The Ozark Medieval Fortress, a 13th-century-style French castle being constructed by hand in Boone County, has closed indefinitely, founder Michel Guyot said Friday.
Financial problems prompted the closure of thefortress, which was open to visitors during 2010 and 2011, Guyot said.
“We are now seeking one or several investors or a buyer,” Guyot said by email from France.
Guyot, a French archeologist and businessman, has renovated several castles, including Chateau de Saint-Fargeau in Puisaye Forterre, about 100 miles outside of Paris.
He also has had success with a project in France called Guedelon, which was similar to the Ozark Medieval Fortress. Like the Boone County castle, Guedelon is being built by hand with tools available in the 13thcentury, according to its website: guedelon.fr.
Ozark Medieval Fortress charged admission - $18 for adults and $9 for children - and volunteers and interns paid fees to cover insurance and camping costs, such as water and bathrooms, according to ozarkmedievalfortress.com.
The project also offered a “Wall Builder’s Ticket” for $225, which granted a visitor the chance to pick, split and mark a stone to be put in the fortress wall, according to the website.
Arkansas Tourism Director Joe David Rice said he ordered changes to advertising that included theOzark Medieval Fortress upon learning of its closure Dec. 31.
“The owners told me in mid-December things did not look good, and they would know for sure Dec. 30,” Rice said. “I got an email the last day of the year confirming they would notopen this year.”
A television commercial set to air in the spring had to be edited to remove footage of the fortress and print ads also were changed, Rice said. It’s possible Guyot expected the project would have success similar to Guedelon, but underestimated the benefit of Guedelon’s location two hours’ drive outside Paris.
The Ozark Medieval Fortress sits on 50 acres on Arkansas 14 between Omaha and Lead Hill, near the Missouri border. The fortress is roughly 26 miles south of Branson and 22 miles north of Harrison.
Terry Cook, executive director of the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he had to change the city’s marketing campaign, which featured the fortress.
“Where it weakens us is it’s something we don’t have to offer visitors,” he said. “It was a draw to our area and it’s one less thing to offer in the Ozarks to do and see.”
Cook said Rice told him about the closure before he placed the city’s most recent advertising, so he was able to have it changed. It’s hard to know how many people visited the area because of the fortress, he said.
“The neat thing about it is every time you went out there was something new to see,” he said. “I’m hoping they’ll come back after this year of sitting out.”
News of the closure surprised tourism officials in Missouri on Friday, said Ross Summers, president and chief executive officer of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We tried to work closely with the owners. Unfortunately not all businesses are successful, and that’s what appears to have happened here,” Ross said. “We were looking forward to a longterm, long-range project with the fortress.”
The fortress is featured in a Branson vacation guide and other publications and advertisements, which will have to be changed as the opportunities arises, Rosssaid.
“It’s sad they’re gone, but that’s the way it goes,” Ross said.
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Northwest Arkansas, Pages 9 on 01/21/2012