Staying in This Enchanting Texas Castle Will Make You Feel Like a Medieval Royalty

Down a winding gravel road through the rolling countryside outside Bellville, Texas, a medieval fortress rises from the landscape like something transported from 13th-century Europe.

Stone walls encircle a courtyard. A moat surrounds the perimeter—watch for alligators. A 3,000-pound drawbridge spans the water.

And inside, guest rooms with four-poster beds, stone walls, and tapestries await overnight visitors who want to sleep like royalty without crossing an ocean.

Newman’s Castle is one of the most improbable lodging experiences in Texas.

The Story Behind Newman’s Castle

A Private Passion Project

Mike Newman was a baker. For over three decades, he ran Newman’s Bakery on Main Street in downtown Bellville, about an hour northwest of Houston.

But Newman “wanted to do more than make donuts.” After traveling through Europe in his twenties and exploring medieval castles in Italy and Spain, he returned to Texas with an unconventional dream.

In the mid-1990s, Newman purchased 20 acres of pastureland outside Bellville. A friend suggested a castle. Newman sketched plans on a napkin. His neighbors thought he’d gone crazy.

He broke ground in 1998. Working with only one assistant—a great uncle—Newman built the castle himself. No contractors. No construction crews.

It took eight years before he could move into the 3,400-square-foot living space. He lived there for 18 years until his death in March 2024.

Today, his nephew Chad Welty and wife Amanda serve as castle keepers, maintaining Newman’s legacy.

Medieval Design in Rural Texas

Newman designed the castle in 13th-century European style.

The result features a working portcullis, five round corner turrets, a chapel, a great hall, a dungeon with medieval tools, and a 62-foot bell tower that visitors can climb for panoramic views.

The moat contains actual alligators. The drawbridge actually works—though the castle keepers no longer operate it regularly due to safety concerns.

Newman built much of the furniture himself, including heavy wooden chairs constructed without nails.

He crafted the light fixtures and added personal touches throughout, including a turret designed to accommodate a large round bathtub.

This isn’t a theme-park replica. It’s a functioning residence built by someone who genuinely wanted to live in a castle and made it happen through years of determined labor.

What It’s Like to Stay Overnight

Guest Accommodations

Two guest rooms inside the castle are available through Airbnb. Each features stone walls, rich tapestries, flickering candle sconces, arched windows overlooking the grounds, and a four-poster queen bed.

The aesthetic commits fully to the medieval theme while incorporating essential modern conveniences. The ground-floor room rents for approximately $135 per night; the top-floor room runs about $145.

Both offer private bathrooms and air conditioning—an important detail Newman included despite the old-world aesthetic.

There’s no TV or WiFi in the rooms—guests are meant to disconnect and embrace the atmosphere.

Bring a book, climb the bell tower, wander the courtyard at night. The experience encourages unplugging from the modern world, though cell service works if needed.

Castle Grounds and Shared Spaces

Overnight guests have access to the full castle grounds, including courtyards, towers, the chapel, and the great hall. The 20-acre property includes a pond and forest with scenic rural views from the tower tops.

Be aware that Newman’s Castle remains a functioning tourist attraction with day tours six days a week—overnight guests may encounter other visitors during daytime hours.

Tours, Events, and Special Access

Guided Castle Tours

Daily tours run six days a week, with reservations required. Visitors check in by 10:30 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. introduction covering the castle’s history and construction.

The tour is largely self-guided after the introduction, allowing guests to explore different rooms, climb towers, and discover the many nooks and crannies at their own pace. Most visits last 60 to 90 minutes.

Tour admission includes lunch: typically a sandwich (turkey or ham and cheese), chips, a drink, and baked goods from Newman’s Bakery—cookies, donuts, or sometimes pie.

Children can borrow wooden swords and receive knighthood from the castle keepers. Two Irish wolfhounds roam the property and will happily steal your donuts if you’re not watching.

Private Events and Bookings

The castle hosts weddings, wine tastings, birthday parties, scout overnights, and other private events. The chapel accommodates ceremonies, while dining halls and a full kitchen support catered gatherings.

Larger groups can arrange overnight stays with meals included—dinner might feature roasted chickens, sausage, potatoes, and fresh-baked bread from the bakery, followed by pie.

Photography shoots are popular, with dramatic backdrops for engagement photos, family portraits, and creative projects.

The property has appeared in film productions and attracted social media influencers. Availability varies, and popular dates book quickly—contact the castle directly for special arrangements.

Planning Your Visit

Newman’s Castle sits at 1041 Old Highway 36, outside Bellville, Texas—about an hour northwest of Houston, roughly two hours from Austin and San Antonio.

All visits require advance reservations—no walk-ins accepted. Book tours through the castle’s website or call 979-487-6753. Overnight stays are available through Airbnb.

Where Dreams Take Stone Form

Mike Newman told people he wanted to build a castle. They told him he was crazy. He built it anyway—every wall, every tower, every hand-carved chair.

He lived there for nearly two decades, gave tours wearing a crown “to let them know who’s king,” and created something that continues drawing visitors from across Texas.

For the price of a typical hotel room, you can spend the night in a real Texas castle—a testament to what happens when stubborn determination meets creative vision, and a baker decides he wants to live like royalty.