Atalaya Castle

Murrells Inlet , SC, United States

Latitude: 33.5023651123°
Longitude: -79.0682983398°
Address: 16148 Ocean Highway
City: Murrells Inlet
State/Province: SC
Country: United States
PostalCode: 29576
Telephone: 843-237-4440
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Atalaya Castle was the holiday resort of Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna; it is located in the present-day Huntington Beach area on the coast of South Carolina, in short distance of Myrtle Beach. Mr. Huntington was a guru of Spanish culture and art. When he purchased the property, he remodeled the house to conform to the Spanish style of Mediterranean-coast architecture. The word “atalaya” translates as “watchtower” in Spanish, so it comes as no surprise that the house is dominated by a huge, square tower; odd looking, it houses a massive water tank and is highly functional.

Atalaya Castle has 30 rooms situated strategically within the perimeter. The rooms open into a small, enclosed courtyard; here sits the studio, with its massive skylights. This is where Anna Huntington, an artist, carved her sculptures, many of those based on animal subjects. Pens that housed the animals, including horses, dogs and bears, that modeled for Mrs. Huntington’s sculptures, are adjacent to the open studio.

A singular structure, the building has numerous unique features, such as hand-wrought-iron grills covering the exterior of the windows; these are strongly believed to be the design work of Mrs. Huntington. These grills and their accompanying shutters are in place as protection against hurricanes.

Tenancy of Atalaya Castle changed during the World War II when the Huntingtons provided it to the Army Air Corps, allowing it to be utilized in their duties during the war.

Atalaya Castle is a remarkable addition to a Myrtle Beach vacation, a trip back in time and a must-see for architecture buffs. Visitors can be guided through the castle or take unguided tours.