Castle in the Clouds | On Top of the World in New Hampshire
A trip to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, NH, reveals more than an architecturally fascinating home with stunning views.
By Yankee Staff|Jun 20 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
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Built on a mountainside overlooking New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, the Moultonborough mansion originally named Lucknow has aptly been called Castle in the Clouds since it opened to the public in 1959. The beautiful Arts and Crafts–style home was built in 1913 as the luxury Ossipee Mountain retreat of Thomas Plant, a millionaire shoe-manufacturing mogul. Although Plant eventually lost his fortune after a number of failed investments, he lived with his second wife, Olive, at Lucknow until his death in 1941. Since 2006, the property has been owned and operated by the Castle Preservation Society, allowing visitors to tour the estate (set up to look as it would have when the Plants were living there) and its surrounding natural beauty.
Lucknow, set high above Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonborough, NH. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
A trip to Castle in the Clouds reveals more than an architecturally fascinating home, however. Before or after the trolley ride up to Lucknow, visitors can enjoy the Carriage House Restaurant, an art gallery, a gift shop, and an ice cream stand (Cones in the Clouds), as well as go horseback riding, feed rainbow trout in the lake, picnic in the meadow, or hike the 28-mile network of trails maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.
Exploring Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH
The trip up to the clouds begins by car. After passing through the main gate — where you can buy your admission ticket for the estate — you’ll follow a long winding road past the stables, pond, and meadow up to the parking lot. If you didn’t buy a ticket at the gate, be sure to purchase one at the gift shop before heading to the Carriage House Restaurant, where you’ll board the classic red trolley that takes you up to the mansion.
A trolley ferries visitors from the Carriage House Restaurant up to the mansion. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
At Lucknow, a guide provides a brief overview of its history — including the story of Thomas and Olive Plant and how their incredible home came to be built so high on the mountainside — before visitors wander through the mansion’s many rooms at their own pace. Although Lucknow is a sizable house, it’s not overwhelmingly ornate but instead has a warm and comfortable appeal — perhaps owing to the extensive woodwork, or just the way the Arts and Crafts–style architecture is designed to meld with nature’s beauty.
Lucknow is set up to resemble what it may have looked like when the Plants lived here. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannThere’s a magical view from all the windows. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Visitors are also allowed to wander the property, view the gardens, toss coins in the water fountain, and generally bask in the stunning scenery.
On a clear day, visitors have a superb view of the Lakes Region. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannFlowers line the Castle in the Clouds property. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannLovely gardens complement the terrific views. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Afterward, hop back aboard the trolley or head down a short walking path to the Carriage House.
The path leading back down to the Carriage House. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
The small art gallery located near the Carriage House is worth a peek before you settle in for a bite of lunch (a table on the restaurant terrace lets you enjoy even more amazing views). Alternatively, you can opt to picnic in the meadow and explore some of the other activities on the 6,300-acre property.
Cool off with ice cream or other treats at Cones in the Clouds, just down the road from the Carriage House. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannRainbow trout swim in the clear waters of nearby Shannon Pond. Get a handful of fish food from the 25-cent dispenser and watch them jump and jostle for a snack. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannThe ducks apparently enjoy being fed, too. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannLike to hike? The many manicured trails (28 miles on 5,300-plus acres) are hard to resist. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannNear the estate entrance there are riding stables for horse enthusiasts. The barn is home to several horses and ponies. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Castle in the Clouds is open weekends from mid-May to Memorial Day, then daily through late October. Visit in the summer to enjoy lush green foliage and flowers in bloom, and in the fall to see the estate sporting the vivid colors of autumn.
Have you ever visited Castle in the Clouds?
This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated.
Dont forget to mention the great horse stable on the property. I was there today for a mountain horse trail ride at Castle in the Clouds Stable and it was a wonderful experience. The horses were so happy and have great personalities. We met Zues the large friendly draft horse, what a nice horse!
Our ride was breathtaking on the trails through the wooded paths, over streams and bridges and through the beautiful fields of the property. I cant wait to come back again for a visit to the Castle in the Clouds and the Stables for a ride. We could have stayed all day. Absolutely amazing day.
I proposed to my wife at the halfway point scenic overview back in 2012. It was such a natural feeling to get down on one knee and ask for her hand before the expansive beauty of the lake and mountains. She calls the castle a “magical place.”
Beautiful and romantic place to propose to your love! My husband and I spent 6 days in London, England for our Silver Anniversary, 25 years in 2000 and still counting! I kept saying that it was a magical time for us! I think it’s the romance that created the magic! Congratulations and my best wishes for a life time of magical moments!
Hunted, fished explored and visited the CASTLE when my (Nana), Grandmother spent the summers there. 1942-1956. Didn’t realize how beautiful it is. Going back this fall to bring back memories.
Castle In The Clouds was an awesome place to visit and I will come back again in the future. Everyone that worked there were very nice. The view of the Lakes were just awesome. The State of New Hampshire is a beautiful State with lots to see. Thanks for the opportunity to leave a comment!
I took my granddaughters age 6 and 10 last week. We met Dave, our trolley driver and Marla, guide in the guest bedroom. All the staff was cordial, informative and gracious. Left a lasting memory on the girls. Thank you.
The Castle in the Clouds is an amazing place to visit. There is ONE ERROR in the article. The Castle in the Clouds was OPEN TO THE PUBLIC in 1957 not 1959. I visited it with a church youth-group the summer before I started 8th grade. I remember the old horse drawn hearses that were in the big open field. I have returned many times as I really marvel at the property and the castle.
When I was last there a couple years ago, It told the man giving the speech that it opened in 1957 to the public, but he did not believe me. I was there before I started 8th grade 1957 – 1958. Loved it then – love it now.
Wish there was a segment about the original owner, our ancestor, Benjamin Franklin Shaw. He lived there during the time of poets in the region and entertained his friend, Robert Frost, there before Plant launched his somewhat rough campaign to drive Shaw to sell to him. That said, the view is glorious and we’re happy it’s now in public ownership. May all visitors find the happiness so many have shared here.
Went to the Castle about 15 years ago with my husband and the impression the place has never left our minds.You can’t imagine what beauty the mountain holds until you visit.
Great article and pictures about the Castle and views. Feels like I just just took the tour!
Cannot wait to see it in person today
Dont forget to mention the great horse stable on the property. I was there today for a mountain horse trail ride at Castle in the Clouds Stable and it was a wonderful experience. The horses were so happy and have great personalities. We met Zues the large friendly draft horse, what a nice horse!
Our ride was breathtaking on the trails through the wooded paths, over streams and bridges and through the beautiful fields of the property. I cant wait to come back again for a visit to the Castle in the Clouds and the Stables for a ride. We could have stayed all day. Absolutely amazing day.
hope to go this summer
I proposed to my wife at the halfway point scenic overview back in 2012. It was such a natural feeling to get down on one knee and ask for her hand before the expansive beauty of the lake and mountains. She calls the castle a “magical place.”
Beautiful and romantic place to propose to your love! My husband and I spent 6 days in London, England for our Silver Anniversary, 25 years in 2000 and still counting! I kept saying that it was a magical time for us! I think it’s the romance that created the magic! Congratulations and my best wishes for a life time of magical moments!
Hunted, fished explored and visited the CASTLE when my (Nana), Grandmother spent the summers there. 1942-1956. Didn’t realize how beautiful it is. Going back this fall to bring back memories.
Castle In The Clouds was an awesome place to visit and I will come back again in the future. Everyone that worked there were very nice. The view of the Lakes were just awesome. The State of New Hampshire is a beautiful State with lots to see. Thanks for the opportunity to leave a comment!
A great place to visit, have a relax lunch and a super aerial view of the lake region.
I took my granddaughters age 6 and 10 last week. We met Dave, our trolley driver and Marla, guide in the guest bedroom. All the staff was cordial, informative and gracious. Left a lasting memory on the girls. Thank you.
Have been here several times and will go back again. It is a precious jewel.
Why no pictures of the horses?
The Castle in the Clouds is an amazing place to visit. There is ONE ERROR in the article. The Castle in the Clouds was OPEN TO THE PUBLIC in 1957 not 1959. I visited it with a church youth-group the summer before I started 8th grade. I remember the old horse drawn hearses that were in the big open field. I have returned many times as I really marvel at the property and the castle.
When I was last there a couple years ago, It told the man giving the speech that it opened in 1957 to the public, but he did not believe me. I was there before I started 8th grade 1957 – 1958. Loved it then – love it now.
I missed the hours of operation. How could I miss that?
Wish there was a segment about the original owner, our ancestor, Benjamin Franklin Shaw. He lived there during the time of poets in the region and entertained his friend, Robert Frost, there before Plant launched his somewhat rough campaign to drive Shaw to sell to him. That said, the view is glorious and we’re happy it’s now in public ownership. May all visitors find the happiness so many have shared here.
We visited in 2018 with a Senior Hostel group from Calumet. Wonderful way to spend the afternoon enjoying the buildings and the grand views.
Went to the Castle about 15 years ago with my husband and the impression the place has never left our minds.You can’t imagine what beauty the mountain holds until you visit.
I have visited 5 time over the years and every visit has been just as breath taking as the time before.
No mention that Castle originally had a 9 hole golf course.
Also had a 9 hole golf course origially.