Review: 76419 Hogwarts Castle and Grounds
Posted by CapnRex101,
71043 Hogwarts Castle was released five years ago, recreating the famous school to scale with nanofigures. However, even that tiny scale could not include the entire castle complex, so 76419 Hogwarts Castle and Grounds reduces the size even further.
Although relatively small, the model comprises an impressive 2660 pieces and captures remarkable detail. Nearly every important feature of the wizarding school is included, even extending to the underground chambers, so I wonder whether this microscale recreation could be the definitive version of Hogwarts!
Summary
76419 Hogwarts Castle and Grounds, 2,660 pieces.
£149.99 / $169.99 / €169.99 | 5.6p/6.4c/6.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
While relatvely small, 76419 Hogwarts Castle and Grounds is a spectacular model
- Extraordinarily detailed
- High standard of accuracy
- Hidden underground chambers
- Good size for display
- Fantastic minifigure
- N/A
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
Appropriately, the Architect of Hogwarts accompanies his creation, taking inspiration from a statue located in the Entrance Hall. The statue appeared before in 75964 Harry Potter Advent Calendar, but this minifigure is far more detailed, featuring metallic gold and bronze decoration across the hat and robes. These designs reflect the source material as closely as possible.
Additionally, the minifigure even includes a new beard element, which will hopefully appear in other, more versatile, colours soon. The texture on the beard looks superb and again matches the original statue. A couple of accessories and a pearl gold base are also supplied to complete the statue, shown later in this review.
The Completed Model
Comparisons have been drawn between 71043 Hogwarts Castle and the Architecture theme, which feels apt. The scale of the model is certainly comparable with Architecture sets and the style of construction is also familiar, involving plenty of small pieces and sometimes becoming repetitive. The whole school is thus reduced to a relatively modest footprint of 35cm by 25cm, which makes it easy to display.
The border of black tiles around the edge of this model is another feature borrowed from the Architecture range. Again, I find this remarkably effective, particularly in combination with the trans-blue and trans-light blue tiles forming the Black Lake. These provide a welcome dash of bright colour, since the actual castle and the surrounding terrain are fairly muted in colour.
Moreover, the border includes a printed 1x8 tile, matching those in Architecture sets and those available at the LEGO House. This is a nice inclusion, although its position slightly off-centre is awkward. Also, there are some studs where the Hogwarts Architect minifigure can stand beside the printed tile, which are useful, but I prefer to display the statue separately.
Although seemingly landlocked, the Black Lake hides a magical means of travel to the ocean, which the Durmstrang ship uses when arriving in The Goblet of Fire. The elegant vessel looks marvellous, even at this tiny scale. I love the curvature of the hull and the orange streamers on top of each mast, while the one medium azure element is likely a reference to the unexpected accent colour on 4768 Durmstrang Ship, from 2005.
In addition to the Durmstrang ship's emergence from the lake, first year students at Hogwarts traditionally travel across the lake in enchanted boats, arriving at the boathouse. The roof and tower look splendid and I like how a black 1x1x2/3 brick with stud is integrated to form the dark entrance, while also supporting the boathouse walls.
A winding flight of steps links the boathouse to the Entrance Courtyard far above. Tan plates comprise the staircase and stand out effectively against the surrounding rocks, due in part to their colour, but also their exposed studs. The repeatedly changing direction of the staircase is accurate to the movies and the olive green parts look nice as well, denoting patches of grass and moss.
The magnificent Great Hall is perhaps the most recognisable feature of Hogwarts Castle and has been translated expertly to microscale. The printed doors and clock are attractive, but the courtyard outside is notably lacking in detail, so I wonder whether decorated pieces would have been more effective than the familiar 1x1 arch bricks, developed for 71043 Hogwarts Castle.
Printed tiles are used for the doors to the Great Hall, as well as its external clock and the large window on the back. However, the structure does not rely excessively on decorated pieces, as the columns and windows on either side are constructed with 4L bars and light bluish grey tiles. Moreover, the shape of the roof corresponds with the source material exactly.
While never explored in the films, a path around the cliffs beneath the Great Hall is visible on models of Hogwarts Castle, including the huge rendition at the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Dark tan 1x2 grille slopes trace the path on this recreation of the school, again adding some texture and another colour to break up the grey cliffs.
The path is almost interrupted by a reddish brown bracket, which supports the Beauxbatons carriage flying above on a trans-clear stand. This is a nice addition and the carriage includes ample detail, making clever use of a candelabra to attach the two Abraxans. The animals also feature some unexpected elements, as uncommon white leaves form their wings.
Adjoining the Great Hall is the imposing Grand Staircase Tower. The proportions of this tower are perfect and I love the gaps in the 2x2 curved bricks comprising the tower, which resemble windows. Tan binoculars represent the turrets projecting from the roof. Ideally, there should be three turrets, but only including two is a reasonable compromise, considering the scale.
Three smaller towers are connected to the Grand Staircase Tower, forming the four corners of the Quad. 1x2 grille tiles are used to good effect as windows and I like how the rear towers are offset with jumper plates. The castle complex should continue beyond the Quad, as the Hospital Wing and the Clock Tower are both located further to the west, outside the scope of this model, unfortunately.
Extending the castle to include these buildings, the Quidditch Training Grounds and perhaps even Hagrid's Hut would have been fantastic, but I understand limiting the model to this area. After all, the current design is relatively easy to display and minimises empty space, which an extended model would have in abundance.
Returning attention to the front of the castle, the viaduct is an essential feature. This bridge is accurately positioned at an angle and captures wonderful detail, despite its tiny size. Some of the supports underneath feel rather fragile, although they look superb and I am impressed with the neighbouring trees too, incorporating crystal and ice cream parts.
I think the Viaduct Entrance looks fantastic as well, especially given the intricate texture around the doors. The printed windows above are equally attractive and the towers look nice, thanks in particular to their accurate proportions. Additionally, a small bridge connects this structure to the Lookout Tower, which also matches the onscreen location.
The wooden suspension bridge connected to the Quad is also included. The continued use of trans-light blue tiles for the river running underneath the bridges is perfect and I like the turrets guarding one end of the bridge, which use a 1x2 brick with groove to give the impression of two linked towers, finished with light bluish grey 1x1 pyramids on top.
Hogwarts Castle changes between movies, depending on the needs of the story. This model is based primarily on The Half-Blood Prince, so the Defence Against the Dark Arts Tower and the Dark Tower are both replaced by the Astronomy Tower. The rectangular building at the base of this structure makes excellent use of 1x1 brackets, alongside more printed windows.
The location of the Whomping Willow also shifts between films, found here in its position from The Chamber of Secrets. The flying Ford Anglia is accordingly gripped in its branches and the tree features surprising detail. The medium nougat accents look nice and the Whomping Willow is attached to the ground using a clip, so it can even thrash back and forth.
Several more printed windows appear on the northern side of the castle. In total, ten 1x2 tiles decorated with large windows and twenty 1x1 bricks displaying smaller windows are provided. The square towers are faithful to the movies and I like how 2x2 bricks with grooves have been used for these, introducing some more texture.
Rows of greenhouses stand outside, represented by trans-clear 1x1 slopes. The surrounding wall is realistically thin and supported by brackets, each disguised as part of the greenhouses. In addition, the domed greenhouse interrupting the wall is included, which is another distinctive feature of the Herbology complex from the films.
Similar to the arriving Durmstrang ship and Beauxbatons carriage, the white greenhouses are helpful in adding some colour to the model. Otherwise, the Long Gallery building and its many towers are accurate to the movies, as well as Durham Cathedral, which inspired this section of Hogwarts Castle.
Appropriately, the Astronomy Tower is the tallest of Hogwarts' numerous towers, although only by a narrow margin. Its semicircular design corresponds with the onscreen setting and the roof involves some unique building techniques. Perhaps most importantly of all, however, the circular window towards the top of the tower is included, represented by a 1x1 Technic brick.
While the Astronomy Tower is the highest point of Hogwarts Castle, the potions classroom is found underground. Rows of potion bottles are displayed on the wall, with printed windows in between. A dark bluish grey 1x1 round plate with hollow studs form an effective cauldron in the centre of the classroom, with reddish brown tables on both sides. Considering the scale, I am satisfied with these furnishings.
Beyond the underground classrooms and common rooms, a number of hidden chambers are located under Hogwarts. The network leading to the Philosopher's Stone is therefore included and starts with a dark orange leaf, representing Devil's Snare. The neighbouring room contains several columns, where Harry is tasked with catching a specific winged key.
From there, a tiny wooden door and a flight of steps leads into the chessboard chamber, where Ron commands his memorable chess match. Finally, the Mirror of Erised is placed in a smaller room and depicted by a flame yellowish orange tooth. The shape of this element works well for the mirror and the flame against the wall is a welcome inclusion too.
The Chamber of Secrets is included as well, underneath the greenhouses. A dark green snake depicts the Basilisk, with a pair of dark bluish grey snake statues on either side. Furthermore, the carved head of Salazar Slytherin is bathed in shadow behind the Basilisk and looks nice. Even so, I think there was an opportunity for more details here, such as the circular chamber entrance.
Overall
I am surprised that the Architecture style has not been applied to more fictional locations in the past, especially given the impressive quality of 76419 Hogwarts Castle and Grounds. The level of detail and accuracy are both outstanding. Even the omission of the Clock Tower and Hagrid's Hut is reasonable, restricting the scope of the model for practical display.
In fact, my only real criticism of this iteration of Hogwarts Castle is how the minifigure is placed on the base, although even that is merely an option. Some might consider the price of £149.99, $169.99 or €169.99 expensive for a model of this size, but I think its remarkable complexity and surprising presence on display justifies the price.
199 likes
55 comments on this article
Comments about the set and this review are welcome. Any others will be deleted.
I liked the movies, but never got into collecting the sets. This one is definitely going on the Christmas list, however.
Love love love the little underground micro scenes in particular!
The 2018 Hogwarts was the set that got me back into Lego after a 30 year dark ages, so it may always be my favorite Hogwarts. But overall this is a much better set to me - more reasonable price, better size for displayability, includes more of the castle and grounds, and just has a cleanness about it in the architecture style.
I love this so much more than the big castle. It's immediately recognizable, much more affordable, it fits on every shelve and it seems to have no stickers. I would love to see Lego offering more sets like this instead of huge $300-$500 sets.
@Lego_max said:
"I love this so much more than the big castle. It's immediately recognizable, much more affordable, it fits on every shelve and it seems to have no stickers. I would love to see Lego offering more sets like this instead of huge $300-$500 sets."
I'm a massive LotR fan, so I bought Rivendell with no hesitation. But a set like this for Rivendell (or Bag End, etc) would've been equally appealing.
@Lego_max said:
"I love this so much more than the big castle. It's immediately recognizable, much more affordable, it fits on every shelve and it seems to have no stickers. I would love to see Lego offering more sets like this instead of huge $300-$500 sets."
That's a big part of why I love the Executor from this year, and look forward to similar mid-scale Star Wars ships. Just wish they'd do this for LotR as well. The Rivendell set is fantastic, but I don't have the money or space for that at the moment, not to mention the time to build it.
Great set and great review, as usual.
Though it really sucks that the comment by huw has to be there,for reasons...
I like where Lego has been going with these large Microscale sets. While I’m fortunate enough to afford a collection of UCS scale models, the displayability of these smaller sets (while maintaining impressive detail), enables me to continue collecting AND displaying great models at the same time.
I’m not a Harry Potter collector, but this is an amazing set, beautiful, well-designed, sprawling and full of detail while remaining easily displayable and fairly priced. Excellent all around.
Love the Harry Potter books and movies, but I've never bought any Harry Potter LEGO. The previous castle set was pretty good, but I thought it was just too expensive and big to display only half of a castle. Having been a fan of the Architecture series, I always knew that their scale would be perfect for Hogwarts and I was right. So glad LEGO released this set - I bought it day one after waiting so many years. I might even add a Clock Tower of my own to add to the rear of the set. Now can we also have a Lord of the Rings Architecture series?
I really like it. It's high on my wanted list, and it is starting to get discounts too.. Thanks for the review - I was hoping for some negatives if only to put me off!
I agree to more themes with this scale.
Don’t care for the HP property for “reasons,” but this set looks really exquisitely done. Wonderfully constructed and detailed, I’d actually say it kind of bests that super gigantic microscale version from a few years back.
Though this set is actually a tragedy because it reminds me that LEGO gives the Architecture line no love these days… I’d really love to see some real-world castles get this treatment!
Neuschwanstein Castle, anyone? Can we at least get *that*?
Nice review of a great set, in my opinion.
The biggest gripe I have with it is the name.
Why call it '...and grounds' when hardly any of the grounds are included?
It would have been so much better to just call it 'Hogwarts Castle' (although I understand it would be confusing to have two sets with the same name on shelves at the same time).
I'm fine with leaving out the Clock Tower, even though it plays an important role in at least one film; but it would be at the back of the display for most people anyway and it helps keep the size and price of the set down.
I wonder if the turrets on top of the Grand Tower (the headmaster's office?) wouldn't look better (and more accurate) if another pair of binoculars were placed on top (offset). That way there would be three turrets, although the middle one might seem a bit out of scale. It should be an easy fix, probably achievable with the spare parts included.
I will most likely at some point design and build an addition for the missing part of the castle and some grounds (Hagrids, Quidditch pitch, bit of the Forbidden Forest) to add to this. For now, it's a great set as it is and I'll get it when it hits a decent enough discount.
I have no connection to the HP-franchise, so all I'm seeing is a really good castle. So - this is a really good castle.
It also makes me want to replay some Castlevania-games, but in fairness, that's always pretty high up on my list of priorities.
Great review! I love seeing little details in microscale sets, and this one has a ton.
Great set, way better than 71043. Now Lego, make a Jedi temple of this scale.
@Ridgeheart said:
"
It also makes me want to replay some Castlevania-games, but in fairness, that's always pretty high up on my list of priorities."
Can we get a microscale Castle Dracula from SOTN with a mirror version a la “The Upside Down” STRANGER THINGS set?
Because I feel we should get that.
Stunningly good set, bought soon after its released. Microscale architecture at its finest. Love the way Lego release smaller versions of large sets (like the Taj Mahal).
Now, a Colosseum that I could fit somewhere next please Lego!
@Zoniax said:
"I liked the movies, but never got into collecting the sets."
I think I've done it the wrong way round... Collect the sets, but have never got around to reading the books or watching the films!
Maybe one day....
Great review, and a very impressive set. I don’t have an interest in HP legos, as I’m really just a casual fan. But, I am very tempted to get this, it looks quite amazing for the size.
Really pleased to see this getting a very positive review, both of my sons are entering/entered their dark ages and only one of them has stipulated Lego being on their Christmas list. His suggestions included this set, Tranquil Garden and Tales from Space. Happy to report that my inclination that this should be the one being confirmed....as for my yearly Lego lump, I'll be treating myself to The Jazz Club.
Reading about the lack of Hagrid’s hut makes me wonder if they could do that building by itself as a smaller set, similar to some of the Star Wars vignettes we’ve had. Could give it different accessories so you could alter it for the different seasons
@Zoniax:
I was thinking a map of Middle Earth with vignettes representing various plot-important locations would make a cool MOC. Unfortunately, it would also be a very expensive one, if you wanted to do it properly.
@YanVanLan:
Stacking binoculars would put the make the triple tower look weird, with one low turret and two much higher but equal to each other. If you want to do this right, you’d need some tan flex tube, some Brickarms U-clips, and a way to attach the unicorn horns to the top of the flex tube.
@Brickalili:
I was actually wondering how hard it would be to MOC wrap-around extensions that can simply be placed up against this where components are missing, much like I did with the outer wings on the Home Alone house.
I work at Leavesden Studios and I can tell how accurate it is for this impressive review to provide authentic information about the design of the castle! Great job! This is the ultimate set at the moment to resemble the original model that they used in the film series.
I remember seeing the large version of this at wb studio tour, it was breathtaking. This was expertly recreated if I say so myself
There’s three scales of Hogwarts in our house now. The previous minifig scale, the nanofig scale and now this. It’s easily my favourite. I think its the landscaping that really makes it. I was hoping to do the complete extension to 71043, but honestly as much as I’d like to, spending two and half grand isn’t going to happen. I really hope someone does a comparably excellent job (as that set), in building out the rest of the castle, because that I could probably do.
@WemWem said:
[... LEGO gives the Architecture line no love these days… I’d really love to see some real-world castles get this treatment. ]]
Himeji Castle would like to have a word with you ;-)
But I get what you're saying.
Also I would love some LOTR settings get an excellent treatment like this one.
This set is spectacular! I'm not a HP fan, but I love this build! As others have said, I would love to see Lego do Architecture sets for other themes, particularly Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton, Rivendell, and Minas Tirith anyone?
My currently number 1 set on the wishlist. It'll look wonderful displayed on my living room. I intend to put the main trio instead of the architect.
Unfortunately, due to Brazilian taxes, I need to wait for a generous discount.
"I am surprised that the Architecture style has not been applied to more fictional locations in the past..." I'm with @Maxbricks14 in wanting a Jedi Temple. Also, a lot of people have been suggesting Rivendell, but in addition to that (and Bag End as @Zoniax suggested), how about Helm's Deep?
@WemWem said:
"Neuschwanstein Castle, anyone? Can we at least get *that*?"
Yes, please. Not only because it's a cool building, but because the techniques used to get its shape would be amazing.
It doesn’t always bother me but for some reason I find the trademark ™ symbol very tacky on the printed label piece. Other than that, this set looks extremely well done.
Not a fan of Harry Potter, but I have been looking at this set since it was announced and its just fantastic. So much so that I might need to get 2 of them.. for me and another for my sister (the super fan)
Definitely on my wishlist. I hope we can an architectural line of sets like these for Star Wars locations!
I'm just in the process of building this set and I love it! But there are a few issues, first being that I already found two errors in the instructions, just in the first booklet! Step 7 mentions a non-existent 1x2 tile, this has been fixed in the online instructions, and later it's a cheese slope that is this time missing from the listed bricks.
Also, in some bags you have 1x1 parts (round plates, cheese slopes) in both Dark Tan and Olive Green and I found these difficult to distinguish.
But minor issues, overall a fun set to build.
@GenericLegoFan said:
"Great set and great review, as usual.
Though it really sucks that the comment by huw has to be there,for reasons..."
Yup. Sets looks amazing. Would love to see this for non-problematic franchises like LOTR, which has a ton of locations that would be fantastic. I mean, even things like Tales of the Third Age could be fantastically done for LOTR.
Love this set
@AustinPowers said:
[
Himeji Castle would like to have a word with you ;-)
But I get what you're saying.
Also I would love some LOTR settings get an excellent treatment like this one. ]
Microscale LOTR castles and keeps would be AWESOME. I used to own the Sideshow Collectible Orthanc statue and I still kinda regret selling it.
Like, microscale Argonath bookends? Shut up and take my money.
And Himeji Castle is ABSOLUTELY what I want to see more of in the future - international buildings from many different eras in a nice, desktop format. I hope it sells well and shows LEGO there’s a market for this stuff.
@TheOtherMike:
There already is a microscale Bag End with comcon033, though it was very limited release, and only really echoes as much as was built for 79003. If they're ever going to revisit that, it'd be nice to get a bit more of the surrounding area, or make it more midi-scale to work with trophy figs.
@B_Space_Man:
What? Harry Potter is over a quarter century old at this point. You'd think it would have been upgraded to the ® symbol by now. Maybe they downgraded it on the tile so the set can be sold in nations where the trademark isn't registered for one reason or another.
The castle looks great. But I find the rock section a little boring. The back section with hidden rooms is fine, but I would have liked to see a little more SNOT building around the decorative front side instead of all the studs up slopes.
@B_Space_Man said:
"It doesn’t always bother me but for some reason I find the trademark ™ symbol very tacky on the printed label piece. Other than that, this set looks extremely well done. "
You can remove prints with car scratch removal paste and an old rag, preferably with some texture to the cloth. Cover the areas you want to keep with some kind of smooth adhesive tape before you start.
I love set at this scale, they force so much creativity and are so displayable. But I fear my wanted list is too long and I won't end up picking up this one :(
It's an amazing looking model with a lot of good sets. I hope Lego starts doing these for themes that don't have the baggage.
LOTR, Star Wars, or even like a model of Ninjago city.
I rather like this. It’s inventive with a host of interesting techniques which should make the build enjoyable. With a 50% discount I’d consider buying it.
My sons built 71043 earlier this year, and they will be getting the last three Hogwarts modulars we don't already have for Christmas. I'd love a comparison of the three scales of Hogwarts, or an article showing how the various modulars combine together. They're obsessed with HP minifigures, so we might have to get this one eventually for the definitive Architect minifig.
This looks amazing! Now I'm just dreaming about Lego making these for Middle Earth.
Interesting to see the tradeoffs made in this kit with losing some features to be able to add others, as already commented. Opens the door to MOCing a custom version to include missing features. I see there are add-on builds for this already on Rebrickable.
I fully agree that this scale and style would work for LoTR settings. Minas Tirith, please. Take my money.
@AustinPowers said:
[[ @WemWem said:
[... LEGO gives the Architecture line no love these days… I’d really love to see some real-world castles get this treatment. ]]
Himeji Castle would like to have a word with you ;-)
]]
So would 1 skyline every 2 years at the recent pace...
This is beautiful and it will be mine! It's a far more practical scale than the big one. The only HP sets I've bought so far have been advent calendars but this will break that trend.
I'd also love to see some LoTR locations get this treatment, it'd be awesome to have Orthanc or Minas Tirith done like this!
Your review makes me very glad I never bought 71043 --IMO this set blows the older one away! In fact, I may start reselling some of my minifigure-scale sets, because I can't imagine a better way to include the HP theme in my collection, which really has become quite unwieldy.
Always knew there was a reason I was fond of the Architecture line!
Excellent review, the best part is the N/A at the beginning. This one is really the Must have set for any Harry Potter fan, even if LEGO doesn't interest him
I appreciate the detail and accuracy of the review, down to which parts of the Castle are from what film (or real filming location) and which parts were left out.
Excellent review. Nice minifigure.
This is a fun set. It's a bit duplicative of the UCS version, but I suppose that's part of the marketing idea. I will get this with the inevitable discount/GWP.
For sure a great set, but I made the castle as a moc a few years ago too and I like it more. The scale is a little bit smaller, but is the complete castle and grounds.
If you want to check it I link it here, I also made instructions.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/momabrick/albums/72157708797632461
In my updates last year I added the underground chambers plus ship,carriage,dementors and hungarian horntail!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtohEDHu-yG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Who knows, maybe the designer got some inspiration, let me dream :) What do you think @CapnRex101 ?
I just love this version of the castle and bought it on day 1 :-)
Am I the only one who noticed that the instructions are wrong in at least 3 places? I started building this set this holiday weekend; I'm up to bag 14 and I've found 3 errors. They're small (for example, there's a piece not included in the parts window, but the part is very clearly in the picture of the build in the next instruction number) and if you're paying attention, not a big deal (i.e., easily fixed), but I just can't believe there are errors at all. I looked at it again and again, at least half a dozen times, because I was so surprised.