The Ridge Castle was originally built by German Karl Ahl in the late 1970’s. It was solidly built using local ironstone, cement and all sorts of odds and ends. Wood fired stoves, a copper hot water tank, bread oven and even a small wine cellar. (SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE)

In 1986, the Ridge Castle was bought by Ted and Shirley Counsell.

They had been frequent visitors to the Ridge for the previous 20 years. Tiring of operating a fish and chip shop on the Manly beachfront, the opportunity to purchase the Ridge Castle arose and they didn’t hesitate to pursue a new lifestyle.

Friends and colleagues were incredulous at their decision. Their answer was simply that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Their dream was to live and mine in Lightning Ridge. The Ridge Castle was the catalyst though to make that giant leap from the golden sands of Manly to the dusty town of Lightning Ridge.

Ted being a builder, soon extended the Castle and continued to do so over the next couple of decades. He added roofing and paved areas, sleep outs, air-conditioning, extra rooms and a myriad of other improvements. Even a small swimming pool!

An old shed was transformed into a separate residence which became affectionately known as the “Motel” due to its modern interior. Sadly, this burnt down in 2013. It was rebuilt in 2015 on its original site and is now known as the “Knights Quarters.”

A new 1200Ah solar system and a 15kva diesel generator would provide plenty of power for the Knights Quarters and Castle. A 13,500 litre rainwater tank ensured plenty of hot water for showers. The Knights Quarters would be an extremely comfortable retirement residence.

Yet once it was finished, Ted and Shirley decided they preferred the quirkiness of living in the original Ridge Castle rather than the Knights Quarters. Shirley loved cooking on the traditional wood stoves. The stone walls. The turret. The “cutting room.” She was definitely the Queen of the Castle.

The Knights Quarters in the meantime became popular accommodation for friends and family.

Over many years, Ted and Shirley mined on many opal fields throughout the Lightning Ridge district. Unfortunately with no success.

They never worked the mine located on the Castle property itself though. It was always kept intact with the intention of working it as they aged. The convenience of having their own mine right outside their doorstep was a much anticipated bonus for their retirement years. The quality of opal in the Simms Hill area was legendary.

Could this be the story of the opal being right under their feet for all those years?

Unfortunately, the opportunity to continue mining once they entered their 80’s and 90’s diminished. Poor old Ted just couldn’t manage the climb up and down the ladders so the mining claim at the Ridge Castle had little work.

In 2018, Ted and Shirley eventually decided to abdicate and move to the south coast where medical services and a more relaxed style of living could be offered in their full retirement.

The family retained the Ridge Castle with new custodians, Roy and Peter. (Cheekily referred to as Prince Peter and Sir Roy by their parents). Both had lived here for many years in the 1980’s and 90’s.

The Royal sons initially started working in the Castles opal mine, but were constantly interrupted by many of the passing tourists wanting to explore the Castle interior. Many also wanted the opportunity to be able to experience an overnight stay. It quickly became apparent that the real treasure chest would be the Castle itself rather than opal mining.

After several months of renovations and quirky additions (including the Worlds Tallest Beer Bottle Clock Tower!) three very different accommodation experiences were made available on Airbnb. The Ridge Castle. The Knights Quarters and the Oasis

Roy and Peter are still regular visitors to the Ridge Castle and are still pursuing their dream of finding some magnificent black opals!