a castle’ relists home for $2.5M

For an asking price of $2.5 million, you, too, can have a moat — and a castle to go with it.

Back on the market Wednesday, the 6,100-square-foot mansion sits on more than 6 acres in Oakland Township, east of Adams Road and between Dutton and Silverbell roads. e marketing for the property leans heavily into the home’s medieval vibe — despite that it was built in 1990.

“King’s & Queens, are you looking to live an extraordinary life of adventure free from peasants,” reads the listing. “Say less! is Medieval castle on 6+ acres surrounded by a wrought iron fence and two gated towers is the perfect private palace.” e home’s current owner, Brent Gatecli , told Crain’s that he “never wanted to own a castle,” but came into possession of the property when he accepted it as collateral for a loan that didn’t work out. It cost $10 million to build.

Now, Gatecli — who is 65 and largely retired having sold a mechanical contracting company in Lake Orion — said he is “the proud owner of a castle, but I don’t want to own it too long.” e house has 26 rooms and ve replaces. It also boasts secret rooms, hidden doors, hidden passageways, a hidden staircase, a Tudor style pub and “a few more surprises,” according to the listing.

All told, the property features a moat, waterfall, drawbridge and portcullis, according to the listing.

Gatecli , who said the property’s moat doesn’t count toward the lake life he wishes to live, has made several mechanical upgrades to the house, including six new furnaces and air conditioning units, a boiler, as well as an updated and certi ed elevator.

As for cosmetic upgrades, such as updating the kitchen or bathrooms, he said he’d likely leave that for a new owner so it can be done to their liking.

Utilities for the “very well constructed and manufactured” home have been in the monthly range of $400-$600, Gatecli said, adding that he has “never spent a night in it.”

Dylan Tent, the listing agent for the property who is with the Northville o ce of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, got engaged at the castle.

Alas, the home cannot be used as an Airbnb or other short-term rental per the homeowners association rules.

Gatecli said there have been offers to buy the mansion since he came to own it in 2016, but nothing that’s ever come together.

While acknowledging the likely small pool of would-be buyers, Tent said he’s received signi cant interest from those who attend Renaissance fairs, and the property has been picked up by viral social media sites such as Zillow Gone Wild.

“I’ve had more interest — in terms of showings — than any property I’ve ever listed,” Tent said.

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