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Crumbling castle just outside NYC needs your TLC for $3.7M

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The Elda Castle was built by the Abercrombies in the late 1920s

A crumbling castle designed and built by David Thomas Abercrombie—yes, of Abercrombie & Fitch—and his wife Lucy Abbott Cate is back on the market in Ossining, New York.

Completed in 1928 and named Elda Castle after the first letter of each of their four children’s names, in birth order, the ruinous estate has certainly seen better days, but it’s the 50-acre wooded site that seems to be the real draw here.

Still, the bones of the 4,337-square-foot residence are strong, formed by a steel body and a facade of granite and fieldstone, much of which was sourced from the property. According to the New York History Blog, Elda once boasted 25 rooms over two stories, arched doorways, a cast iron spiral staircase, courtyards, patios, and a wealth of other romantic elements.

While subsequent owners have tried to restore the home to its former glory, no one was ultimately ever successful, adding to the Manderley-esque lore of its history. But someone else is more than welcome to try, provided she has at least $3.69 million for the price of admission to 249 Croton Dam Road (technically in New Castle).

Via: Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Realty (h/t Estately)