Nestled within Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, stands the remarkable Atalaya Castle, a unique and captivating piece of architectural history. This Moorish-style mansion, whose name means "watchtower" in Spanish, was built between 1931 and 1933 as the winter residence for philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, the renowned sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Designed by Archer himself, the thirty-room castle features a central courtyard and a distinctive 40-foot water tower, serving as both a home and a vast studio space where Anna created many of her large-scale animal sculptures. Built by local laborers during the Great Depression to stimulate the struggling economy, Atalaya's imposing stucco walls, iron grills, and thoughtful design (including animal enclosures for Anna's models) offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its creative and philanthropic founders. Today, a National Historic Landmark, Atalaya Castle is open to the public for self-guided tours, allowing visitors to wander its intriguing rooms and courtyards, and often hosts the popular Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival.