All that’s missing is the moat.
Chateau de Lions is a castle-themed estate nestled among 58 acres in rural Indiana County, listed last week for $1.2 million with Elaine Shetler-Libent of Keller Williams Realty.
“This listing is priced lower than the appraisal,” Shetler-Libent said.
The English-inspired stone residence is from the imagination and hard work of owner David Semon, a home builder and custom woodworker.
“It’s bittersweet. More bitter than sweet,” Semon said of selling. “I started off loving Victorian-style homes and I’m a third-generation builder. I was born in sawdust.”
He said he’s selling the unique rural residence for two reasons — a divorce and the need to downsize now that his children are grown and have moved out.
The stone home, tucked away off of Route 422 near Indiana, is located at 1621 Lions Health Camp Road.
Constructed in 2002, the sprawling residence offers more than 9,000 square feet living space and unobstructed views for miles from castle-themed windows.
“There’s nothing half-a-mile in each direction,” Semon said of the privacy the home affords.
He installed a security system and the entrance gate can be controlled from the home.
Each of the five bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom. The castle theme runs throughout the home.
Semon, a 1983 Homer City High School graduate, always had an interest in architecture.
“I built it because I wanted to and was interested in the Gothic architecture. It just kept coming back to me and I just love it,” Semon said.
Semon’s three children were raised in the castle, which scored high on the cool-in-school factor.
“There were prom and graduation photos here and most of the parties happening were here. You can have 50-75 people over and not even notice,” Semon said.
Two stone castles flanking each side of the iron entry gate are the first glimpse of castle life, as a paved road winds through the woods for about a half-mile until arriving at the manse.
Double staircases at the entry, chandeliers, a library, a home gym, workshop, three-car garage, hot-tub shower and stone courtyard are some of the luxury features included in the old-world design.
The courtyard features a Gothic-themed stone illuminated water fountain. It took about three years to build. Semon’s custom woodwork is evident on fireplace mantels, furniture and more.
“I’m three-quarters Croatian,” Semon joked of the irony not having any British ancestry.
He collects British motorcycles and Triumph bikes. Quads dot the grounds that have miles of trails for ATV vehicles.
Shetler-Libent said the property is zoned for all uses, including the possibility of a bed-and-breakfast, a wedding and event venue, a residence or Airbnb rental.
“I picture this as going to a luxury international market because the architecture lends itself to a European feel,” Shetler-Libent said. “You’re going to be looking at a luxury buyer that can appreciate the uniqueness of it and continuity of the entire property. It’s private and secure. It’s like a fortress.”
“I’ll take anybody that will appreciate it. I think it would be somebody that would like English architecture. Just somebody that would enjoy it,” Semon said. “It would be good for hunters. There’s a lot of game here.”
Semon favors the bedroom suite, with a loft and hot-tub room, and the great room.
The basement, with carpet on the walls, is soundproofed because the family always played music.
Dozens of ornamental gargoyles are tucked throughout. The property has well water.
And about that moat …
“It’s too hilly here to have one,” Semon quipped.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com