George RR Martin’s request to build ‘medieval castle’ in Santa Fe rejected after neighbours protest
‘Game of Thrones’ author planned to build 27ft tall building
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.George RR Martin’s request to build a castle-style library at his compound in Santa Fe has been rejected by the city’s Historic Districts Review Board.
The Game of Thrones author had planned to construct 27ft tall, seven-sided “medieval castle” with a roof deck and elevator tower.
“It is a medieval castle, and I don’t understand how we could possibly approve it in this style,” board member Frank Katz said, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
A resident who lives south of the property, Mark Graham, said the community could not “support having a castle in the neighbourhood”.
“With the notoriety of Mr Martin and Game of Thrones, we absolutely fear that our neighbourhood will become the next treasure hunt, that his fans will be looking to find the castle that’s in the middle of Santa Fe,” he said.
According to architecture firm Autotroph, the library was intended to house “a very sizable collection” of literature and “other collectibles”.
More than 40 neighbours had signed a letter urging the Historic Districts Review Board to reject the request.
“The proposed building is a prominent castle in the middle of a residential neighbourhood in Santa Fe,” the letter said. “It WILL BE VISIBLE.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments