Aldie, Virginia: Bull Run Castle (Closed)

A lover's getaway and Harry Potter party spot -- and it's been built to be defended.

I dropped by in July, and the place still seemed to be locked up. Car and truck out front, no sign of people around. No sign of tour availability.

Finally got a chance to see the castle. Although impressive, it had a giant chain and padlock on the front door. A truck was parked outside but nobody was in sight. I have the feeling that tours are no longer available.

At Bull Run Castle, Mr. Miller is charming and welcoming! The castle is just that. As a connoisseur of Arthurian Legends, I can attest to that! You'll be intrigued and charmed by the stories of Mr. Miller's family and how the castle was built. You'll be shocked by Mr. Miller's outspoken opinions -- some might applaud even. He'll show you around his home and shop as though he's known you all along. I honestly thought he'd invite us for dinner or an appertif! Perhaps the most charming of all is the story of how he met his sweetheart Harriet in the 3rd grade, married her, divorced her ("because I was a fool"}, and then 51 years later, found her again. He is currently waiting for her to join him in a castle built for a princess. What is a castle without a good love story?

Bull Run Castle is still open for tours and is still up for sale. The tour now includes a locally produced cable-access documentary about Miller and his castle -- including an interview with a man from Aldie, VA who claims Miller threatened him with an ax (a story Miller denies). The film gives Miller extra opportunities to express his disdain for college education and his admiration for Republicans, especially George W. Bush. There's also the story of how Miller reconnected with his high school sweetheart (with poetry recitation). In addition to the vampires who regularly meet at the castle, it is now a popular site for Harry Potter parties.