LEGO® – Leeuwenridders kasteel – 10305

Exceptional experience. The build experience is one of the best I’ve seen in the classic theme sets and very clever technics have been used throughout. I wouldn’t expect anything less from both Milan Madge and Mike Psiaki.
The display is much better than the shows in the pictures. Given the uniform grey, it sits well in many settings including the living room on a wooden or metallic surface.
And playability is much more than you would get in any other adult lego sets.
I paired it with the dragon from an old set and it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.

Amazing castle filled with details, a bit pricey. So I’ve been waiting for this castle ever since there was a rumor that the 90th anniversary set would be the castle from the delorean trailer. When I saw it reveal at Lego con, I built a shelf JUST for it. The wait for shipping seemed longer, lol.
I built it in one shot, I couldn’t resist, however, I completely underestimated the size. Also, it’s heavier than I thought. Lots of people compared it to the height of the Medieval Blacksmith and while the height is close, and way more mass.
Compared to Barracuda Bay, the overall height is shorter, but this is SO much denser. The castle is super clean and neat and very grey. I love the pirate and castle themes and was REALLY happy with Barracuda Bay… I think it’s still my favourite set. It was interesting to learn that this castle and Barracuda Bay were both designed by the same Lego designer.
The castle has a crazy 21 minifigures, 1 skeleton, 2 horses, a cow, a lamb and a bird. I really like the fabric flags and NO STICKERS! The counter-weight drawbridge works amazingly well, I like the quick-close mechanism for the front gate and the rear door gear rack works flawlessly. The first link for the chain for the front gate has to be lined up straight and centered, or there’s a chance the front gate can get stuck while closing. The forestmen secret rooms and caves are so detailed.
There’s main negative with this set… the price; I believe it’s about $50 – $80 too expensive but, with the price hikes, it’s understandable; although overpriced IMO, I ordered it August 2nd at 11:49 PM EST, lol. Been looking at the Bricklink Castle in the Forest on eBay, found out it goes for $450, no way! lol. I started reviewing the 3 in 1 castle, however, I think it’s too “childish”, although I bought the 3 in 1 pirate ship, lol. I think this is the best official castle set ever released. This is the most expensive set I ever bought.
In the end, although a bit on the pricey side, I believe if you’re a fan of the castle themes, and you can afford the extra $50 – $80, I’d highly recommend getting the set. The build experience is really worth it and it’s an AMAZING display piece! It’s really high quality build. If you’re having buyers remorse, you won’t once it’s fully built and on display, believe me, it’s amazing. If it’s genuinely outside the price range and you’re really into castle themes, I’d recommend the fortress MOC with the 3 creator castles or another one of the MOCs, however, from the reviews I’ve seen online, the quality of this set is way better.