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All the United States Illinois Quincy Villa Kathrine

Villa Kathrine

This Mediterranean castle was built for a millionaire and his giant dog.

Quincy, Illinois

Added By
Matt Bergstrom
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Villa Katherine   Smallbones on Wikipedia
Villa Katherine   Smallbones on Wikipedia
The villa’s entrance.   MattB / Atlas Obscura User
The interior courtyard.   Joanna Poe on Flickr
Villa Kathrine stands on the beautiful bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River   victoriaccon / Atlas Obscura User
Miniature model of the building, the harem room is seen on the top right   victoriaccon / Atlas Obscura User
Looking into the central courtyard from the sitting room   victoriaccon / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Villa Katherine is a jumble of Mediterranean architectural styles built by an eccentric millionaire for him and his dog. 

Born in 1849, W. George Metz was the son of a wealthy Quincy pharmacist. After the deaths of his parents Metz embarked on a two-year world tour. Impressed by Mediterranean architecture, he designed a home inspired by the Villa ben Ahben in Morocco based on photos of the building and others of the same style. The eccentric structure included other Mediterranean flourishes such as a reflecting pool with an elaborate mosaic at its bottom which takes up the large central courtyard, and a minaret which is an exact replica of one he had seen on a Tunisian mosque. Metz lived virtually alone in the large estate with only his massive mastiff, "Bingo."

After the death of his beloved pet, who at one point was in the running for the world's largest dog, Metz sold the mansion, which subsequently went through many owners before finally falling into disrepair. A group calling themselves "The Friends of The Castle" acquired the home in 1978 and lovingly restored it to its original condition. Though the bluff has a great view of the wide Mississippi River, the house has few windows, in keeping with the Moorish style. While the building is now open for tours and private events, visitors should beware as the house is rumored to be haunted by Bingo's ghost.

Related Tags

Houses Architecture Haunted Dogs Animals Castles Homes

Community Contributors

Added By

MattB

Edited By

EricGrundhauser, victoriaccon

  • EricGrundhauser
  • victoriaccon

Published

October 17, 2013

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Sources
  • http://qtown.info/king-of-the-castle-the-mystery-behind-one-mans-dream-part-i/
  • http://www.prairieghosts.com/villak.html
  • http://www.illinoisinfocus.com/quincy-villa-katherine.html
  • http://dupontcastle.com/castles/villakat.htm
Villa Kathrine
532 Gardner Expressway
Quincy, Illinois, 62301
United States
39.926054, -91.412778
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Carthage Jail

Carthage, Illinois

miles away

Fort Madison Bridge

Fort Madison, Iowa

miles away

Richard Proenneke Museum

Donnellson, Iowa

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Illinois

Illinois

United States

Places 368
Stories 18

Nearby Places

Carthage Jail

Carthage, Illinois

miles away

Fort Madison Bridge

Fort Madison, Iowa

miles away

Richard Proenneke Museum

Donnellson, Iowa

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Illinois

Illinois

United States

Places 368
Stories 18

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