There’s No Other House In The World Like This One In South Carolina

Mugdock Castle on Sullivan’s Island is a unique, one-of-a-kind house plunked down in the middle of a residential neighborhood adjacent to Fort Moultrie near the south end of the island. The dwelling has evolved over the years from its divine beginning – to the royal present.

Mugdock Castle

There's a good reason why it's right in the middle of a neighborhood. The first cornerstone for the structure was laid in 1891 by the Episcopal Diocese. The street-facing side of the castle is now called the "Winter Hall." But in its humble beginning in 1891 it was known as The Church of the Holy Cross.

Mugdock Castle

Then in 1905, a mere 14 years later, the federal government condemned the church and claimed it as their own, using it as the Fort Moultrie Post Chapel.

Mugdock Castle

In 1948, when the federal government had no more use for the Chapel, it was sold to the Lutheran Church.

Mugdock Castle

It was used by the Lutheran Church until 1972, when it was sold to an individual who converted it to a private residence.

Mugdock Castle

In a close call, this historic building almost got wiped right off the island, and not by a hurricane. In 2002, The Church of the Holy Cross tried to move the church approximately 15 miles to the next town over.

Mugdock Castle

But the town of Sullivan's Island didn't want to lose this historic building and found a town ordinance that prevented moving it. Later that year the property was sold to another individual who had big plans for renovations.

Mugdock Castle

The plans to convert the three-time church to a castle were cast. The original building, the chapel and residence would become the castle's "winter hall."

Mugdock Castle

And a massive four-story addition would be added with a two-story "summer hall."

Mugdock Castle

Master craftspeople were brought in from all over the world for the construction. No expense was spared. A concrete stairway was added.

Mugdock Castle

And 5 bedrooms with views fit for a king were added to the upper floors.

Mugdock Castle

It took nearly seven years to complete all of the renovations. The romanesque summer hall was completed in 2009.

According to the Mugdock Castle website, the new name came from a “family stronghold built in the 14th century north of Glasgow, Scotland.” According to the site, the castle is a “testament to perseverance and a bastion of peace and hospitality.”

The new tower on the castle’s winter hall replaced the church’s bell tower – you can see in the photo where the top has been replaced. But in its former life, the home’s private residents were also bastions of hospitality. Each Christmas they would put a life-size Santa in the bell tower, his arm high in the air, waving to everyone who passed by.

Have you seen this castle on Sullivan’s Island? Do you know of other unique homes in South Carolina? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below or on our Facebook page.