Greeba Castle

A castellate styled Victorian residence at the base of Greeba mountain. The property was the main residence of the popular novelist Hall Caine, drawn to the Island to write The Manxman, having rented the property, he decided to purchase and lived there from 1896 until his death in 1931.


Early History

Built in 1849, in a gothic style, popular at the time, by architect John Robinson, who also designed the Government's 'Wedding Cake building' building in Douglas (previously Bank of Mona), Falcon Cliff, Douglas Head Hotel and the Derby Castle.

Originally built for William Nowell, then sold to Edward Windus a son of publishers. Later was sold to Hall Caine.
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  • Greeba Castle

    Main enterance, attribution: DroneSurvey.im

  • Greeba Castle

    East wing, attribution: DroneSurvey.im

  • Greeba Castle

    From above, attribution: DroneSurvey.im

  • Greeba Castle: Grounds

    Attribution: DroneSurvey.im

  • Greeba Castle: Writers Study

    Attribution: DroneSurvey.im

  • Greeba Castle

    Attribution: DroneSurvey.im

  • Hidden writers study at Greeba Castle

    Attribution: DroneSurvey.im

  • Greeba Castle: Painting

  • Greeba Castle

    Old Post card

  • Greeba Castle

    Old Post card

  • Greeba Castle

    Writers Study

  • Greeba Castle

    Mr and Mrs Hall Caine

  • Hall Caine at Greeba Castle

    With family

  • Hall Caine at Greeba Castle

    Pathe News, last interview
Trivia

Greeba castle is still owned by Hall Caine's descendants.

It is said the original owner of Greeba Castle lost the house in a game of cards, and he built a 2nd similar property next door called Greeba Towers.

Part way up the mountain, from the property is a small writers retreat, a study, where Hall Caine wrote his novels.

The castle was once covered head-to-toe with climbing ivy.

Hall Caine was a celebrity of his day, so much so, visitors to the Isle of Man would buy post cards of himself & Greeba Castle, stopping by the road to peak a glimpse of the property.



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