mud, clay, horse hair, and spanish moss
He acquired the land for his future castle in 1855, purchasing 400 acres of highland and 620 acres of swamp. Cypress grown at Forest Home was cut and cured under water for four years. Construction of Nottoway was completed in 1859 at an estimated $80,000. Nottoway has 64 rooms in its 3 floors, 6 interior staircases, 3 modern bathrooms, 22 massive square columns, 165 doors and 200 windows.