Welcome to Astolat Castle
Diehl spent 13 years building the miniature dollhouse, which has an appraised worth of $8.5 million - that works out to about $288,000 per square foot.
The dollhouse takes its name after the castle in The Lady of Shallot - a 19th century ballad by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
The grand entrance features a fountain. The main door leads to a grand entrance hall.
With the hinges open, you can see all the detail involved. Reminiscent of a real stately home, this dollhouse also features finishes like real parquet floors, marble bathroom and gilt trim. These details give the house a sense that the castle was inhabited by a Victorian dame.
The finer touches, as seen in the salon, include hand-stitched tapestries, vases made out of Lapis Lazuli as well as replica 18th century oil paintings. Displayed on the wall here is a reproduction of Thomas Lawrence's Pinkie.
Tiny books with tiny letters are featured in the library - all of which can be read with the help of a magnifying glass. The book collection stored here features a bible too - and it must be the world's smallest.
The bottles in the castle's bar contain real liquor. Can you spot the Jameson, Bailey's, and Gordon's Gin?
Dollhouses date back to the 17th century, and were perceived to be displays of fine craftsmanship acquired by wealthy families in Holland, Germany, and England.
The world's most famous dollhouse was built in 1924 for Queen Mary and is displayed at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England.
This room is the Armory - a weaponry room.
And this is the Dovecote - a shelter room for domesticated pigeons.
Curator Dorothy Twining Globus, standing next to the 9-foot tall castle which weighs more than 800 pounds.
Source
Photos: Zack DeZon
Related Articles:
Gerard Brion's Incredible Miniature Paris
Stefan Bleekrode, an Artist Who Draws from Memory
These Creative Snow Sculptures Will Blow Your Mind
Winter is the time to head to the backyard and create something unique with snow. Take some inspiration from these people.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These...
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
Would You Believe That These Adorable Animals AREN’T REAL?
Artist Lee Cross creates incredibly realistic baby animal sculptures that would just melt your heart.
10 of the Most Beautiful Buildings from Around the World
Like sculptures and paintings, buildings, as you’re about to see, can also be wonderful pieces of art. Check out these stunning architectural masterpieces from all over the world. These will undoubtedly amaze you.
Bryan Berg: Taking the Sculpting World By Storm With Cards
Bryan Berg is an artist that has been passionately developing and building massive houses and structures made only from cards
Transform 10 Famous Cities Into Charming Drawings!
This travelling artist has painted some outstanding illustrations from the countries he's visited. Check out some of his best work here.
Mix Classical Music With Castanets, And You Get Magic!
It's impossible not to fall in love with this magical mix of different musical styles
WATCH: This Dancing Family of 12 Is So Adorably Talented
This exciting dance and music performance is unique, because it's entirely the product of one very large and talented American family. They blew me away!
These Canadian Tenors Get a Huge Surprise on Stage
The look on these tenors' faces when they are joined by a special guess is priceless...
From a Simple Drawing Emerges an Artwork of Sublime Beauty
It takes a while for this painting to emerge, but when it does it's amazing. Watch this great video demonstrate how an art piece comes to life.
André Rieu Lets An Incredible Singer Amaze Us All..
When she sings, magic is returned to the world...
Not Only a Beautiful Shadow Dance, But Also a Story...
An incredibly talented shadow troupe performing an enchanting dance that tells a story...
Tiny Animal Paintings That'll Take Your Breath Away
Julia Las is a Ukrainian artist who specializes in making watercolor miniatures. As you're about to see, they're absolutely incredible!
These Surreal Paintings Will Bring You To Another World
Vladimir Kush's mind-bending, yet incredibly beautiful paintings, will leave you completely astounded. Take a look at them in this post.
This Beautiful Boléro Builds to An Epic Crescendo!
Valery Abisalovich Gergiev conducts the classic Boléro by Ravel in a gorgeous video.
It's a Pleasure Watching This Couple Dance This Old Dance
Even if you're not a fan of swing music, you cannot help but admire this talented couple.
A Gorgeous Cover of a Beautiful Classic...
Watch two incredible artists use voice and cello to bring this classic song to life.
A Gorgeous Rendition of Nessun Dorma Awaits You...
Witness the intersection of raw talent and pure passion in this unforgettable concert recording of Nessun Dorma
The Lost Seventh Wonder of the World, the Hanging Gardens
We have ample evidence for all of the ancient seven wonders of the world, except for one: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Did it exist?
This Beautiful Little Story is a Visual Delight
In this gorgeous, award-winning little animated short, you'll find a mouse with a great ambition.
I Can't Resist Tapping Along to This Riverdance Show
Featuring the original stars, Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, this Riverdance performance has me cheering like mad!
This Girl Only Needs a Simple Flute to Delight Your Ears
Listen to the dulcet tones of this young girl's flute.
Watch 250,000 Dominos Fall in a Record-Winning Video!
The 250,000 dominoes that you are about to see were arranged for long hours in very creative ways, breaking 3 different Guinness World Records at once!
This Unbelievably Talented Fifteen Year Old Will Amaze
Fifteen year old contortionist, Sofie Dossi will absolutely blow you away with her beautiful act.
7 Beautiful Animal Paintings by Franz Marc
German artist Franz Marc was known for his abstract animal paintings that explored their spiritual side. Take a look at his best works.
Let Vivaldi's Music Breathe Renaissance Beauty Over You
Vivaldi is one of the biggest names in all of musical history, and now you can hear why with this collection of 24 of his finest compositions.
Ever Thought Music and Humor Don't Mix? Think Again!
This performance is a stunning mixture of beauty and humor. Definitely worth a watch!
Henri Matisse: King of the Wild Artists Movement
Henri Matisse has a place in the Hall of Fame of avant-garde art. This article tries to explore why.
40 Works of Street Art That Will Make You Stop And Think
Many beautiful works of art have been found in the most unique places. These artists make the streets their canvas and pour their hearts out to the world.
Take it Away, Tiny Dancer!
Amanda Ocampo has captured our hearts and enslaved our eyes with what seems to us as quite simply one of the best child dancers we've ever seen, and she's only 7 years old!
These Needle-Felted Cats Are Adorably Realistic
Japanese artist Mayumi Yamamoto makes incredibly lifelike cat portraits.
10 Must-Read and Must-See Books and Films about Aging
In the world of movies and books, there hasn’t always been an incredible representation of the aging process. We have found some gems for you though!
David Hockney: From Oil Painting to Digital Art
Now in 2022, we look at David Hockney's art as it evolved with each decade, always challenging norms. We're analyzing six decades of his artistic career.
When the Erhu Is Playing, Everyone Stops to Listen
A beautiful and touching Erhu Performance. Is there a more beautiful sounding instrument than this? We don't think so!
This Magic Trick Uses Technology to Dazzle the Audience
Let these identical twins dazzle you with their outstanding magic performance.
12 Artworks by J.M.W. Turner That Are Worth Adoring
Take a look at some of the finest artworks by English painter J.M.W Turner that still look so unique and charming.
WATCH: Bocelli Stuns Audience With An Amazing Surprise
Legendary tenor, Andrea Bocelli, does a wonderful job accompanying the lost voice of Edith Piaf in a glorious and totally unique performance.
These Paintings Perfectly Capture the Essence of the Ocean
These seascapes are hypnotizing. Check out the astounding work of Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky.
Listen to a Beautiful Waltz By the Amazing André Rieu
André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra are famous around the world for their beautiful performances, and this one is no exception. Enjoy it now.
Watch Dolly Parton Sing Jolene in A Capella!
When Dolly Parton joined modern a cappella group, The Pentatonix, for a sing song, they recorded this lovely version of the classic ballad, Jolene.
16 Unforgettable Tracks By Nat King Cole
Celebrate the beautiful music of one of the most influential jazz pianists and vocalists in history - Nat King Cole.
40 Terrifically Bizarre Statues You Won't Want to Miss
40 statues from around the world that redefine 'Special'.
Watch an Amazing Performance of Andre Rieu's 'Think of Me'
If you're as big a fan of The Phantom of the Opera as I am, then you're absolutely going to love this harmonious version of the classic song, Think of Me.
The Agile Riverdance of Michael Flately!
When it comes to huge performances of riverdance, no one can hold a candle to Michael Flately!
I Can’t Help Falling in Love with Bocelli’s Elvis Tribute
Watch as the spectacular Andrea Bocelli gives his rendition of an old Elvis classic. His performance made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
What a Funny Way to Illustrate the World's Proverbs!
Artist James Chapman loves proverbs. Here are 20 collected from around the world and illustrated marvelously. The wisdom of these leaps right from the page.
Justin and Jeremy - The Dynamic Twin Duo!
These twins just love their music and dancing - and so will you!