22-Year Engagement: Couple Waits for Fairytale Castle Wedding

A Tasmanian couple, Christina Kent and Francis Shepherd, have been engaged for 22 years as they dedicate themselves to building their dream home, Castle Phoenix. They purchased five acres of land near Geeveston in Tasmania with the intention of constructing a fairytale castle, a project that began over two decades ago.

Inspired by Francis's passion for unique architecture, the couple envisioned a 17-meter-tall structure. After obtaining council approval in late 2009 and building permission in 2010, they began the arduous process of construction. They funded the project by selling Christina's house and arranging a small loan, with Francis continuing his work as a tiler and Christina assisting him.

Castle Phoenix has become an art project, featuring 27 rooms and incorporating around 100,000 bricks. The couple has personally crafted many decorative elements, including ceramic flowers and mosaic tiles. Significant progress has been made, with extensive groundwork and the construction of several basement rooms completed, although only three of the eight planned turrets are finished.

The construction journey has presented numerous challenges, including financial pressures and health issues for the couple. Despite these difficulties, friends and family have offered assistance with decorative features. The castle has also garnered international attention, with visitors from various countries expressing interest in touring the property.

The couple's wedding remains postponed until the castle's completion. While exterior tiling continues and windows are hoped to be installed by 2027, the final turrets and rooftops require further work. Christina humorously notes their lengthy engagement, stating, "Lucky I like long engagements!"