Castle Otttis: An Unusual Roadside Attraction

 If you're on A1A Highway about three miles north of St. Augustine, you'll catch a glimpse of the turrets of Castle Otttis (yes, there are three t's in its name, I double checked). Designated as a garage due to a clerical error, it's an unusual sight to see as you're driving along the coastal highway.

Built by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes between 1984 and 1988, its design was based on Irish castles from about 1,000 years ago. It was designed to be a landscape sculpture, open to the elements and rising over 50 feet tall.

When the pair began working on the castle, it was not intended to be a business or residence. Their primary goal was the creation of a work of art, one that would evoke the spirit of an old Christian Church or Irish Abbey.

Sadler and Ickes handled all of the masonry themselves with no additional paid labor. Once they had built the walls tall enough to be  easily noticed, they were told they needed a construction permit, at which point a clerical error designated the structure as a garage.

They built the exterior of split-face concrete blocks, reinforced steel rods, and poured concrete, weighing an estimated 7 million pounds.

It has ramparts and 88 window openings, all without glass to allow the elements into the castle.

Once the exterior was completed in 1988, work began on the interior. One man, Lee Carpenter, handled all of the interior work exclusively. It took him three years to finish.

Between 1988 and 1991, Carpenter built eight elaborate staircases, an altar, a series of pews, a choir loft, and a bishop's chair. He worked mainly with cypress wood and old southern heart-pine.

The final result is a fairy-tale like stone castle, built as an expression of spiritual and artistic devotion. The landmark was officially recognized by the American Institute of Architects in 1991.

Castle Otttis is privately owned and not affiliated with any group or organization.

Prior to Covid, an interdenominational Christian worship service was hosted at the castle on the last Sunday of every month, but I don't have any information at this time as to whether that monthly service has resumed or not.

Visiting the castle for touring, photo sessions, school trips, and events such as weddings (can you imagine a more beautiful setting for your fairy tale wedding?) is by appointment only.

The castle is not handicap accessible due to all of the stairs.

Access to the castle other than by appointment or for a Sunday service is otherwise unavailable. The gates are kept locked and there are multiple "No Parking" signs up and down the road in front of the castle. The restricted access is not only for liability purposes as there isn't someone present on site at all times, but also because of multiple complaints by neighbors due to the traffic generated by the unusual landmark.

The view of the turrets from the street is impressive, but beyond that the structure is completely blocked by vegetation from every angle.

Castle Otttis

103 3rd Street

St. Augustine, FL  32084

For information or for private tours or events, email Rusty Ickes at rusty@castleotttis.com.