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Carol Rollins | all galleries >> Arizona USA >> The Beauty of Southeastern Arizona > Aug 4 Castle at Marsh Station
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04-AUG-2007 Carol L. Breton

Aug 4 Castle at Marsh Station

Vail, Arizona

I have heard two stories about this castle: 1)"The Castle is actually in Vail, AZ.
It is called Durham Castle. The owner Duane Durham built the castle. Although I have
never been in it. The owner Duane Durham was my landlord and I lived right below the
castle. My brother in law has been in there, and says there is a railroad track all
the way around the castle with a small train on it for his young childeren, which now
should be around 10 or 12 years old at least. Somewhere's inside the gate is a big
stuffed bear that looks like he is about to kill you. I guess quite horrifying. From
what I hear. If you were to go to Colossal Cave they have a telescope to which you can
view the castle."
2)"I have the TRUE info about this castle since it is my friend who lived there, her
father built it. I have been in it and have pics for your website if you are interested.
It's name is "Aqua Verde" which means green water- go figure. It was indeed built by
Duane Durham. Laura (his daughter) is my friend. I spent Christmas eve 2000 there with
Laura, her husband, her sister, and Mr. Durham and his wife. The girls are grown now and
Mrs. Durham has a very impressive collection of cast Iron stoves. She is also an
extraordinary decorator as Mr. Durham is as well. The entire castle has different themes
throughout and is a sight to see."
The truth that I know is it is actually there; you can see it plainly from I-10; is sits
atop a tall hill; and my youngest brother was actually in the castle - I believe for a
high school graduation.

Canon EOS 20D ,Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG
1/2000s f/8.0 at 222.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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John Morrison 08-Feb-2017 14:47
I was lucky enough to have worked for and with Duane Durham at his businesses in Tucson and the castle in the early 80's. We rented a house from them that is located between the guard house and the castle. Also was able to visit the house he built over the wash on the backside of the hill.
Fredrick mark wille JR 31-Jan-2016 11:24
Well i have heard many! different stories about it i have heard that people wanted to go up to see it an a guard with a nice big gun!! wil send you back the other way so yes its PRIVET!! an thats all i guess ?:)
Guest 20-Aug-2015 20:14
I have been a renter of the Durhams for many years. I've been in the castle numerous times. Its as magnificent inside as it is outside. The layout shows the true whimsical nature if its builder. It is filled with wonderous furnishings which ate almost entirely antiques. The Durhams are amazing people and their hone is certainly fit for the king that resides there.
Guest 14-Jul-2015 07:04
I can corroborate the ownership, daughters, layout as basically described as well. I went to school w their youngest, S. DURHAM... the pool indeed can be viewed from her bedroom and it is outfitted (as of about 1998) in full castle deco and regalia.
DEF 04-Feb-2013 15:36
this my cousin's castle. It's a pretty neat place to visit.
Guest 29-Jan-2013 23:35
Any contact to visit and/or get a tour?

Carl H. Sparfeld
Director of Education
Green Valley Camera Club
215-872-1325(cell #)
Hernan E. Enriquez02-Aug-2010 15:32
Amazing history and image!
Guest 29-Dec-2009 18:02
I was doing some historical research in the east and southeast Tucson area and was randomly searching for historical information about Marsh Station and got this nice surprise!
Guest 09-Sep-2009 04:25
O.K. I have more room. I have no pictures but the ones in my head, thanks for posting the picture. I could go on and on even tho I lived there for a short time. I loved the place and wish I could've stayed.
Happy Trails,
Sacreddog
Guest 09-Sep-2009 04:23
Howdy-I rented the place right below Duane and Ginnys home (castle) in 1988-1990. They are wonderful people. I'll never forget the day when Duane was out cruising in his Mercedes and stopped by to ask if I would like to see the castle. We went up to their home and it is something I'll never forget. It's amazing. The girls bedroom was actually next to the pool so when you looked out the window you under water! It has 4 kitchens, the first 3 like a castle with the big iron pot that swung out of the huge fireplace and the last kitchen was modern. never thought to look it up on my computer until tonite 9-8-09. Vail was not built up it was a gorgeous place. I remember Marsh station, just a well kept stage coach station the Duane kept up. I'll also never forget Duane building his "round house" from a cistern. I never saw it finished i had to move back to Mn. due to my Dads cancer. I need more room
Simon Chandler10-Aug-2007 02:37
Great composition. Interesting info. v
Bryan Murahashi05-Aug-2007 04:06
Neat to have such a landmark on this hilltop. Nice information as well.
Chad Ramsey04-Aug-2007 22:23
Wow!!! Neat stuff and great picture! Thanks for all the info on this treasure... It's neat to hear stories from different people and your input too~ Thanks Carol
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