California real estate is through the roof, literally. In the San Francisco Bay Area, it’s almost impossible to buy a decent home. I know, as I live here. Custom dog houses, however, are still very much affordable in the Golden State.
A Bay Area woman named Victoria Palmer decided her dogs deserved the very best she could offer. She has three dogs that bring her so much companionship, love, and joy, she wanted to pay them back with something they could really enjoy. Soon she would find her inspiration in her backyard.
Victoria has three dogs: a Chihuahua named Bruiser, a shepherd mix named Marvin, and a Pomeranian named The Fuzz. Victoria had torn down a shed in her backyard, and when she saw the concrete foundation the shed was once on, she got the brilliant idea to build her dogs a house.
Palmer and her dad have built different things together before, so when he came to town, they drew up some plans. They started out framing doors and windows, and then they got carried away. Soon there was a second story, with tiny shingles, garden boxes, lights, and then it just morphed into a beautiful Victorian castle for dogs.
The impressive two-story house, which Victoria nicknamed “Barkingham Palace,” has a grand staircase, balconies, crown moldings, and even portraits! Victoria said the portraits that decorate the grand staircase were always part of the plan. Palmer explained that proper manor homes all had pictures of people of interest on the walls. In Barkingham Palace, the portraits are of the three most important dogs, of course!
Victoria said once the mansion was completed, her three dogs loved it. Bruiser, her adorable Chihuahua, was particularly fond of the house. Palmer said he usually locks himself up in the mansion like a little hermit. Too cute!
Credits: The Fuzz Instagram