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History: Columbus's landmark Schwartz
Castle stands on Third Avenue in German Village, just
south of Livingston Avenue. The highest point in German
Village, the windowed turret stands guard over the
entrance to one of Columbus’ best neighborhoods. The
large and unique home was built in the mid to late
1800's by Frederick William Schwartz, a successful
German businessman who owned an apothecary shop on the
corner of 5th and Main Street. He built the castle for
himself and his fiancée who at the time was still living
in Germany. As Frederick finished preparations to bring
the bride to America and to his wonderful new home, she
informed him that she had found another love in their
native country and would not be joining him in America.
Fredrick went mad with heartbreak. His behavior, and his
lifestyle, became quite eccentric. He allowed only wool
clothing to touch his skin, jogged barefoot 365 days of
the year regardless of the weather and, most
interestingly enough, sunbathed nude on the roof of the
tower. He also became a vegetarian and grew his hair
long. While not noteworthy today, in Frederick’s time,
long hair and only eating vegetables would have been
below his station and quite eccentric for a man of his
wealth.
The Experience: When originally built, the Schwartz
Castle had a gabled roof. Subsequent renovators have
added a mansard roof, giving the landmark a Second
Empire feel. At over 5000 Sq. feet, this 3 bedroom, 3 ½
bath home is absolute luxury. You enter the home through
a wrought iron gate. Two large wood doors present the
entry to the home. An electronic key entry permits you
to pass into the grand foyer at the bottom of the tower.
Below your feet, and subsequently throughout the Castle,
is the original tile laid by Frederick Schwartz. To your
left is the spiral stair case and your own personal
elevator. If you look up and to your right, you’ll
notice a Greek inspired inset. A Greek inspired
decoration in a Victorian built home? Remember – this is
the home of the eccentric Frederick Schwartz!
You enter the lift, shut the classic accordion gate and
ascend to the living levels of the Castle. The elevator
has been lovingly restored to classic form. From the
aristocratic outside door to the sconce and phone in the
lift, no detail was left out. The top floor of your home
will be the envy of your friends. You exit the elevator
and step into the ballroom space. Dazzling dark wood
floor and alabaster white columns frame this amazing
space. The ballroom is ringed with floor-to-ceiling
windows letting in the glorious natural light and
providing for a fine view of the Village. The fireplace
is the perfect bit of grace added to already unspeakable
elegance. To the left of the ballroom is your fully
automated media center with surround sound speakers,
movie screen and high definition digital projector. With
a push of a button, the blinds and movie screen go down
and the curtains close behind you. You have your own
private movie theater. To the right of the ballroom is a
wet bar and seating area for entertaining in a more
intimate setting. The wet bar is complete with wine
cooler, storage, dishwashers and ice machine. The
intimate seating space across from the wet bar also has
the door to the roof of the Tower. A spiral staircase
leads to the top of the Tower and a commanding view of
the city. You can look over your domain from the tallest
point in German Village. Only the skyscrapers downtown
have a better view than you. Back down the outside
spiral staircase and further to the right and into the
Tower is your kitchen. Fully outfitted with commercial
grade appliances, this is the only round kitchen in a
tower in Columbus. The possibility of the types of meals
prepared in this gourmet kitchen is only bound by your
abilities. You surly won’t be bound by the lack of
amenities and equipment. Gas burners, grills, convection
ovens and copious prep space – this kitchen has it all.
After all of the hard gourmet cooking and movie
watching, you will be ready for a rest. Down one floor
(via the stairs or your elevator) are the living
quarters. To the far right and back into the Tower is
the Master Suite. As you step through the grand door,
you’ll be amazed at the space and the charm of this
room. You can almost feel Frederick Schwartz standing in
this same spot, anxiously awaiting his fiancée and
hoping she likes this bedroom as much as he does. The
stately master bath has a glass enclosed, walk-in
shower, separate water closet and whirlpool bath. Just
down the hall from the Master Suite is the smaller, but
no less grand, second bedroom. Complete with a walk in
closet as well, this bedroom also has a striking white
marble bath with separate water closet. The entire
counter surface and tile is done in pure white marble –
absolutely outstanding.
Lastly, on the living quarter’s floor and on the
east-back of the Castle is the Solarium. Walls and
ceiling of glass, the Solarium is a sun lover’s dream.
Tiled with the same antique original tile as the foyer,
the Solarium is the perfect place to enjoy the rising of
a new sun, or to entertain under the clear sky of night.
How amazing it would be to watch the snowflakes of
winter fall from the sky and come to rest just above
you. The second bedroom room also has direct access to
the Solarium.
The Secret: The Castle just wouldn’t be an eccentric’s
playground if there weren’t some secrets! I won’t give
them away to you here, but if you should be in the
Castle, turn your attention to the bookcase which sits
oddly high. Climb the librarian’s ladder and look
carefully, if you’re able to solve The Mystery, the
secret will be revealed and you’ll find your own secret
hideaway. This room is fully carpeted and has a
fireplace for comfort. A two-way mirror looks out into
the Solarium. You can see your guests – but they can’t
see you.
Other Amenities: There are a thousand details that make
up the mystique and mystery of the Schwartz Castle, but
none of them make as much difference as some of the
modern amenities that have been installed over a two
year renovation process that was finished in October
2007. A full laundry facility is located on the living
quarter’s floor between the Master Suite and the second
bedroom. A guest room is located just off the staircase
slightly below the living quarter’s floor. The guest
room features a large closet and full bath. An intercom
system has been installed through the home. You can
locate other members of the household or admit people to
the Castle. There is no need to run down four floors
when a push of a button will admit your guests. There is
a two-car garage attached to The Castle with automated
doors. A medium sized storage area is located at the
base of the staircase. All of the windows in The Castle
are brand new, helping to add to the energy efficiency.
The only two original windows are at the base of the
staircase near the foyer; two stained glass windows
installed by Frederick Schwartz. All plumbing,
electrical and gas have been updated to modern code
Financials and incidentals: This outstanding, unique,
one-of-a-kind home has an asking price of $3,695 per
month plus security deposit. Good credit and proof of
income will be required in the qualification process.
Pets are negotiable. Tours of the home are by
appointment only! Walk-in requests for a tour will not
be honored and will be required to schedule a separate
appointment. The Castle is also for sale. Please inquire
about the purchase opportunity.
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