Sequim, Washington: Bandy's Troll Haven

I lived in Sequim Washington for nine months. I am now in California and had many opportunities to visit the "Troll Haven." I was able to tour the Bandy's personal home grounds. His son runs most things around there and we were warmly welcomed by him. It has a very fun spirit. The Neptune's keep an amazing house. It is still owned by him but is rented out to some amazing people that we know. Just remember it may be an attraction, but is still people's home where they live.

We were lucky enough to have a friend who rented the castle for a weekend for his Mother's 80th birthday party, so we were able to tour not only the grounds, but the inside of the castle as well! As the massive front door, replete with etched glass dragons and other mystical spirits, swings closed behind you, you are instantly transported back in time. The castle is composed of different time periods, from Victorian to Medieval.

A massive crystal and gold chandelier hangs far above inside the rotunda, which has a circular staircase curving underneath 7 intricate stained glass windows. Five heavily carved Gothic chairs covered in with red velvet sit in front of a long breakfast bar, which divides the kitchen area from the living room. A stairway off the living room leads downwards to the dungeon, which also contains bedrooms! Furnishings all over the castle are rich and heavily carved. Upstairs is bright and airy, each room tastefully done and reminds one of a classic hotel. Large balconies afford visitors sweeping views of water and mountains.

Downstairs, step back into Medieval times as the stone walls of the dungeon wind around in a labyrinth style, passing by alcoves set into the walls which house crossed swords, glass etchings of mystical origins and other interesting things. Scattered around the dungeon are various instruments of torture. Stone gargoyles adorn walls and massive 6-8 inch thick English oak doors mounted with heavy black iron hinges. Stalagmites hang from the hallway ceilings as you wind your way from one room to the next.

While being classic in dungeon decor, it is neither dark nor cold. While there are no windows to the outside, everything is well lit, and there is modern heating and plumbing throughout the castle. Rental of the castle is spendy, but for a special occasion that guests will never forget, it is well worth it!

My wife and I visited Troll Haven recently and found it a refreshing diversion! We met a nice young man who welcomed us to park and tour the grounds from the road, explaining that this is for all to enjoy, but please respect the privacy. Apparently it was built by Mr. Bandy as a way to express himself and put a smile on all whom visit. The buffalo, orchards and perfectly manicured yards are certainly a treat!

We've visited Troll Haven several times. Legend has it that Bandy wanted to build a place to showcase his jellies. For some reason he also built a fancy house about a block away called Neptune's Keep. He had the nerve to block someone's water view and caused quite a ruckus. Last we heard he had returned to California and was selling Neptune's Keep, but family members still live at Troll Haven. We've never encountered anyone, friendly or not, but we don't trespass on the actual grounds and just stay long enough to snap a couple pictures and laugh at the fence pole that's picking his nose!

My husband and I recently visited Brandy's Troll Haven and discovered that it is all private property now. There are no trespassing signs everywhere and the road is closed off to non-residents. We were told we could stand in the street and take pictures, but were watched by I'm assuming the owner who was mowing the lawn the entire time. Tourists are definitely not welcome unless they are willing to rent the Castle and its grounds.