Hey, everyone! Are you looking to see a castle this weekend? What if I told you that you didn’t have to travel further than Alpharetta, GA to see one? Today’s location definitely qualifies as a hidden gem, and my family and I stumbled upon it years ago while driving to Ladyslipper Rare Plant Nursery in Woodstock, GA. The locations are roughly ten minutes from one another, so you can easily see both gems in one day. It doesn’t get any better than that! Cagle Castle (or as some call it: “Dwarf Castle”) is tucked away on Arnold Mill Road in Alpharetta, Georgia. To clarify, this is a private gated residence that is not open to visitors. However, it sits on a two-acre corner lot at the intersection where Cagle Road and Arnold Mill Road intersect. Even if you cannot explore it for yourself, driving by once (or several times in my case) is definitely worth it. I cannot say I’ve seen any other castles in Georgia, so you definitely need to see this one in person. It is quite the sight to see!
At this point, you might be wondering why there is a random castle in Alpharetta, Georgia and who would live there. I wondered the same thing and did a little research. The history behind Cagle Castle is fascinating. While I have read different accounts regarding its background, Realtor.com claims it was built in 1950.[1] The nearly 2,000 square foot castle has two bedrooms, two baths, and a beautiful wrought iron fence that surrounds the well maintained property.[2] According to Atlas Obscura, Rudy McLaughlin, who was a “long-haul truck driver,” promised his wife that he would build her a castle.[3] The beautiful structure is comprised of “pink and white marble from The Georgia Marble Quarry in Tate, Georgia and granite mixed from quarries near Stone Mountain and Elberton, Georgia.”[4]
What blows me away is how beautiful and new the castle looks, despite being constructed in 1950. As you drive past the residence, you will see a moat that surrounds it and beautiful gold reflective windows that sparkle in the sunlight. There are even “turrets,” drawbridges, and gnomes that stand on top of the stone columns.[5] To appreciate the home’s beauty and all of its detail, you need to drive by multiple times. You’ll see something new each time. The attention to detail is quite impressive and unlike anything you’d expect to find in Georgia. Despite what you read online, there is still so much mystery behind Cagle Castle; it is the perfect hidden gem to explore on a weekend drive through Alpharetta and Roswell.
P.S. I’ve included a video of my drive past Cagle Castle so that you can experience it with me! If you do see it for yourself, don’t forget to share a picture with us on Instagram! Be sure to follow and tag @mygeorgiagems when you do! Address:
[1] Realtor.com. (2021, January 2). 12570 Arnold mill Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004. realtor.com®. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/12570-Arnold-Mill-Rd_Alpharetta_GA_30004_M53676-11011 [2] ibid [3] Atlas Obscura. (n.d.). The Dwarf Castle. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-dwarf-castle-alpharetta-georgia [4] Holst, J. (2014, July 17). Cagle castle – Alpharetta, GA. | Enchanted America: In Search of Elves, Fairies, And Other Mythical, Magical Beings, Places and Things Along the Highways & Byways of North America. https://enchantedamerica.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/cagle-castle-roswell-ga/ [5] ibid