Atalaya Castle

Atalaya Castle is a Mediterranean Revival residence in Murrells Inlet with thirty rooms arranged around a large courtyard centered on a forty-foot water tower. The rooms open onto the central courtyard, creating a connected layout with covered walkways.

The building was constructed between 1931 and 1933 as a winter residence for the Huntington family. During World War II, it served as barracks for United States Air Corps units monitoring beach activities.

The estate contains dedicated studio spaces where sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington created her artworks while keeping live animals as models. These rooms still show the practical layout of an artist's workshop from that era.

The estate sits within Huntington Beach State Park, which maintains the property and offers regular tours through the Friends of Huntington Beach State Park. Morning hours provide the best visiting conditions when fewer people are around.

The windows feature wrought iron grills designed by Anna Hyatt Huntington herself to protect the building from hurricanes and tropical storms. These functional elements blend into the Moorish architectural theme of the estate.

Location: Georgetown County

Architects: Archer Milton Huntington

Architectural style: Mediterranean Revival architecture, Moorish Revival architecture

Part of: Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens

GPS coordinates: 33.51389,-79.08528

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29