Castle Rock - Carcassonne Castle - Marblehead Neck
In 1935 the Carcassonne Castle was built on Marblehead Neck by Lydia Pinkham Gove, the granddaughter of Lydia Pinkham, at a cost of $500,000. The construction took place during the Great Depression. The granite was brought from the south shore, wood was imported from Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Africa.
She died in 1948 and the castle sold for $50,000 to Guido Lawrence Rugo, who was part owner of the Boston Braves. He hosted 500 guests for Archbishop Richard J. Cushing’s 59th birthday in 1964. Later that year, he sold the house to attorney Robert J. DiGiacomo. It was then sold in 1966 to James Zografos. Then they sold it to George A. Butler, who was the New England distributor of Toyota automobiles. He added a private helipad, a small theater, and lots of gardens.
Many benefits were held here that included Boston Children’s Hospital and Boys & Girls Clubs. Famous guests include: Joan Kennedy, John Havlicek, Mike Eruzione, Francis X. Bellotti, Tom Ellis, and Thomas P. O’Neill. Additional fundraisers included for the Democratic Party.
Mr. Butler sold it it in 1982, as he indicated the dampness aggrevated his asthma and the windows were so small it inhibited his view.
Lily the condo King bought it for $ 1 million. In 1991, the property was foreclosed on by 1st American Bank for Savings. It was sold by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at a sealed-bid auction. The minimum bid was $1.53 million.
The Gianatasio family became the new owners. They gave the property an extensive makeover.
The property was originally called “Sky High”. On any given day you will find cars park out front as tourists are looking for access to see the ocean by walking down the laneway.