Many people dream of living in a castle, but how do you sell one?
Realtors Phil Golfi and Rob Golfi of Remax Escarpment Golfi Realty in Hamilton have a plan to sell one of their city’s most iconic, historically significant and recognizable residences, Ravenscliffe Castle.
It would be easy to rely on features and figures: an approximately 12,000-square-foot castle with much of its original architectural character intact, 26 rooms, eight fireplaces and more.
However, Phil Golfi, who spoke with Real Estate Magazine about the listing, says the marketing plan is to share the story about the house. “Ravenscliffe Castle remains an extraordinary architectural landmark, offering a rare glimpse into Hamilton’s prosperous past and representing a timeless legacy of elegance, prestige and historical significance.”
It was built in 1881 by architect James Balfour for William J. Copp, a prominent industrialist. Balfour’s other work includes Hamilton’s former city hall. Ravenscliffe Castle was later home to Sir John Morison Gibson, a lawyer, politician and former lieutenant-governor of Ontario, Golfi says.
A castle in rare condition
The current owner bought the castle in 2015 and did a lot of renovations. “Older homes are usually in quite poor condition and need maintenance. The first time I saw it I was shocked at the (great) condition. The owner has a full maintenance team full time. Mechanically he redid everything,” Golfi says.
The castle on the hill is made of imported Scottish stone and is an example of Victorian-era architecture featuring intricate stonework, dramatic rooflines and a five-storey tower.
It boasts principal rooms with high ceilings, original carved woodwork, plaster mouldings, ceiling medallions and panelling. It has multiple fireplaces, formal living and dining spaces and a grand staircase.
The dining room at Ravenscliffe Castle. Photo courtesy of Phil and Rob Golfi, Remax Escarpment Golfi Realty.
The property was originally about nine acres, Golfi says. “Ravenscliffe Avenue was once the private driveway leading to the castle before the surrounding lands were subdivided into the prestigious residential neighbourhood it is today.”
The castle, which is zoned residential, is in the Durand neighbourhood, near the base of the escarpment, close to downtown Hamilton, hospitals, transit and restaurants.
The kitchen at Ravenscliffe Castle. Photo courtesy of Phil and Rob Golfi, Remax Escarpment Golfi Realty.
Ready for its close-up
If Ravenscliffe Castle looks familiar, you may have seen it on one of the many television shows and movies. The most recent is “Humane,” which was released in 2024. The gracious castle appears front and centre in the trailer and movie, which was directed by Caitlin Cronenberg and stars Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire and Peter Gallagher.
“Being featured in movies and TV shows makes it more renowned,” Golfi says, something else to add to the buzz.
Golfi, who says he values print coverage, says Ravenscliffe Castle has been featured in local and national magazines, as well as Remax Escarpment Golfi’s in-house magazine. It has also been marketed through the company’s email lists.
Ravenscliffe Castle’s tower and front entrance. Photo courtesy of Phil and Rob Golfi, Remax Escarpment Golfi Realty.
Finding the right buyer
Marketing is geared to a variety of potential buyers. He says if he had to create a hypothetical buyer, it would be a big family because the castle has 11 bedrooms and eight bathrooms. “But if you look at the current owner, you wouldn’t think it would appeal to him but he loves it.” Two occupants currently call the castle home. “It’s going to appeal to someone who appreciates architecture and someone who wants to live in a castle.”
The owner reached out to Golfi in March. Remax Escarpment Golfi Realty’s office is housed in an old mansion, which the seller always admired, Golfi says. “We work in the same neighbourhood and have a good track record with unique and older homes.”
Ravenscliffe Castle was originally listed for $6.4 million but was recently reduced to $5.9 million. Golfi says the response to date has been “positive. People love and adore the castle.”
He’s had a few showings and local interest. He has also had interest from a Hollywood producer, but no series interest yet.
An aerial view of Ravenscliffe Castle in Hamilton. Photo courtesy of Phil and Rob Golfi, Remax Escarpment Golfi Realty.
“We have a long runway. It’s about getting the story of the house out there and finding the right buyer,” he says, adding it will be someone who wants to own a true piece of Canadian architectural history.
“I’m going to exhaust every market avenue. When it sells, it will be one of the most famous sales in Hamilton and will be talked about,” Golfi says. He says he’s excited about the challenge.
Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.
