In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Chad and Amanda Welty, the castle keepers of Newman’s Castle in Bellville, Texas. They share the fascinating story of how a small-town baker, Mike Newman, turned his dream into one of Texas’s most unique landmarks; a hand-built medieval castle complete with towers, a drawbridge, and even a moat!
From family heritage and quirky castle traditions to movie shoots, Make-A-Wish events, and sword-fighting tournaments, Chad and Amanda reveal what it’s like to manage daily life inside a real castle; mowing the lawns, fixing walls, and welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
⏰ 00:00 – Meet Chad and Amanda Welty, keepers of Newman’s Castle
⏰ 01:45 – The legacy of Mike Newman: from baker to castle builder
⏰ 04:30 – Building a castle by hand — 18 years in the making
⏰ 07:15 – Myths, moats, and Texas-sized surprises
⏰ 10:40 – Inside daily life as modern-day castle keepers
⏰ 14:00 – Hosting weddings, tours, and film crews
⏰ 17:30 – Behind the scenes of The Jester Boy and Devil’s Night
⏰ 22:15 – The Make-A-Wish princess and community connections
⏰ 25:40 – The annual historical fencing tournament
⏰ 30:10 – Life in the castle after dark — the eerie side of history
⏰ 33:45 – Future plans: guest rooms, events, and Tudor-style expansions
⏰ 37:20 – Supporting local business and keeping Bellville vibrant