California Castle
By John Phane
Are you dreaming of a truly spectacular and unique vacation or retreat? Have you searched the world over and not yet discovered your dream location? Are your eyes bugging from endlessly searching the Net. That dream location may be closer than you could ever believe.
Be it a getaway with family, friends, or a religious retreat, or a business getaway, would a Castle standing right on the edge of the incredible Joshua Tree National Forest, overlooking Palm Springs and less than an hour from the lake and ski slopes of Big Bear be enticing?
How about we throw in the opportunity to dress in medieval costumes (provided by the innkeeper) and let you live out your fantasies of being the lords and ladies of King Arthur’s Camelot in a castle that sleeps 26?
Need more?
If feasting in the Great Room with other ladies or knights doesn’t twist your wicket,
how about visiting a luxury getaway with all 5-
Does that do it for you? Thought it might.
The dream location you’ve been searching for is California Castle.
Castle lord Curtis Corum made his dough in California real estate, and he went looking for investments. However, because he believed the California real estate market had become a difficult place in which to prosper, he decided to search for a solid out of state venture, finally settling on the purchase of an Idaho RV camp. Nevertheless, soon, because of family concerns, Corum began to waver.
Then, on a whim, he accompanied his realtor to a huge home the agent was placing on the market in Yucca Valley, a thriving, desert community about 37 miles north of Palm Springs at the intersection of State Routes 62 and 247. When he arrived at the home, Corum said, “I was just floored.”
He said the structure had been standing vacant for a number of years and had become somewhat dilapidated; however, even in its then condition, Corum said he was awe struck and immediately could visualize the property’s potential.
The Castle had, Corum said, originally been constructed as the residence of a local businessman, and family, who had made a fortune operating a string of nursing homes. It was later purchased by a by a religious organization with the plan of using the huge property as a spiritual sanctuary. Corum said he didn’t believe that plan was ever put into operation, and Corum purchased it from the pastor and started his quest to turning the structure into a real castle.
“It had everything to be a castle—the rooms; the look; a pool; waterfall; two Jacuzzis; the land and location, but the interior design needed a complete redo, Corum said.
What the current king of California Castle now calls his “Great Room,” was then a covered in lime green wallpaper, and the other rooms were as tastelessly decorated, he said. “But I knew that big homes in the Coachella Valley are in demand as vacation rentals because it’s a destination resort area because of its proximity to Palm Springs, Idyllwild and Big Bear.
He said that once he laid eyes on what would become the Great Room, he knew the structure
could be renovated into a castle. In his mind, he envisioned guests, laughing, feasting
and playing, dressed in costumes like suits of armor and flowing gowns staying in
a Medieval Castle in the midst of a Southern California Playground, while offering
all the luxurious amenities of a 5-
“I knew I had a real niche.”
Corum has redecorated, and the result is spectacular. The bedrooms are comfortable and spacious, and the whole place is geared to ensure your party will enjoy its stay.
In addition to all the amenities, because of its location, Corum offers a roller
coaster ride in a small off-
Nightlife includes staying in, Palm Springs or the other desert communities, but, at Corum’s suggestion, we snuck away to Pioneertown and a wild time at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. The Palace is in an old western movie town. It features music most nights of the week and a solid good time.
In the summertime the area stays about 15 degrees cooler than Palm Springs, so it’s a great place to play during the day and then descend into the city at night.
As Curtiss said: “Enjoy a fabulous getaway as you step back in time.”
California Castle
888-
www.CaliforniaCastle.com
