Who Owns the Mystery Castle in Phoenix?

Imagine discovering a magical castle hidden right in the middle of the Arizona desert. With its eclectic architecture and air of mystery, the Mystery Castle in Phoenix is truly a one-of-a-kind landmark. This bizarre 18-room castle was built over 15 years by a determined father as the ultimate passion project for his beloved daughter. Since its completion in the 1940s, the Mystery Castle has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike. Its ownership has changed hands several times over the decades before becoming a historic site operated by the city of Phoenix.

As a home improvement expert and castle enthusiast, I‘m fascinated by the dedication it took to construct this desert curiosity. Come along as we unravel the mysteries surrounding the Mystery Castle‘s history, changing ownership, restoration efforts, and visitor experience at this remarkable Phoenix attraction.

The Architect‘s All-Consuming Vision

The story of the Mystery Castle began in 1928 when Boyce Luther Gulley moved from Seattle to Phoenix after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. Doctors grimly predicted he had just one year to live, so Boyce desired to spend his final days in a warm climate. With his young daughter Mary Lou, Boyce set out building what would become his masterpiece – a sprawling castle made of stone, adobe, and whatever materials he could salvage.

Boyce was completely devoted to his project, spending over 15 years gathering unique objects and obsessively expanding his desert dream castle. As a fellow home improvement enthusiast, I admire his unrelenting dedication and resourcefulness. The diverse elements he incorporated were striking – police station bricks, materials from a demolished church, objects from abandoned mine structures. Boyce sadly never lived to see his castle fully completed, but left behind a testament to his all-consuming vision.

Inspired by Navajo Tradition

In designing his castle, Boyce Gulley drew inspiration from traditional Navajo Hogan homes which reflected their spiritual beliefs. As architectural historian Steve Besserman describes, "He emulated the traditional Navajo form in the rounded corners of his oddly shaped castle rooms." Just as Hogans use east-facing doorways and materials from the earth, Boyce constructed his Mystery Castle to harmonize with nature.

Childlike Whimsy

The result of Boyce‘s vision was a true architectural marvel – part medieval European castle, part Wild West outpost, part Gaudi-esque fantasy. As his daughter Mary Lou recalled, "We would see a collection of interesting rocks and say ‘Wouldn‘t that make a nice wall?‘ and we‘d build it." This childlike whimsy led to one-of-a-kind touches like walls embedded with glass bottles or adorned with railroad spikes.

A Labor of Love

Above all, Boyce‘s motivation was his love for 9-year-old Mary Lou. Though initially conceived as a place to quietly live out his final days, the Mystery Castle ultimately became Boyce‘s enduring gift to the daughter he cherished. I‘m moved by how this father poured his heart and soul into creating a magical world for his little girl before his untimely passing in 1945.

The Beloved Gulley Family Home

After Boyce Gulley‘s death, Mary Lou inherited the home her father had lovingly built for her. She resided in the Mystery Castle well into adulthood, until finally selling it in the late 1960s to artists Maud and Tony Burgess. Mary Lou recalled joyful memories growing up in the castle:

“I had a wonderful childhood here. My father would build something new for me every day…Secret passages and tunnels, built-in items, specially made furniture…each creation was a new plaything.”

As a fellow homeowner, I can relate to Mary Lou‘s strong attachment to the imaginative abode custom-designed just for her by her devoted dad. The Mystery Castle was truly the Gulley family‘s magical home.

Saving a Deteriorating Treasure

After passing through various owners, the Mystery Castle badly deteriorated and required extensive rehabilitation. Frances Wadlington purchased it in 1977 and restored portions before her death in 1987. The city of Phoenix then acquired the property as an important historic site. However, the castle still desperately needed repairs.

Thankfully, in 1989 concerned citizens formed the non-profit Mystery Castle Foundation to prevent this unique landmark from being lost. As someone involved in home renovation projects, I greatly respect how the Foundation passionately rallied to restore this decaying treasure.

Major Rehabilitation Efforts

The Mystery Castle Foundation successfully fundraised and recruited volunteers to rehabilitate the worn castle. Needed repairs over the years have included:

• Rebuilding crumbling steps

• Sealing roof leaks

• Reinforcing damaged walls

• Replacing broken pipes and glass

• Improving electrical and plumbing systems

• Repainting interiors

• Landscaping the property

The city has also invested in major projects like replacing the HVAC system to aid climate control and prevent further weather damage.

Ongoing Preservation

The Foundation‘s restoration work is never truly finished, as the castle requires continuous maintenance. Recent projects in 2017-2018 included roof repairs in the dungeon and parlor areas. Future goals are rebuilding more stairs, sealing persistent leaks, and improving the parking facilities.

The Foundation‘s passionate commitment to preserving this historic Phoenix treasure is inspirational. Like any cherished family home, the Mystery Castle deserves care and devotion so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

By the Numbers: Mystery Castle Over the Years

To give you a clearer picture of the Mystery Castle‘s changing scope and attendance over time, here are some key statistics:

• Year Built: Construction began in 1930, completed by 1945
• Rooms: Originally 18 rooms covering 3,000 square feet
• Building Materials: Estimated 800,000 pounds of stone and masonry
• Previous Owners: Mary Lou Gulley, Maud & Tony Burgess, Frances Wadlington
• Year Acquired by City of Phoenix: 1987
• Historic Designation: Registered Phoenix Historic Property in 1988
• Annual Visitors: Approximately 40,000 tourists per year
• Peak Years: Nearly 60,000 visitors in 1999

These numbers illustrate how Boyce Gulley‘s DIY castle grew from a small curved abode to a sprawling landmark, as well as its enduring popularity as a can‘t-miss Phoenix attraction.

Pricing Over the Years

The Mystery Castle has drawn curious visitors since it opened to the public in the late 1940s. Here is a comparison of admission ticket prices over the decades:

As you can see, ticket prices to tour the Mystery Castle have gradually increased from 25 cents in 1948 to the current $12 fee, with discounts for children, seniors and group rates. This reflects both inflation over the decades as well as the castle‘s growing reputation as a marquee Phoenix destination.

Visiting This Historic House of Curiosities

Today the Mystery Castle is an acclaimed tourist attraction bringing in visitors from around the state and country. It provides a one-of-a-kind look into the imaginative vision of its obsessive creator. The castle is filled with Boyce Gulley‘s personal touches, including custom furnishings, secret passages, and built-in items honoring his daughter.

The city of Phoenix manages public access and tours to the property. As a fellow home design enthusiast, I highly recommend you add a visit to your Phoenix itinerary. Here‘s what you can expect when you tour this desert curiosity:

Immersive Experience

Regular tour hours run from October through May, closed for the summer months due to the extreme heat. Tours last around 45 minutes as you walk through the castle‘s rooms and grounds. Along the way, you‘ll discover Boyce Gulley‘s architectural curiosities and clever customizations. It‘s a truly immersive experience best appreciated in person!

Unique Perspective

Tickets range from $10-$12 for adults and children 7+, with discounted rates available. Your admission lets you explore the rooms and passages while learning about the mysteries surrounding the castle‘s construction and Boyce Gulley‘s life. You gain a new appreciation for Gulley‘s passionate vision.

Picturesque Setting

The castle sits strikingly amidst desert rock formations. Photograph opps abound! The grounds also include cactus gardens, stone paths and benches to take in the scenic landscape. It‘s easy to see why Boyce chose this panoramic location to build his family‘s dream home.

Let the childlike curiosity and wonder overtake you during your visit. Try picturing life in the Gulley family home during its heyday. You leave with a newfound appreciation for this Phoenix landmark and the dedicated DIY builder behind it all.

Final Reflections on the Mystery Castle‘s Allure

Exploring the rooms and grounds of Mystery Castle is a truly unique experience. As a fellow home improvement aficionado, I found myself marveling at Boyce Gulley‘s unrelenting commitment to making his imaginative vision a reality. The Mystery Castle represents one man‘s all-consuming devotion and gift of love to his daughter Mary Lou.

This desert curiosity continues to capture our imaginations today as visitors speculate about the stories behind the materials used and Boyce‘s motivations. Was he really seeking hidden gold, or just looking to create a magical home? The lack of records from Boyce‘s lifetime only deepens the enigma. We may never fully crack the mysteries surrounding this captivating Phoenix castle. And maybe that‘s how Boyce would have wanted it.

The Mystery Castle remains Arizona‘s architectural wonder, drawing thousands annually. Thanks to the city of Phoenix and dedicated Foundation volunteers, this landmark still stands as Boyce Gulley‘s monumental passion project. His eccentric legacy lives on to intrigue and inspire dreamers.