Family builds Clay Co. Castle

BOWLING GREEN, Ind. (WTHI) - It's not a type of architecture you often see in Indiana or even here in the United States for that matter. But, the Wabash Valley has a castle, which brings to mind old fairy tales and makes them that much more real.

Just a few miles outside of Poland, Indiana, along a gravel road, is a home that will make you think you've stepped into Medieval England. It’s a medieval castle and it's also the home of Doug and Mary Jo Smock.

"The castle is a long time dream, it started about 10-15 years ago at a castle bed and breakfast in Ohio, and thought we can do that in retirement,” Mary Jo said.

They call it Clayshire Castle, named after Clay County.

Last spring, the Smock's broke ground on their fairy tale residence, even when their builder made his skepticism known.

"Most people, when you say you're building a castle, they think you're building a big house. But when they see it, they go, 'Oh you really mean a castle,'" Mary Jo said.

More than a year later, the Smock family's vision is a medieval reality.

"(We have what’s called) a Great Hall, that's like the castles were back in the medieval times,” Mary Jo explained, “They would have a great hall, where they would have their meals; that would also be the sleeping place for the servants."

While they don't have any servants, the Smock's great hall, like it's earlier iterations, will also serve guests, because this home is also Clay County's next bed and breakfast.

"It's more of the themed bedrooms that we have. We have a Tournament Room, Tapestry Room, Fairy Tale Room, Wine Cellar and the Enchanted Forest Room,” Mary Jo said.

• CLAYSHIRE CASTLE FACEBOOK | Click here to view

Each room is decked out with antique and replica Middle Age items. The Smock's plan is to incorporate medieval games, activities and music into the experience; with one exception:

“No jousting,” Mary Jo laughed.

While this bed and breakfast won't open until next May, Doug and Mary Jo are just excited to live as king and queen in their new dream kingdom.