Inside a $2.5 million Michigan castle that harkens back to medieval Europe with its secret passageways, wooden drawbridge, and wine cellar

Gatecliff didn't think he'd ever own a castle.

He hasn't spent a single night at the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion that is 30 minutes north of Detroit.

The structure is 10,000 square feet, five levels, and is located in Rochester, Michigan. There are secret passageways, wooden drawbridge, and other classical features reminiscent of the 15th century Scottish medieval era. There are also modern conveniences such as a gym and a fire protection system.

Gatecliff came to own the castle after striking up a business deal with the original designer of the castle.

Public records show that the land for the castle was purchased in 1991, and that he undertook several trips to Europe, as well as studying multiple books on castle architecture, to study up on the subject. Gatecliff's castle took nearly six years to build at a cost of $10.5 million, according to Dylan Tent, a real estate agent with the company.

Gatecliff said that the home was supposed to be an engagement present for the couple.

Gatecliff said that LeBlanc was in poor health and had trouble making payments on the property. Gatecliff agreed to lend LeBlanc more than a million dollars to keep the home, but he would have to repay it in monthly installments. Gatecliff was left in possession of the property after LeBlanc died at 73 years old.

Gatecliff said that James was an amazing person. I helped out a guy who was about to lose his house and became friends with him.

Gatecliff said he and LeBlanc had a lot in common even though they were strangers. Both men owned businesses in the area. Gatecliff's company was called Pipe Systems, Inc., while the other was called Advanced Defense Vehicle Systems. Gates helped source parts for some military vehicles that he worked on.

Gatecliff has updated several pieces of the home's infrastructure since he took possession of the castle. He installed six new furnaces and six new thermostats.

Gatecliff has entertained multiple offers on the property, but none of them have panned out. The castle is being sold with all of the period specific furniture. Tent told Insider that the deal could close in the middle of December.

Gatecliff said the quality craftsmanship that went into building this home is amazing. It's easy to see in the woodwork. It's incredible.