This ornate and exquisite medieval styled castle nestled atop of the old Wing farm in the Town of Washington is the creation of working artists and longtime Millbrook residents Peter and Toni Wing.
Overlooking the nationally renowned Millbrook Vineyards, with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley below and the legendary Catskill Mountains in the distance, "Wing's Castle" is truly an artist's monument of epic proportions.
The origins of this elegant and interesting edifice began on the Fourth of July weekend in 1969. Beginning with a borrowed bull-dozier, Peter and Toni set out to build a home within the farm, utilizing the natural elements atop the hill and sprouting a vision into reality, finding what Peter Wing says is "inspiration right under your feet in plain sight."
Erected largely from recycled materials (about 80 percent of the castle is stone and wood from salvaged buildings) Peter and Toni have taken four decades to create a one-of-a-kind attraction and home out of inspiration and hard work.
Upon first sight, the castle's features are stunning - massive stones support copper domed roofs, sunlight glistens through masterfully crafted designs of stained glass, stone gargoyles peer from outcrops, spiral turrets soar above a moat - all giving a 16th-century sense of an English or French medieval castle. Tours of the grounds surrounding the building also provide interesting surprises - an accurate stone sun-dial, a miniature version of Stonehenge and other curious features.
Peter and Toni have for years opened the castle to the public for tours, chronicling the different parts of the building and grounds and highlighting recently completed features, including a cavernous grotto-like cave space with ornate sculptures and intricate details.
They have also contributed their artistic talents to the community in the towns of Washington and Standford.
Peter's hand-crafted wooden sculptures of cigar-store Indians and other storefront signs have been a feature in the village of Millbrook for years.
In October, Peter and Toni construct and produce "Frankenstein's Fortress" in Standfordville, a highly-popular haunted tour complete with sets and actors in ghoulish costumes, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
But perhaps the best synergy between their artistic inspiration and their desire to share the castle with the public is the annual "Shakespeare at the Castle," a summer camp for children held with the Annandale Troupe theater group at Bard College. The group helps children of all ages experience the arts of acting, producing and directing Shakespeare plays with "Wing's Castle" as the majestic stage and backdrop.
If you are planning a family travel tour in New York, "Wing's Castle", and undeniable work of artistic genius, is a truly unique and breathtaking experience.
