Called “The Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling,” this National Register of Historic Places home is both unusual and beautiful. Over the years, it’s become a favorite stop for Eureka Springs visitors to explore. Quigley’s Castle is the dream home of Italian immigrant, Elise Quigley. She and her family began building the home themselves in 1943. Mrs. Quigley’s design features 28 huge windows and exterior walls textured with embedded crystals, fossils, stones and arrowheads. Outside, the impressive perennial garden has a lily pond, beautiful plantings and a bountiful variety of flowers. The sitting areas and eclectic garden art are handmade of glass and stone.

Inside and out, Mrs. Quigley’s unique house expresses the love she had for nature. One of the most spectacular aspects of Quigley’s Castle in the Ozarks are the indoor gardens. Four feet of earth are held between the edges of the main living space and the home’s walls. 65 years ago, the soil was planted with tropical plants which have since flourished and now grow up to the second story ceiling. From the outside, you can see these tropical giants framed by the home’s huge windows. Jan has often wondered, with about 4 feet of open space on the second floor all around the house, how did Mrs. Quigley keep her boys from playing Tarzan. Perhaps she couldn’t? I know our boys would have been swinging from the support beams whenever our backs were turned.

The interior is decorated with family antiques and Mrs. Quigley’s quirky and distinctive style. Especially impressive is the giant and eclectic mural called “The Butterfly Wall.” Embedded with stones and intricately decorated with butterflies and birds, you’ll have to see it believe it!

Almost all of our guests who visit come back saying, “Now that was interesting.”

Quigley’s Castle is at 274 Quigley Castle Road in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They’re open 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., April 1-October 31. During March and November, the hours can vary. For more information, call (479) 253-8311 or visit QuigleysCastle.com. Admission is cash only: $7 for adults; children 14 and under accompanied by an adult can visit for free.

While your enjoying your stay at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast, be sure to explore all the best attractions in Eureka Springs, including Quigley’s Castle.