Atalaya Castle (US) facts for kids
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Atalaya
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Ocean side view of the 'Atalaya Castle' facade.
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| Nearest city | Murrells Inlet, South Carolina |
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| Built | 1931 |
| Architect | Archer Milton Huntington; William Thompson |
| Part of | Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens (ID84002045) |
| NRHP reference No. | 84002045 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 7, 1984 |
| Designated NHLDCP | October 5, 1992 |
Atalaya Castle, often simply called Atalaya, was a special winter home. It belonged to a wealthy businessman and generous giver, Archer M. Huntington, and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Anna was a talented sculptor. This unique home is located in Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, right by the Atlantic Ocean.
Archer Huntington loved Spanish culture and art. He designed Atalaya to look like old Spanish buildings. It mixes styles called Moorish Revival and Mediterranean Revival architecture. These styles are inspired by the beautiful coast of Andalusia in Spain.
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What is Atalaya Castle?
Atalaya was built near the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina. The Huntingtons chose this spot because it had milder winters. This was important for Anna Huntington's health. She was sick with tuberculosis during the 1920s and 1930s.
The castle is a large stone building, about 200 feet by 200 feet (60 by 60 meters). It was built between 1931 and 1933. Archer Huntington designed it all in his head! He didn't even use detailed drawings. He also made sure to hire local workers. This helped people in the community who were struggling during the Great Depression.
Inside Atalaya Castle
The name "Atalaya" (say: ah-tuh-LIE-yuh) means "watchtower" in Spanish. This is fitting because the house has a tall, square tower. This tower held a huge water tank, big enough for 3,000 gallons! It stands almost 40 feet (12 meters) high. The tower divides the castle's inner courtyard.
The main living area has 30 rooms. These rooms wrap around three sides of the building. Anna Huntington's art studio was also here. It had a huge skylight, 25 feet (8 meters) high, to let in lots of light. Next to her studio were pens for her animal models. She sculpted animals like horses, dogs, and even bears!
Anna Huntington also designed beautiful iron grills for the windows. These grills, along with strong shutters, helped protect the castle. They kept it safe from strong winds during hurricanes.
Atalaya's Later Years
During World War II, the Huntingtons let the Army Air Corps use Atalaya. Soldiers stayed there from 1942 to 1946.
The Huntingtons last used Atalaya as their winter home in 1947. After Archer Huntington passed away in 1955, most of their furniture was sent to New York City. Anna's sculpting tools moved to a new studio. This new studio was at Brookgreen Gardens, which was once part of their land.
Atalaya as a Public Park
In 1960, the Huntingtons' land, about 2,500 acres (10 square kilometers), was leased to the state. It became a state park for everyone to enjoy. Anna Huntington passed away in 1973.
Atalaya Castle became a special historic place in 1984. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Later, in 1992, Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens together became a National Historic Landmark District. This means they are very important places in American history.
Today, a group called "Friends of Huntington Beach State Park" offers tours of Atalaya. They also run a visitor center inside the castle. Here, you can learn more about the house and the Huntington family. Every year in late September, the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is held at the castle. It's a fun event for everyone!
Photos
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Atalaya, ocean front
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Atalaya, north side
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The tower
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Covered Walkway
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Wrought iron grill on window
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Courtyard
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Inside Courtyard Walk
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Entrance
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