by MATTHEW NASH

Sequim Gazette

Surrounded by large wooden mystical creatures, statues and a number of small nuances like a quirky “Troll Crossing” sign, Bandy’s Troll Haven has been a fixture in Gardiner since 1977.

However, the vision of Gary Bandy, owner of the 150-acre area off Gardiner Beach Road, has been for sale for two years, says Bill Walker, owner/broker of Northwest Olympic Real Estate.

He’s listed two of Bandy’s properties: his luxury estate for $2.5 million, and the whole property, including the well-known castle and four other residences and 196 acres, for $9 million.

Walker said Troll Haven is still the name of the property, but they are trying to go away from the label of tourist attraction.

Many of the trolls and creatures have either been moved deeper within the private estate or been destroyed by the elements, he said.

For example, one troll was refinished in fiberglass about 15 years ago but began to break down recently.

He feared it could be a safety hazard, so a crane was ordered in to remove it. Once the troll was lifted, it turned into powder.

Walker said they are changing the look of the castle to make it more marketable.

A few months ago, they finished renovating the 1990 castle inside and out.

 “It was fun and games while it lasted and (Bandy) enjoyed this whole thing for a number of years,” Walker said.

Walker said Bandy splits his time among many places including California and Hawaii.

Letting your hair down

The castle remains the only home on the estate of six buildings available for rent.

Walker said the castle has been available to rent since it was built and if they can’t sell it for now, they’d ideally like a long-term renter with a minimum six-month lease.

Rent is $2,200 a month.

“There were a few potential buyers but the whole Disneyland aspect was a turn-off,” Walker said.

Since the castle was built, visitors have often overlooked “No Trespassing” signs, he said.

“People think it’s a city building,” Walker said.

“It isn’t common, but people thought they could just walk in.”

The website www.trollhaven.org is dedicated to the property, but Walker said it hasn’t been updated in about eight years so some of the information is outdated.

Photos and visitors aren’t discouraged but Walker asks people stay outside the large dragon gates and stay outside the fence surrounding the castle.

The Troll Haven rentals are on private property and include beach access, a playground, orchards, barns, stables and space to ride ATVs.

Walker said people rent from him because of the view and home amenities and not so much the troll attractions.

Bandy started the Troll Haven after buying the original Gardiner home and barn owned by the Dent family. As property became available, he bought it mostly from Helen Dent, Walker said.

Bandy considered starting a farm store in the mid-1990s using items from the orchards but backlash from the local community led him to abandon the idea, Walker said.

He was able to build Troll Haven using profits from his door hinge invention used in most modern commercial airplanes.

For more information on the sale of Troll Haven and rental of the castle, visit www.nwore.com.