A European Adventure
- Castle guesthouse offers a unique venue. By Patty
- Jun 2, 2016
- 3 min read
When we think of castles, our minds wander across the Atlantic to majestic structures decorating the European landscape. There are castles nestled in the Bavarian Alps and others that tower among the people in ancient cities. But what about a castle right here in North Idaho? That is exactly what you will find when you venture one mile above the village at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
The Castle Guesthouse is a place where your fantasies of Kings and Queens and Knights and Ladies can be fulfilled in a true, but modern, castle atmosphere. The guesthouse is beautifully furnished with both modern décor and antiques dating back to the 14th century.
This breathtaking structure is constructed of stone with 22-inch thick stone walls, insulated to keep the cold out or the heat in, depending upon the season. The guesthouse has a magnificent main hall framed by heavy solid black walnut hammer beams, three bedrooms and a mud room — perfect for storing those boots, skis or mountain bikes after a long day of adventure on the mountain.
Norman Fargo, a Sandpoint resident who moved here from San Francisco in October 2013, purchased the Castle Guesthouse. “I had visited Sandpoint on numerous occasions prior to moving there,” shared Fargo whose son Scott went to school nearby. “When the castle and unfinished guesthouse came on the market, it had my name on it!”
He opened the Castle Guesthouse in December 2014 and several guests have already had the pleasure of a vacation rental unlike any other. The home sleeps nine, has a full kitchen, a washer and dryer and cable TV in each bedroom and the living room. Fargo said it is the perfect intimate setting for weddings, family gatherings, vacations, business retreats or simply to just escape and relax. “For an additional fee, we offer catered meals upon request,” said Fargo. The beauty of not only the view, but also the guesthouse itself, makes it a perfect place for photo opportunities for any occasion.
The Castle Guesthouse is a ski in, ski out location with a view of the village and ski runs from the bedrooms and recently installed jacuzzi.
“The main room, Great Hall, has a 50 inch fireplace on one end and a full kitchen on the other,” said Fargo, adding that guests can possibly be granted tours of the castle armory with advanced reservations. And referring to his creation of a dragon he designed to add to the guesthouse’s authenticity, Fargo cautions that first time visitors should not be afraid of the fire breathing dragon that greets them at the front door.
As expected in the mountains of North Idaho, there is an abundance of wildlife including deer, bear and moose. “And of course fishing in the lake and rivers below,” said Fargo, whose father was an immigrant from Hungary and instilled a strong work ethic in his son Norman.
In the short time he has lived in Sandpoint, Fargo has already integrated himself into the community. He volunteers at the Panida Theater and also at the Festival at Sandpoint. He said he also hopes to begin to donate his time to the Conservatory of Music in Sandpoint.
Whether you are looking for a perfect location for a wedding, retreat or just a family getaway, be sure to put the Castle Guesthouse at the top of your list.
The Castle Guesthouse
VRBO#848259
208 -263-7313
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