We
enjoyed climbing all over the castle and exploring. It was too
scary for the 4-yr-old to climb to the top, but our other son
loved the challenge: it was very peaceful sitting near the top
and the view was lovely as well. We were incredulous at what
Mr. Bishop has created.
Roz - 1 January, 2003: