Inside a $5 million Oak Brook 'castle'

Feeling medieval and have $5 million to spend? Paul Iwanski has crafted tons of brick, stone and steel into an 18,000-square-foot Oak Brook mansion.

However, this isn't just any mansion. Iwanski decided to build his castle-style home using commercial building techniques.

Iwanski, who broke ground on the castle more than two years ago, came to the United States from Poland 20 years ago.

“I worked my way up from a $3.50-an-hour job as a mason,” he said. “This is the only house I ever built.”

The castle walls average more than 20 inches thick, with 10-inch reinforced concrete between the floors. There are seven independent heating systems throughout the structure. Many of the floors have radiant heat.

“The heating bill was right around $300 per month, which isn't bad for 18,000 square feet,” Iwanski said. The master bedroom suite is 2,500 square feet.

According to Iwanski, who is completing the finishing touches on the building, the castle is listed at $4.75 million. Continuing upgrades will push that price closer to $5 million.

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