I built an 85ft CASTLE in my garden with damsels & guards…I was sick of just visiting other ones, says ‘Lord Gregorious’
A PENSIONER has built an 85ft high castle in his back garden after becoming sick of visiting other one's.
Gerry Halman, or Lord Gregarious as he likes to call himself, has spent the last 34 years making the medieval-style building.
Located in his garden in the village of Blesdijke, about 70 miles northeast of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, Castle Olt Stoutenburght cuts a magnificent figure amongst its surroundings.
Boasting four towers that contain several storeys, a main hall, suits of armour, and an underground cellar, the castle has been constructed with great attention to detail.
What's even more impressive is how Gerry, 76, has worked on the structure almost single-handedly.
And he credits his marvellous creation with the fact he became fed up of not having his own castle.
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“I’m really a fan of history," Gerry explained. "I’ve visited many castles, but at some point, that wasn’t enough.
“I had to start building one myself.
“I always get inspiration for my work through books and visiting other castles.”
Gerry also claims to be particularly inspired by Romanesque architecture.
Despite having no architectural training, the pensioner claims he has "not yet discovered a crack in the wall" of his magnificent buidling.
"Reading books, that is the secret. That can take you far," he said.
Gerry believes the mythical creature serves to protect the people and now partners a Phoenix that had previously stood for three years.
“Yin and Yang,” said the lord of the castle. “My birthday was a great opportunity to give myself this dragon as a gift.
"I have many friends and acquaintances, but I don't think I should expect these kinds of gifts from them."
Despite insisting the project remains unfinished, Castle Olt Stoutenburght is available to rent for parties and weddings on a limited basis.
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