HISTORY

The Villa Kathrine is a unique example of Mediterranean architecture.  Built as a home in 1900 on a bluff with a breath-taking view of the Mississippi River, it is on the National Register of Historic Places, Illinois Register of Historic Places and Quincy Local Landmarks.  George Behrensmeyer was the architect.

Built for Quincy native and world traveler George Metz, based on his sketches and photos of villas in various parts of the Mediterranean world, the exterior is modeled after the Villa ben Ahben in Morocco.

Metz lived in his Villa alone, accompanied only by his 212-pound dog, a Mastiff named "Bingo".

Exterior and interior restoration work was begun by the Friends of the Castle in 1978 and completed in 1998.