Most visitors to St. Augustine come for the Castillo de San Marcos, the lighthouse, the ghost tours, and the cobblestone streets of the historic district. They drive right past one of the strangest and most beautiful things in Northeast Florida without ever knowing it was there. Castle Otttis sits on Coastal Highway A1A about three miles north of downtown St. Augustine, rising more than 50 feet above the treeline with stone turrets that stop traffic every single day. It was built by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes between 1984 and 1988, based on Irish castles from 1,000 years ago, designed to be a landscape sculpture, open to the elements. Yes, the name has three T's. That is intentional. A Castle Built By Two Men With No Paid Help When Sadler and Ickes began work on the castle, it was never intended to be a residence or a business. Their ultimate aim was to create a work of art, one that would invoke the spirit of an old Irish abbey or Christian church. The two men took care of all the masonry themselves with no additional paid labor. What they built weighs an estimated 7 million pounds. It is constructed of split-face concrete blocks, reinforced steel rods, and poured concrete. The interior features eight different staircases, an altar, pulpit, Bishop's chair, choir loft, and benches and pews for prayer and meditation. With 88 windows without glass, the interior is open to the elements. The interior was created under guidance of historians from the Catholic Diocese of Northeast Florida to evoke an atmosphere of an Abbey or early Christian church in Ireland during the same period. Legally A Garage Here is the part that makes Castle Otttis truly legendary in St. Augustine lore. Once the walls were high enough to be noticed, the builders were told they needed a construction permit. Due to a clerical error, the building was accidentally officially designated as a garage - albeit a garage built of split-face concrete blocks, reinforced steel rods and poured concrete weighing an estimated 7 million pounds. It is quite possibly the world's most impressive garage. Visiting Castle Otttis Castle Otttis is privately owned and has no formal connection with any group or organization. It hosts a public interdenominational Christian worship service on the last Sunday of each month. Visiting the castle is by appointment only, whether for school trips, wedding ceremonies, or private tours. To book a private tour, 72 hours advance notice is required. Tours are free, though donations are appreciated. There are three levels including the rooftop, where you will find panoramic views of the ocean. A few practical notes: the castle is not accessible for visitors with mobility issues, as stairs are throughout the property. No food, drinks, gum, or children under 9. Photography is welcome and the space is genuinely spectacular for it. Even if you cannot get inside, the view from A1A is worth slowing down for. The turrets rising above the Florida treeline look like somethi