Bizarre building an obsession
A CONCRETE castle that looks more at home in a Disney fairytale than a Cassowary Coast town is one of the many intriguing and bizarre Far North properties with a heck of a backstory.
A turreted dome rising from the Silkwood Castle boldly announces the structure to all travellers through the Silkwood area.
At first glance from Silkwood Japoon Rd the concrete building almost looks like a mosque.
The project was started in 1990 by holder of double degrees in civil and electrical engineering John Nielsen after the Sydney consultant swapped the hustle and bustle of the city for the quieter life on the Cassowary Coast.
Mr Nielsen paid $11,750 for the vacant Margaret St land in 1990.
Twenty years into the build, in 2009, Mr Nielsen described the labour of love as a “concrete monster” in an interview with ABC radio.
“I would not call it art, it’s just something to do. It’s a hobby,” he said.
“I wanted to do something a little bit different. I have spent an hour a day on average for over 20 years.”
Division Two Cassowary Coast councillor Teresa Millwood said Mr Nielsen had since died but the castle remained the family home of Norelyn Nielsen and three children.
“It’s not your average house, it definitely stands out from the rest and maybe people turn around and go back for another look,” she said.
Built without plans in what became an obsession for the Danish engineer, photos of the castle captured in 2008 by Stu Rapley reveal an imposing whitewashed giant. But the castle did display a sign that encouraged visitors to take photos.
“We do get a bit of interest from people,” Mr Nielsen said in 2009.
Development application queries have, in part, been answered by a Cassowary Coast Council spokeswoman.
“The Silkwood Castle was built in the early 1990s under the jurisdiction of the (superseded) Johnstone Shire Council,” she said.
“Certain components of the Silkwood Castle were approved as part of the original building application.”
It’s understood other elements fell outside the scope of approved plans.
However council said the structure had survived two substantial cyclones intact – a credit to Mr Neilson’s skill as an engineer.