Scotsman, Dave Leslie, is proud of his heritage and his ancestral roots.  He is equally proud of his home, Stonehaven Castle, named after Stonehaven, Scotland where his father was born. 

Stonehaven, originally known as "De Castle" was built by an Irishman, Paddy 'O Connor, early last century.  His first wife could not stand living out here in the middle of nowhere so she upped and left him. I'm told he remarried two more times, to women who were much younger than him, and both weddings took place at the Castle, so weddings have been happening here a very long time." said Dave Leslie.

The lower section of the building was built as a water reservoir and today still serves as a watering hole, but is now a bar.

The second floor was built once the roof on the tank had been mastered.  Now the functions ahll, this room has had many uses. It has served as a cattle shed,  pig sty, egg sorting room and hay store.  During the cyclone Demonia, it was filled wo the roof with blankets and food dropped by helicopters to help survivors of the dreadful flood that devastated the valley.

Thirty five years ago Dave met one of the stone masons who had helped build the tower.  He was then in his late 60's.  Many times he would wander up the hill and tell Dave of the good old days.  One day Carlos put his hand on one of the stones and said in a proud, well spoken English voice.  "I cut this stone and placed it here."  Every stone was hand cut and came from around the farm.

The Castle

Then & Now