That Crazy Castle in Connecticut Lowered Its Asking Price

Now it's only $39 million. Does that change your mind?

By Madeline Bilis· 4/4/2016, 3:30 p.m.

Remember that medieval castle in Connecticut that was put on the market in September 2014?

If you don’t, here’s a refresher: the Chrismark Castle in Woodstock has a moat and a drawbridge, along with eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and 12 fireplaces. This week, the asking price for the freakish fortress was lowered a whole $6 million dollars, taking it from $45 million to $39 million.

This truly outrageous bargain has us rolling our eyes. First, the castle’s market value was estimated to be about $4.6 million in 2011. Second, the place is straight up weird. Christopher W. Mark, the eccentric builder of the home, has hosted several questionable business operations at the castle. It was once licensed as a traveling zoo, housing zebras, emus, and other animals. In 2010, one camel at the “zoo” died due to neglect. The place has also been home to a suspicious modeling agency and plenty of family scandals.

Constructed from a stucco-like stone, the castle and its turreted towers took about six years to build. It has medallioned wood floors, painted ceilings, and a wealth of leaded windows. With more than 18,000 square feet and an underground three-car garage, the mansion sits on a 75-acre property.

Frankly, this castle is a beast. A massively overpriced, bizarre beast.