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
The Circular Nature of Olafur Eliasson's Architectural Art
Circular and spherical shapes repeat themselves in Eliasson‘s works, meant to reflect a sense of unity, oneness, and awareness of one’s surroundings.
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.
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.
Add Some Humor to Your Day With These One-Frame Funnies
Enjoy these funny and cute single panel comics by artist Maria Scrivan.
Now There's a Second Parthenon In the World...
This Argentinean artist's monument of resistance to political oppression is poignant and ingenious. Take a look at the "Parthenon of books".
These Ingenious Designs Made Us Say ‘Wow!’
Some product designers, architects, advertisers, and graphic designers are just brilliant at their job! Take a look at these brilliant and creative design ideas.
Now That's Ventriloquism Like I've Never Seen Before...
This ventriloquist has found a new and creative way to make us laugh and gasp.
Fall in Love with these Enchanting Paintings..
Kal Gajoum specializes in oil painting and palette knife techniques. Here are his mesmerizing and magnificent paintings.
When Your Teacher is a Genius with a Piece of Chalk
This Japanese artist is so talented he can create amazing chalk drawings that will only last an hour, just to inspire his beloved students.
This Performer Really Knows How to Keep Her Balance!
Anastasia Tyurina shows her balancing skills with the Dalian Acrobatic Troupe, performing a number from The Nutcracker.
How Is This Possible?! This Artist Draws Like a Printer
This artist earned the nickname “the printer man” for having a unique skill of drawing freehand in small increments, just like a printer
This Sublime Classical Performance Will Take You to Heaven
This beautiful video celebrates two wonderful musicians together, one on cello and the other on the violin. Here they play Czardas.
Such Meticulous, Beautiful Paper Art Is Such a Treat To See
The incredibly detailed and stunning paper art of Maude White.
When Two Masters Play Together, the Magic Is Already There
The music created by these 2 musicians is incredibly soothing and peaceful.
Have You Ever Seen Hand-Cut Paper Look So Beautiful?
These hand-cut paper artworks are simply stunning, because of their extraordinary level of detail. They have inspired me to give it a go myself!
String Pulling Art - the Newest Art Technique Out There
Fluid string-pulling art is a fairly new and intriguing art technique that uses chains, strings, and colorful paints to create amazing bouquets of flowers
15 Incredible Paintings That Every Art Lover Must Know...
Here are some of the greatest paintings in art history. What do they mean to you?
This Classic Dance Takes an Unforeseen Turn...
Watch and gasp as these two amazing dancers jump, fly and float like two feathers in the wind. Outstanding.
The Oldest Stories Ever Written, Told in Beautiful Paintings
These are 15 absolutely stunning paintings that show you some incredible moments amidst the billions of legends in Greek Mythology.
This Artist's Paintings Are So Realistic You'll Be Fooled
Take a look at the incredibly realistic paintings of Patrick Kramer. He creates his art from photos and paints whatever captures his interest, be it from still lives, portraits, city scenes or landscapes.
I've Never Seen a Choir Do THIS...
I don't think anyone has ever attempted what this choir is doing with ease!
INTERACTIVE: 12 of the Most Beautiful Classical Pieces...
By exploring this interactive image you can experience stunning interpretations of timeless melodies, both classic and contemporary. Just click on these keys and watch the magic unfold!
A Magical Moment of Pure Music For You to Enjoy...
This beautiful piece by Brahms gets even more magical in the hands of famous pianist Emanuel Ax.
Stunning! This Miniature Bird Art is Made from Paper
Check out this stunning miniature bird art.
These Acrobats Are True Masters of Their Craft
Watch these acrobats put on a perfromance like no other.
The Historical Shots That Paved the Way...
Admire the artistic genius of Oscar G. Rejlander in this photo collection and learn about this outstanding Victorian photographer here
Whoa! Witness the Perfect Blend of Humor and Magic
You've simply got to see this hilarious magic show about a sad man trying to drink away his troubles...
7 Scenes that Show the Impact Paintings Have on Cinema
The world of art is full of references to other famous artworks. Here are 7 examples of this from the world of cinema.
This Chinese Wushu Mass Performance is Absolutely Awesome
It's Spring festival 2019, and in China they are doing an incredible Wushu Shaolin performance.
Discover the Amazing History & Design of Fabergé Eggs
You've probably heard of Fabergé Eggs, but how much do you actually know about these unique historical jewels?
Music Box: 20 Beautiful Covers of Beloved Rock Ballads
Presenting a collection of the best ballads, reimagined as unique piano covers that add a new level of emotion and originality.
Will this Acrobat Blow Your Minds as Well?
Watch Kai Ho's dangerous and skilled acrobatic performance.
Amazing! Who Knew Spilled Coffee Could Create Great Art?
Amazing! This Italian artist uses spilled coffee to create stunning pieces of art. Check out some of her work here!
Reviving Classic Legends: Howard Pyle's Timeless Paintings
Let's explore the masterful paintings of Howard Pyle, a celebrated artist and illustrator from the 1800s.
Cake Making Like THIS Is A Beautiful Art!
You can have some great fun baking, but you probably haven't tried to bake a cake that doubles as a work of art before. Here are 30+ examples to inspire you!
This Live Soprano Aria Performance Will Blow Your Mind!
Take a look at this beautiful and magnificent soprano aria of the famous 'Song of Olympia'.
Learn Some Fascinating Facts in the Most Fun Way!
Just Keep Thinking is a project making information about the world accessible and fun through fun colorful illustrations. Scroll to learn something new!
Hear 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' Like Never Before!
See a stunning adaptation of the holiday classic, 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,' sung by the super-talented Pentatonix.
Look Closer! These Nature Pictures Are Not What They Seem
The impeccable detail found in these masterpieces make this artist's paintings look more like photographs than works of art.
This Is What 100 Years of Dancing Look Like
This video is so creative, because it features just 2 dancers doing 100 dances with 100 changes of wardrobe. Amazing!
This Stunning Chapel in Naples Will Leave You in Awe
This chapel looks more like a museum than a church. Take a look at its stunning sculptures here.
The Beauty of Mary Cassatt's Impressionist Paintings...
American painter Mary Cassatt beautifully captured the inner lives of French women in the 19th century.
These Gorgeous, Classic Paintings Will Leave You in Awe
J.M.W. Turner is perhaps one of the most well-known British artists ever. When you feast your eyes on 10 of his most famous paintings, you'll understand why.
This John Lennon Song Reminds Me it's Good to Be Older
This beautiful presentation takes us through the annals of "Borrowed Time" - a great and meaningful song by John Lennon.
This Classical Duo's Music Will Touch Your Soul, Guaranteed
Watch the legendary Anre Rieu perform alongside Gheorghe Zamfir, as they treat their audience to Lonely Shepherd, live from Bucharest.
The Art of Stone Carving Has Been Brought Back to Life!
This amazing artist makes creating sculptures look almost easy, but watch the video to know the real heart and work that goes into it.
The Art World Was Scandalized By This Artist's Smile
Vigée-Le Brun quickly rose to fame, but at the start of her career she was criticised over a smile. Take a look at some of her work.