San Pedro, California's Ayres Castle

Another Pedro gem -- the Ayres Castle.

(LA Okay)

The San Pedro Ayres Castle was built in 1925 by World War I veteran and San Pedro High welding teacher, Vern Ayres. It was inspired by the classic Scottish castle but has since been converted to a 6 unit apartment building. Ayres created underground tunnels that leads to the Castle's interior garden. Canons spout from spout from the top of the Castle. The building resides on Peck Avenue.

I first learned of this Castle at the age of 16 in 1996. I attended a friend's birthday party which was held at the Castle. At the time my friend's sister resided there. The inside was incredibly pretty but haunting as well. It appeared very Modern Medieval inside with cemented goblin structures inside. Whether these structures still exists, I don't know.

Credit: SPBXB

Credit: SPBXB

According to San Pedro Today, Ayres later piloted Catalina flying boats and lived in a rear apartment known to others as "The Dungeon."

The current resident is Robyn Brewer has lived at the Castle for 15 years. Brewer spoke of the Castles' intrigue in the 2010 article. "There's nothing like it. I've great memories of exploring the hidden doors and secret spots, and I think I've fund them all, but who knows?" She goes on to speak of the paranormal within the home. "Someone has made his or her presence known and moved objects."

A former male tenant (who's name was not mentioned in the article) had stated that, "similar in appearance to Willy Nelson, who walks through the walls, sometimes with a dog." He asked, "What's it like on the other side?" The ghost replied, "Whatever I want is immediate."

Gordon Millman has been the proud owner of the Castle since the mid 1970s. He continues to preserve the Castle however as time goes on it ha become increasingly difficult to maintain it. Public donations are welcomed. For more information email at slectrala@att.net.

Being that the Ayres Castle has been converted into an apartment building, it does not resemble a clear cut Castle as I imagine it once did. I would love to have seen it when it was originally structured. Never the less, I am glad it exists. Another diamond in the rough from San Pedro. I have moved away from Pedro a couple of times and I have come to realize that this place is my home. As I age I come to find old stomping grounds all the more precious.