There's No House In The World Like This One In Florida
Victoria W
Author
They say a man’s home is his castle, and in this case that couldn’t be more true. Lucky for us, it’s also an art gallery, a workshop, and a true hidden gem gleaming in the Central Florida sun.
Located in the tiny town of Ona in Hardee County, Howard Solomon’s unique home is three stories tall and covers 12,000 square feet. This medieval-style castle was built entirely by Solomon himself, utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials. The shiny exterior of the castle was made from discarded printing plates, and the “bricks” on the road to the front door were stamped onto the cement.
Solomon’s Castle would make a perfect roadside attraction, but it’s so far out in the sticks that it pretty much requires its own special trip (and a full tank of gas so you don’t get stranded). Nonetheless, Solomon has done plenty to make this trip worthwhile. Guided tours of the castle are both fascinating and fun, because so much of Solomon’s work is touched by his skillful hand as well as his sense of humor. Then there’s The Boat in the Moat, Howard’s hand-built replica of a 16th century ship that also serves as the popular on-site restaurant.
Here are some photos of the castle, followed by a video that shows just a small fraction of the whimsical work of Howard Solomon:
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If you’d like to visit Solomon’s Castle, check the official site for more details here. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. The Boat in the Moat is open Thursday through Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Bring cash for admission and for dining. The castle is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm. It is closed in the months of July, August, and September, so don’t delay.
Have you been here? Do you know of any other unique homes or attractions that deserve to be featured? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us below!
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