By Gari Voss
The news hit the realty pages and social media on November 15, 2025. Castle Van Kula in Allegan County was listed for $1.2 million. The 7,527 sq. foot residence designed and built by Charles VanKula was completed in 1998 as one of his entrepreneurial endeavors with the assistance of CVK Construction and other West Michigan contractors and artisans. The excitement did not stem from just the square footage, the price, or the fact that it was one of the quality homes envisioned by VanKula, but because it had many elements of a Gothic castle.
When the images by realtor Noel Berg appeared online, cyber traffic increased. The inquisitive scrolled through the 15th century gothic style structure photos.
The dwelling contained many European accents – turrets, exterior blocks and rocks, secret passageways and hidden child playroom, swinging bookcases, and spiral staircases. Berg explained, “He traveled all over Europe to get ideas of castles he liked and had this one designed to his exact specifications.”
To reach the castle on 59.3 acres off 38th Street, one must travel down a drive that meanders through an aging forest and covers almost the whole length of the property. Once out of the trees, the visitor views the magnificent fieldstone walls of the fortress complete with turrets and a circular fountain adorning the front yard that takes the eyes to the stairs leading up to the front door. By following the drive around the castle, the driver arrives at the 2-door garage.
The exterior is described as decorative fieldstone, over 400 tons of solid Eden limestone, windows trimmed with tumbled brick, hand finished stucco accents, and cedar trim. Notable features include 400 series Anderson windows, wall insulation rated at R-23, radiant in-floor zone heating on all 3 floors, 400 amp electrical service, a 7 ton commercial grade AC unit, and a heated garage. Tucked away, a discerning eye can locate a gargoyle statue or two and suits of armor.
Though the exterior appears to be out of a 15th-century fairy tale or knight’s tale, the interior is super modern even though it was built in 1998 and no upgrades have been made over the years. Entering the building begins the adventure. Traveling through the numerous rooms, the flooring blends planked ash with walnut borders and inlay designs in rooms, Italian marble in the hallways and foyers, slate tile with decorative inlay design on the lower levels, plus limestone and hard finished pine walls that blend from one room to the next.
The kitchen contains modern appliances with a center island, and pantry. The dining room lies under a cathedral ceiling and below the open second-story hallway. The dining room opens into the living room with one of four fireplaces and the staircase to the upstairs hallway. One must pass under the hallway to take the stairs to the second story.
Before leaving the ground floor, prospective buyers or visitors are encouraged to traverse the hallway that includes built in storage and leads to the gracious master bedroom. The master bedroom easily handles a king-sized bed and built in bookcases, stunning windows, sitting area, library, and bathroom.
Visitors can take a staircase or the elevator to the second floor and check out additional sitting areas, an upstairs family room, pool table, four more bedrooms and a couple more bathrooms before heading up to the third floor “attic” area.
VanKula designed and built his castle when he was at the peak of his career, and after he explored European castles. By doing research and adding his own touches, it allowed him to create spiral staircases, swinging bookcases, secret passages, and a hidden playroom. He included an elevator for his dog. Plus, other amenities like beautiful office space and an exercise room.
Social media brought ooos and ahhs along with those who felt there were flaws that placed the home less than par to be a true Gothic castle, but the quality of the materials and workmanship of some of the finest builders and masons in West Michigan will ensure that this home stands for many years. From the basement to the main floor to the second floor to the attic room, the open spaces and special surprises of Castle Van Kula offers something for everyone.
The property is listed with agent Noel Berg of HomeRealty in Grand Haven. A photo tour of the home can be located at https://www.landsearch.com/properties/2303-38th-st-allegan-mi-49010/4903472
