AriZona Real Estate insider!

 List Price: $2,475,000
Sold Price: $1,450,000
Size: 7,807 sq. ft.

A prominent Valley landmark, the “Castle on Camelback,” has changed hands once again. The storied property, perched high on the southern slope of Camelback Mountain, sold for $1.45 million—well below its $2.475 million asking price. Known for its iconic stone walls and commanding views of the Phoenix skyline, the castle has long been a local enigma, and its latest chapter may finally bring the property back to its former glory.

“This is a landmark property,” Pazderka said, referencing the castle’s odd mix of faux-Moorish and medieval design. “Unfortunately, it’s been neglected for years. I hope to bring it back to the magnificent property it once was.”

The property was originally built by orthodontist Dr. Mort Copenhaver over a decade, starting in 1967. Featuring turrets, a drawbridge fire escape, and a towering fireplace that once showcased a 17-foot waterfall, the castle is an architectural oddity even in the luxury-driven real estate market of Camelback Mountain.

Despite its uniqueness, the castle has been a financial burden for its owners. After Copenhaver’s dental business collapsed, he listed the property for sale in 1985 at $7 million—an extravagant sum at the time—but later reduced the price to $2.5 million. The property languished on the market, and Copenhaver lost it in bankruptcy.

The castle’s troubled financial history didn’t stop there. Jerry Mitchell, co-developer of Scottsdale’s Rawhide theme park, bought the castle in 1989 for $985,000 through his Camelback Castle Corp. However, in 2004, the corporation filed for bankruptcy, and the property was once again in jeopardy. Old Standard Life Insurance Co. acquired the castle for $2.6 million in 2005, but it was foreclosed again after the company liquidated.

Now, with a new owner and a fresh vision, Copenhaver Castle may finally see the restoration it deserves. Pazderka is already working with local architects to merge “Old World” drama with modern-day luxury, incorporating new living spaces, a negative-edge pool, and Tuscan-inspired patios that take full advantage of the castle’s panoramic views.

He also hopes to secure a historical landmark designation for the property—a nod to its unique status in Arizona real estate lore. Once the extensive renovations are complete, Pazderka plans to make the castle his personal residence.

“It’s going to take a lot of money and a lot of time,” Pazderka admitted. But for a property that’s long been a financial nightmare, there’s hope that Camelback’s castle may finally have found its king.