New England Castles | Where to Find Them
Europe isn’t the only place you’ll find old ruins and medieval-style structures. Here’s a list of New England castles that are well worth a day of exploration.
By Theresa Shea|Apr 21 2022|
Hammond Castle Museum
Photo Credit: Aimee SeaveyAre there New England castles? You bet! Read on to learn more.
Photo Credit : Teresa Reid
While European countries take the cake on all things medieval, New England hides a surprising number of castles and old ruins within its borders. Most of New England’s castles were constructed in the mid 1800s – early 1900s. During this time period, America experienced a great deal of industrial and economic growth. The owners of these luxurious homes built them as summer residences or retirement homes, and weren’t exactly shy about flaunting their wealth.
In researching this topic, I found that there are a number of castles that are still privately owned. There are also many that claimed the title “castle,” but more closely resembled large mansions or estates. With that in mind, I created some criteria for this list. (1) “Castle” must be included in each location’s title. (2) They must be primarily made of stone. (3) The castles must be accessible to the public.
The result? The following list.
Guide to New England Castles
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Castle in the Clouds
Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH
Located in the Ossipee Mountain Range, Castle in the Clouds (also known as the Lucknow estate) was built in 1913-1914. The original owner, Thomas Plant, was in the shoe manufacturing industry and retired a very wealthy man. There is a small admission fee to visit Castle in the Clouds, which is open on select days between May and October.
SEE MORE: Castle in the Clouds | On Top of the World in New Hampshire
Photo Credit : Lindsey Ocker
Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins | West Chesterfield, NH
What used to be the extravagant home of costume designer Madame Sherri burned down in 1962. Now all that remains is the stone staircase that ascends into the treetops. This forested area also boasts several hiking trails, making it a great day trip. Some even say this spot is haunted. If you listen closely, you might hear ghostly music resonating from one of Madame Sherri’s lavish parties.
SEE MORE: Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins | A Legendary Site in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire
Photo Credit : Marc Youngquist
Gillette Castle | East Haddam, CT
This 1914 castle took 25 years to complete. It was built by William Gillette, a stage actor known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, who lived alone in his 24-room creation. The stonework of Gillette Castle is nothing short of incredible and the views of the Connecticut River are definitely picture worthy.
SEE MORE: Explore Gillette Castle and Chester, Connecticut
Photo Credit : Connecticut Office of Tourism/Coppola Photography
Castle Craig | Meriden, CT
Castle Craig is a watchtower that was gifted to the city of Meriden in 1900 by Walter Hubbard. The tower itself is about 32 feet tall and sits more than 1,000 feet above sea level. The view is perhaps the best in the state, a must-visit in the fall for seekers of beautiful foliage.
Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Hammond Castle Museum | Gloucester, MA
Hammond Castle was built in the 1920s by John Hays Hammond Jr., an inventor and avid collector of Renaissance artifacts. Often referred to as the “Father of Radio Control,” Hammond developed many patents and inventions in his lifetime. There is even evidence to suggest that he was acquainted with Nikola Tesla. Hammond Castle Museum is open from May through December. You can take a self-guided tour of the castle, which still contains many historic artifacts and medieval replicas. The museum also hosts some unique events, such as a Medieval Festival in July, candlelight tours in the summer, and a Deck the Halls holiday celebration in December.
Photo Credit : The Newport Experience
Oceancliff Castle | Newport, RI
Oceancliff Castle, formerly known as the Bronson Villa, was built in 1864 as a summer residence for Arthur Bronson and his family. Since then, it has been sold several times. It remained a private residence until 1954, when it was converted into a Hotel & Resort. Today it’s used for a wide variety of events and has become a wedding venue hotspot.
Photo Credit : Courtesy of the Norumbega Inn
Norumbega Castle | Camden, ME
This New England castle is perfect for a weekend getaway. Not only is the Norumbega pretty to look at, but it was also converted into a Bed & Breakfast in 1984. Joseph Stearns built the Norumbega in 1886 as a private residence. The castle overlooks Penobscot Bay and is on the National Historic Registry.
More New England Castles
Here are some other New England castles that are worth checking out:
- Sleeping Giant Castle, Hamden, CT
- Wilson Castle, Proctor, VT
- Belcourt Castle, Newport, RI
- Mann Castle (West Paris Library), West Paris, ME
- Searles Castle, Windham, NH
Have you been to any of these New England castles?
This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.
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I grew up in Connecticut, and visited Gillette Castle a number of times. His inventions were very interesting. I plan to visit again; last time was 60 years ago..
there is also a castle on Brandies University campus Waltham mass
What about our castle tight hete in Rindge, NH?
Well, you missed one, By this reckoning Oliver Ames Free Library in North Easton, MA should be considered a “castle” – as well as Oakes Ames Hall just up the street, and all of the remaining Ames homes in Easton (and the foundation remains in Sheep Pasture). Perhaps a bit more bounding as to what constitutes a castle? 8-D
I used to live across the river from Gillette Castle in Haddam,and I could see the castle (you’d have to know it was there to see it, it’s just a glimpse) from my deck. Don’t forget St. Clemons in Middletown Ct.
This is awesome! I didn’t realize we had so many in the area. We do have 4 in just the North of Boston region. You actually missed a couple of ours! Here’s an article! http://northofboston.org/beautiful-and-stately-castles/
We visited both Hammond Castle and Castle in the Clouds. Loved them both and would visit again.
I visited Belcourt Castle about 20 years ago and enjoyed it very much. The stained glass and suits of armor were amazing.
The greatest attraction of the Hammond Castle is a mammoth pipe organ, the largest in New England, on which I have given several recitals
Don’t have it handy but I believe the organ in Methuen is much bigger than the one at Hammond Castle. Plua it works! It was installed there by Edward Searles who built several castles in New England.
These are all very interesting but you didn’t list Winnekenni Castle in Haverhill, MA. It’s small but very nice and has great walking trails surrounding it.
It’s a great place to hike!
You also missed Searles Castle in Great Barrington MA. The castle was built in the late 1800’s and it’s history is full of scandal.
I live in Meriden, CT and of course have been to Castle Craig many times, the view is awesome. I have been to Gillette Castle in East Haddam and Oceancliff in Newport, RI. All beautiful sites to visit.
Missed two by Edward Searles, His Pine Manor residence in Methuen, which has two organ. Also he build one in Windham, N.H. which has an exterior like a castle. Pine Manor is a large residence with a chapel on the grounds. In western Vermont is the Wilson Castle Museum. To me, it looks like a large house.
Excellent article. would like to see more like this one.
Thanks, John Clark
There is beautiful castle on Ipswich Mass. Castle Hill. The Crane Castle, absolutely beautiful rolling hills, the architecture is beautiful. They offer tours as well. Need to check this one out! I have been to Hammond several times, it’s lovely!
There is an impressive castle on the oceanfront campus of College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor Maine: The Turrets. The building has a lot in common with the Château Frontenac in Quebec since it was designed by the same architect.
What about Mt Batty. We used to call the Turret at the top a Castle.
There is also Winnekenni Castle in Haverhll, MA…
I once went to the Castle Restaurant in Leicester, MA.
Is the Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation a castle? It sure has that look. It’s in Brookline Ma,close by Jamaica Pond and the Arnold Arboretum. They have weekend lawn events in season,and I see a doozy coming up Oct 21.
Castle Hill in Ipswich
Beautiful B&B
What about Kimball Castle in Gilford NH
Kimball is not open to the public.
Kimball castle was recently purchased and is being restored for a wedding/event venue
How about Bancroft’s castle in Groton Massachusetts. Wiki can be found here…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bancroft%27s_castle
Oak Grove- Coburn in Vassalboro, Maine which is now the State Police Academy is a beautiful old castle. I went to school there in the 70’s. It was very creepy at night.
I know that New York is typically not thought of as part of New England, but we are pretty darn close and there are many Castles to see. My favorite two w/spectacular views are on the St. Lawrence River which is the water border between NY and Canada. They are Boldt Castle and Singer Castle. George Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, built his castle for his wife on an island in Alexandria Bay, NY. Sadly she did not live long enough to live at the castle. The second castle – was built by Frederick Bourne who was the fifth President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, which is where the name “Singer Castle” came from. This castle is completely furnished and you can actually spend the night on the island. Both are open to the public for tours and on the beautiful St. Lawrence River.
There are 2 large Castles in
Lowell,Ma on the hill in Belvidere.
They belonged to high ranking owners of the old Boot Mills from some time ago. About the 1920’s. They are still occupied to this day.
I see the Castle on the Hill in Belvidere every time a see my daughter.
She lives by another one also. They are absolutely Beautiful.!
Hammond Castle was always special to my husband and I and we had our wedding there in 1983. The pipe organ played during our wedding and was amazing. Felt like royalty. It’s beautiful there, right on the ocean and really is a castle. Our favorite wedding photo is on the drawbridge. We still visit there often and never tire of hearing stories about Mr. Hammond, a brilliant man and quite the character. We tip our hat to Mr. Pettibone, a master of all things Hammond and quite the character himself. Happy retirement Mr. Pettibone! Maybe we’ll see you “haunting” the castle at one of our visits.
There is a newer castle in Woodstock CT. 🙂 Google it for great pics.
There is a Searles Castle in Londonderry. N.H., a former convent.
My hubby and I attended an evening organ recital at Hammond Castle years ago and loved it! Also have visited Gillette Castlesevefal times over the years.
Our great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Shaw was the first owner of the land that now features the Castle in the Clouds. The mountain, Mt. Shaw, remains in his honor. Mr. Plant was a bit of a cad, but that story remains in Moultonborough….
You forgot Bancroft castle in Groton MA
My husband, Harmon and I will definitely check this out. He is originally from Groton, MA. Thank you, look forward to coming home this summer!
Castles? Really?
My grand dad was alive when some of these were built.
I am stunned about the existence of castles in the USA. Castles were in Europe something from the middle-ages until around 1700, These are more like disney castle which is based on german castles along the Rhein. China has also built somewhere a English village. A copy doesn’t make it real. Come to Europe and find the real splendour of castles with real history of dukes, kings ( Windsor castle, built from 1100 AD onwards). Castles were one can have middle age feasts eating with your hands and throwing the leftovers to the dogs. One cannot copy history.
Be proud of your country, New England has more beauty than England, more interesting features than a fake castle. Call them a mansion that is the word used after 1850 in the UK for everything built thereafter. And e.g. Castle in the clouds is called a folly (=deceit)
In England many of these would be called “Fortified Country Houses” rather than castles by their style, as castles fell out of use with the advent of the cannon.
The ones that actually look a bit like real castles would be called “Follies” rather than castles (yes, we have lots of fake castles as well as real ones!).
Some of our genuinely medieval castles are not really considered serious castles either. Check out Bodiam and Boscastle, both of which were 14th century playboy mansions for young frisky knights and had no real defensive capability.