Atalaya Castle

Atalaya Castle is a unique and historic location in Murrells Inlet SC. This winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington is a National Historic Landmark. It offers guided tours that showcase the history of this family.

This place is a treasure trove of art and history. You will enjoy the ambiance of the place, with a 3-mile beach just a short stroll away. See more.

Located in Huntington State Park

Located within Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle is both an architectural marvel and a National Historic Landmark. Built between 1931 and 1933, this winter home was designed by industrialist Archer and sculptor Anna Huntington in the Moorish and Mediterranean Revival styles.

The square-shaped structure has rooms (including specialized studios) along three walls surrounding a courtyard. In the center stands a forty-foot water tower, after which the house is named.

At first glance, the massive edifice looks like a prison with weathered turquoise bars covering the windows. Once inside, however, the splendor of the era begins to reveal itself.

Open Daily

Visitors are encouraged to explore the 30 rooms that surround a central courtyard. They are lined with fig vines and Sabal palmetto, the state tree of South Carolina. The house has a carved water tower and features hand-wrought iron bars that were designed to protect the windows from hurricane winds.

Throughout the year, the castle hosts various large events that draw visitors by the thousands. These include an arts and crafts festival, a kite festival, a Palmetto Campout, and a ghost tour. All the funds raised by these events go into the maintenance of the castle.

For an interesting day trip, visit Atalaya Castle. It is located in Huntington Beach State Park, right across from Brookgreen Gardens. It is a must-see for anyone who loves history and art. Discover More about Myrtle Beach here.

Self-Guided Tours

Located inside Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle is a fascinating historic landmark nestled in the ocean forest. This Moorish and Mediterranean-style castle was once the winter home of industrialist Archer Huntington and his sculptor wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington.

At first glance, this castle may seem empty with its swaying palms and weathered turquoise bars on the windows. But once you start touring its intricate gardens and sweeping courtyards, it will come to life!

In addition to its sculptural masterpieces, the castle is also home to large indoor and outdoor studios where Anna worked on her sculptures. The center of the courtyard is a 40-foot water tower, after which this house was named Atalaya meaning “Watchtower”. This beautiful mansion is worth a visit on any Myrtle Beach vacation!

Admission Fee

Atalaya Castle is located inside Huntington Beach State Park which is a great place to go for a day trip with the kids. It takes about 30 minutes to tour the mansion and the gardens, courtyards and some rooms are wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington were New Yorkers who decided to build their winter home here after a tuberculosis diagnosis. Using local labor, they built the castle in Moorish and Mediterranean Revival styles. The 40-foot water tower is a nod to the original Atalaya Castle in Spain that inspired their design.

Today Atalaya Castle is an artistic attraction that hosts huge weddings and self-guided tours. The mansion is also the site of an annual Arts and Crafts Festival in September that draws dozens of artisans from around the area.

Parking

The park offers many activities to keep the whole family busy, including a two-mile walk along coastal forests and salt marshes, fishing or kayaking in the ocean or freshwater lake, birding, or taking a tour of Atalaya Castle. It also has a nature center, salt marshes and freshwater lagoons, and an extensive range of native plants and wildlife.

The castle was built from 1931 to 1933 by the railroad heir Archer Huntington, inspired by a Moorish castle in southern Spain. His wife Anna suffered from tuberculosis and her doctor recommended the warm, salty South Carolina air as a cure. Today, the castle serves as an art museum and attracts thousands of visitors annually. Find out more!

 

 

Driving directions from Clean Image Pressure Washing to Atalaya Castle

Driving directions from Atalaya Castle to Huntington Beach State Park