Selling a property can be an emotional milestone. But when the property is an actual castle, steeped in decades of dreams and hard work, that farewell carries even more weight.
For Rachael Moore and her husband Andre Meyer, the majestic Evermoore Estate near Gleniffer, southwest of Coffs Harbour in northern NSW, has been more than just a home — it’s been a living tribute to a family legacy.
“We’ve been the caretakers of something really magical,” Rachael says.
The Vision of Aunty Barb
Evermoore Estate was the dream of Barbara Moore, Rachael’s aunt, who first envisioned a castle in the 1990s. Turning fantasy into reality, she invested $3.5 million into building the estate.
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“Aunty Barb, she was very eccentric, she was a very unique human being,” Rachael recalled. “Who dreams of a castle and then builds it?”
Her passion project evolved from a vision into a tangible masterpiece: a towering stone structure with 12 stained-glass windows sourced from Scotland, a “Rapunzel room” with a Juliet balcony, and gardens sprawling around a hedge maze and thousands of trees.
A Castle of Wonders and Work
The castle was originally intended as a chapel. Today, it’s adorned with global trinkets, antique books, chandeliers, and every bit of Barbara’s vibrant personality.
“She wasn’t a minimalist — she wanted everything,” said family friend Linda Dalton.
Barbara never married or had children. Instead, she married the land.
“She planted more than 10,000 trees, brought back native plants, and soon the wildlife followed,” Andre said.
Even in her 70s, and while battling a brain tumour, Barbara could still be found riding her mower, caring for her land with joy and devotion.
From Fairytale to Reality
While the castle may look like something out of a storybook, it requires the sweat of Cinderella before the ball.
“It’s a little bit like a fairytale of Cinderella,” Rachael said with a laugh. “You’re at this enchanted magical ball, but you’re also scrubbing the floor.”
Maintaining Evermoore has been a labour of love. The vast gardens, hedge maze, and the castle’s intricate design demand constant care. For the past four years, Rachael and Andre have run the estate as a bed and breakfast, while living nearby in the homestead.
“We’ve literally brought her [Barbara’s] vision to life, which she wasn’t able to finish,” Rachael said.
A Legacy Ready to Be Shared
Though Barbara never saw her dream fully complete, her spirit remains in every stone and tree. Now, Rachael and Andre believe it’s time to pass that legacy on.
“It feels like it belongs to our family, but it can also be a legacy for a new family,” Rachael said.
The decision to sell wasn’t easy, but the sheer scale of upkeep eventually became too much.
“The gardening, you know, it’s so much work,” Andre added.
A Castle in the Subtropics
Neighbour Kevin Evans noted the unique contrast between the castle’s architecture and its subtropical setting.
“I think most people walked into the castle and their jaws were on the floor,” he said. “It was really quite extraordinary … not exactly what you expect in the Australian bush.”
Yet, it’s this juxtaposition that adds to Evermoore’s charm — a European fairytale tucked away in the lush hinterlands of NSW.
What Comes Next
The estate is now on the market, ready for a new generation of dreamers — whether as a family home, a retreat, or a hospitality venture.
Andre and Rachael hope the future owners embrace its beauty, quirks, and emotional depth.
“Someone out there is looking for this,” Rachael said. “It’s not just a house — it’s a living story. And now it’s ready for a new chapter.”
