Ever wondered what it would be like to be the king of your own castle? Or perhaps dreamed of having one? What about living in medieval times? Well, a young man from America did just that in his 20s and later built his very own castle in Bellville, Texas—Newman’s Castle.
Tucked away in the countryside of South Texas, just an hour and a half from Downtown Houston, Newman’s Castle is a hidden gem.
The Chronicle of Newman’s Castle
Once upon a time, in a land where the sky was blue and the grass was green, a young man in his 20’s, named Mike Newman set off to explore the world. He traveled to Europe and instantly fell in love with the architecture. On his return, he began dreaming of having his own castle.
In the early 1998’s, Newman embarked on creating his formidable fortress.
Originally, he wanted to build a log cabin, but one night, a dream woke him up—he needed to build a castle instead. It took 20 years before he could break ground. Locals in Bellville thought he was ‘crazy’, but 10 years later, he proudly claimed his title as the king of his own castle.
Who is Mike Newman?
Mike Newman, the proud owner of the castle, was a baker by trade. He ran Newman’s Bakery near Downtown Bellville, Texas, for about 40 years. Born and raised in Bellville, Newman enjoyed sailing whenever he had the chance. He sailed across the Atlantic, starting in France, stopping in the Azores and Bermuda, and finally reaching Annapolis, as mentioned in his website.
All About the Castle
This stunning estate, which feels like a step back in time, was not just a castle but also Mike Newman’s home until his passing at his own residence aka the castle in March 2024 at the age of 68.
The castle boasts an alligator-filled moat, a 3,000-pound drawbridge, a trebuchet, a chapel, a dungeon, a great hall, towers, a courtyard, and many more. It’s surrounded by a distinctive perimeter wall to keep out marauders. The massive construction, a mix of masonry and woodwork, cost over $500,000—making it one of the priciest homes in the county at the time.
The castle was completed in 2006 and opened to the public as a tourist attraction. Today, people from all over Texas visit to experience a taste of medieval life.
Know Before You Go
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Reservations are required, which can be made over the phone or through their website.
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Tickets are $22 per person, and children under 2 can visit for free. Cancellations are free.
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Tours are available Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays), starting at 11:00 AM.
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To begin your tour, head to Newman’s Bakery to get your tickets and directions to the castle. You’ll also receive a brief introduction to start your self-guided tour.
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The tour lasts about 90 minutes, and at the end, you’ll enjoy lunch, dessert, cookies, and drinks at no extra charge.
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The castle also hosts weddings and special events, so if you’re dreaming of a medieval wedding, this is the place!
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Pets are not allowed.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on pebbled paths, and don’t forget to bring water.
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Unfortunately, the castle is not wheelchair accessible.
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There is no gift shop on the premises.
Fun Facts
- Mike Newman built the entire castle himself with the help of just one assistant.
- During tours, Newman used to wear a crown so visitors would know who “the king” was.
- Two Irish wolfhounds roam the castle grounds, and if you’re not careful, they might snatch your donuts!
The castle is very family-friendly, with the staff being especially kind to children. Kids can borrow wooden swords and even get knighted. The castle is now a local landmark, thanks to its unique design and the fact that it was built by one person as a private residence. So, next time you’re in Houston, Texas, be sure to visit this medieval wonderland and experience a taste of the 13th century.
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