Castle style property for sale in Indiana County

The only thing missing is the moat.

Chateau de Lions is a castle-style estate on 58 acres in rural Indiana County that was listed for sale last week with Elaine Shetler-Libent of Keller Williams Realty for $1.2 million.

“The price of this offer is below the estimated value,” said Shetler-Libent.

The English-style stone residence is the result of the imagination and hard work of owner David Semon, who works as a home builder and carpenter.

“It’s bittersweet. More bitter than sweet,” Semon said of the sale. “I loved Victorian-style houses to begin with and I’m a third-generation builder. I was born in sawdust.”

He said he is selling the unique country home for two reasons – a divorce and the need to downsize as his children are now grown and have moved out.

Courtesy of Property Vids Productions

The entrance gate to Chateau de Lions in Indiana County.

The stone house is hidden off Route 422 near Indiana and is located at 1621 Lions Health Camp Road.

The sprawling residence offers more than 9,000 square feet of living space and miles of unobstructed views from its castle-style windows.

“There’s nothing within a half-mile in any direction,” Semon said of the privacy the house offers.

He has installed a security system and the entrance gate can be controlled from the house.

Each of the five bedrooms has its own bathroom and the castle theme runs throughout the house.

Semon graduated from Homer City High School in 1983 and has always had an interest in architecture.

“I built it because I wanted to and was interested in Gothic architecture. It kept coming back to me and I just love it,” Semon said.

Semon’s three children grew up in the castle, which looked particularly cool at school.

“Prom and graduation photos were taken here and most of the parties were held here. You can have 50 to 75 people visiting and not even notice,” Semon said.

Two stone castles on either side of the iron entrance gate offer a first glimpse into castle life. A paved road winds through the forest for about half a mile until it reaches the rectory.

Double staircases at the entrance, chandeliers, a library, a gym, a workshop, a three-car garage, a hot tub with shower and a stone courtyard are some of the luxurious features of this old-fashioned design.

Joyce Hanz | TRIBLIVE

An entrance with a double staircase and a large chandelier greet visitors to the Chateau de Lions in Indiana County.

Built in 2002, the courtyard features a Gothic stone fountain with illuminated water. Construction took about three years and Semon’s custom woodwork can be seen on mantels, furniture and more.

“I’m three-quarters Croatian,” joked Semon, considering the irony that he has no British ancestry.

He collects British motorcycles, and Triumph motorcycles and quads are scattered around the property, which has miles of ATV trails.

Shetler-Libent said the property is intended for all uses, including the possibility of a guest house, wedding and event venue, residence or Airbnb rental.

“I envision this as an international luxury market because the architecture has a European feel to it,” Shetler-Libent said. “You’ll find a luxury buyer who appreciates the uniqueness and continuity of the entire property. It’s private and secure. It’s like a fortress.”

“I’ll take anyone who appreciates it, and I think it would be someone who likes English architecture. Just someone who likes it, and it would be good for hunters,” Semon said. “There’s a lot of game here.”

Joyce Hanz | TRIBLIVE

A giant chandelier hangs in front of a floor-to-ceiling window in the great room of Chateau de Lions, a castle-style single-family home for sale in Indiana County.

Semon prefers the bedroom suite with loft and whirlpool room as well as the great room.

The basement is carpeted and soundproofed because the family always played music.

There are dozens of decorative gargoyles scattered throughout and the property has well water.

And as for the moat…

“It’s too hilly here to have one,” joked Semon.