If you are looking for a nice castle negli United States, you are lucky. From centuries-old fortresses to grand estates to tragically beautiful ruins, castles of different shapes and forms are scattered throughout the country. We've compiled a list of 20 of the largest castles in the United States to help you get your fix.
1. Hearst Castle
The Golden State has its fair share of palatial estates, but if you can only visit one castle in California, consider it Hearst Castle a Saint Simeon. Built between 1919 and 1947, Hearst Castle it was the home and vision of the publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, who called his property La Cuesta Encantada, what does it mean the enchanted hill in Spanish. The name is appropriate: the castle sits on a slope with stunning views of the surrounding hills, and the property's elaborate design retains a fantastic atmosphere.
Hearst and its architect, Julia Morgan, they drew from various influences to achieve the castle's look, including Spanish Renaissance and Mediterranean Revival styles. Today the castle serves as a museum and offers a variety of tours that explore areas such as the great rooms, upstairs suites, and even the cottages and kitchen.
2. Bacon's Castle
This castle in Virginia It may look more like a house than a castle, but the building boasts more history than any of the other entries on this list. Built in 1665, Bacon's Castle it is one of the oldest brick homes in North America. Located in the city of Surry close to the river James, the majestic structure was built by Arthur Allen as a family home, but its fame comes from its occupation by followers of Nathanial Bacon for a few months in 1676 during the rebellion of Bacon. The house has been nicknamed Bacon's Castle and the nickname stuck.
Bacon's Castle it is a rare example of Jacobean architecture in the United States. Other notable aspects of the property include a slave dwelling built in 1830 and a reconstructed XNUMXth-century English garden. Both internal and external guided tours are available to the public.
3. Thornewood Castle
Have you ever wished you could live in a castle? That fantasy is probably out of reach, but staying in one as a guest might be for the best. And the good news is that a number of castle hotels in the United States are ready to help you realize your dreams of relaxing like a king. If you want authenticity, the Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, Washington, may be the best option for you.
In 1907, Chester Thorne purchased a 400-year-old manor in England before having it dismantled and shipped in pieces to the United States as a gift for his wife. The next few years were spent reassembling the mansion, which displays lovely Tudor and Gothic architectural styles. A variety of rooms and suites are available, many boasting luxuries like fireplaces and soaking tubs.
4. Bannerman Castle
Castles can take many forms. Some are fortresses, some are opulent estates, and some are crumbling ruins. Bannerman Castle falls into the latter category. Located on the tiny island of Ladle into the river Hudson a New York, Bannerman Castle was built by Francis Bannerman starting in 1901. In reality, the structure served as a safe storage facility for Bannerman's business, which sold surplus military goods. Bannerman, a Scotsman, designed the warehouse's look as a nod to his heritage.
bannerman he died in 1918 and the construction of the castle was never finished. Over the years, a series of accidents have devastated the storage space, leaving it in its current condition. Today the property is protected by a trust that welcomes visitors through tours and events, including live music, movie nights and farm-to-table dinners on the island.
5. Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, isn't technically a castle, but it is the largest private home in the United States and an undeniably grand example of a Gilded Age home. The main house was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895, and the estate has been a major tourist attraction for decades.
The property offers a wide variety of tours, from small-group guided hikes to self-guided garden tours to behind-the-scenes looks at the estate's winery. Biltmore is known for its special celebrations around Christmas time and myriad wedding venue options. Overnight guests have a choice of cottages and two hotels on the estate, which includes approximately 8.000 acres of open space. Outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, falconry and carriage rides.
6. Bishop's Palace
One of the most beautiful castles in the United States might also be one of the strongest. Completed in 1892, the Bishop's Palace in Galveston, Texas, was built primarily of stone that proved strong enough to withstand the 1900 hurricane that devastated much of the island. The mansion became the Bishop's Palace after the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston purchased the property in 1923; originally, the house belonged to the Gresham family.
Also known as Gresham's Castle, the mansion is a stunning example of late Victorian style and was considered one of the 100 most important buildings in the country by the American Institute of Architects. Self-guided tours with audio narration are available, as well as special basement-to-attic tours, which take visitors to parts of the house that are generally off-limits.
7. Fonthill Castle
Henry Chapman Mercer he was a well-known ceramist, archaeologist, anthropologist and antiquarian. It's no surprise that this artist and scholar wants to live in a beautiful place. The solution of Mercer was to build one's own house in Doylestownin Pennsylvania, and although not technically a castle, the size and design of the structure have led to its widely used nickname, Fonthill castle. Built from 1908 to 1912, the castle is architecturally significant for its early use of poured reinforced concrete.
Today, the Fonthill Castle operates as a museum. One-hour guided tours of part of the castle are available, but don't worry: even a partial tour of the house offers visitors some fascinating sights. The castle, which has 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces and more than 200 windows, is decorated with handmade ceramic tiles from Mercer. The house's stunning architectural blend of Byzantine and Gothic styles attracts more than 30.000 visitors each year.
8. The Breakers
When you hear the word cottage, you are unlikely to think of an estate whose grandeur rivals that of European castles. However, for the wealthy families who rose to prominence in the United States during the Gilded Age, summer cottage was the preferred term for some opulent homes in Newport, in Rhode Island. One of the most visited of these cottages is called breakers. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the breakers was commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II as a summer residence for his family.
Built between 1892 and 1895, the Breakers has 70 rooms and was designed to imitate the architectural style of 13th century Italian palaces. The house and grounds are open to the public for self-guided tours via an audio tour app. A separate whimsical audio tour is available for children under XNUMX.
9. Castillo de San Marcos
The word castle it doesn't just mean a lavish and palatial residence; Traditionally, a castle is a large fortress that protects its inhabitants from invasion. While forts may conjure visions of mighty medieval structures, you don't have to leave the United States to find one with hundreds of years of history. Located in St. Augustinein Florida, San Marcos castle it was built over several years starting in 1672 and today is the oldest existing masonry fortification in the country.
Today a national monument, the San Marcos castle it was built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. The fort is now a popular tourist attraction and visitors can experience the site in many ways. Historic weapons tours and demonstrations are available, and rangers and volunteers in period costume are happy to educate and interact with guests.
10. Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace it is unique among castles in the United States in being the only palace in the country that has been a royal residence. Located in Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Iolani Palace it was built between 1879 and 1882 and was the official home of the King Kalakaua and his sister and heir, the Queen Liliuokalani. After the fall of the monarchy in 1893, the palace became the seat of the provisional government until 1969.
Iolani Palace it was restored in the 70s before being opened to the public as a museum. The palace has a unique design style known as American Florentine, combining elements of Italian Renaissance architecture and Hawaiian architecture. A variety of tours are available, including special tours such as the White Glove Tour and a tour that explores the real connection of Hawaii Japan.
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11. Kentucky Castle
You would expect to find a vast stone castle in the middle of the Kentucky? The Kentucky Castle, conveniently located in a city called Versailles, hasn't been around for long but its lack of history hasn't stopped the property from offering guests a sumptuous experience. The castle's original owners began construction in 1969 after being inspired by European architecture while traveling. Ownership has changed hands several times over the years, but the castle has recently been renovated into a boutique hotel.
Guided tours are available, but the best way to see the Kentucky Castle is to book an overnight stay. In addition to elegant rooms and opulent furnishings, the castle property boasts an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant that sources food from on-site farms and gardens. There Kentucky Castle Spa features a sauna, cryotherapy chamber, reiki treatments and more.
12. Hammond Castle
Castles throughout history have been built to defend territories and house royal leaders. Castles in America are often conceived by visionary individuals who were inspired to create impressive structures where they could live and work. The scientist and inventor John Hays Hammond Jr. was one of these individuals and the castle he designed on the coast of Gloucester, in Massachusetts, is a testament to his genius.
Hammond he was an expert in European art and architecture and designed his castle to appear medieval in style, even incorporating features that he himself had invented. The castle was built from 1926 to 1929 and served as his home and workshop Hammond during his life. Today, the Hammond Castle it works like a museum. Hammond he was an avid collector and left behind a large collection of art and artefacts. Both self-guided and guided tours are available, as are weekly spiritualism and candlelight tours.
13 Singer Castle
One of the best parts of visiting a castle is being able to imagine what it must have been like to live in such a grand home. The Singer Castle a Chippewa Bay, New York, does not have a moat or drawbridge, but is located on its own island in San Lorenzo River, so the scenery is unquestionably picturesque. The castle was commissioned by Frederick Gilbert Bourne in 1903 and is named after the sewing machine company of which Bourne was president.
Singer Castle hosts tours and group events, but the real attraction is the experience of Royal Suite of the castle. Visitors who book this package have exclusive access to an entire wing of the castle plus a private tour and catered dinner. With 28 rooms and seven acres of Dark Island to explore, guests will feel at least a little real.
14. Gillette Castle
located East Haddam, in Connecticut, and located on top of a hill on the river bank Connecticut, It is the Gillette Castle, the ancient residence of William Gillette. Gillette was an actor, playwright and stage manager, perhaps best known for his onstage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes around the end of the century. Today, the 184-acre estate on which the castle sits is a designated state park and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Connecticut.
The quirky personal touches of Gillette can be seen throughout the building, whose exterior was designed to resemble a medieval castle. Its distinctive features include a large number of unique wooden doors and locks, carved wooden light switches, a water tower, and built-in sofas. Tours of the castle are available year-round, and visitors can also take advantage of the park's hiking trails and picnic areas.
15. Amorosa Castle
Centuries-old castles can be beautiful, exciting and educational, but the passage of time inevitably leads to damage, whether it is normal wear and tear or significant devastation due to an accident or weather event. If you want to experience the authentic style of a medieval castle without tiptoeing around a flimsy property, consider a destination like Castello di amorosa. Opened in 2007, this castle winery is fully ADA compliant, unlike most older castles.
The passion of the winemaker Dario Sattui for the Tuscan architecture of the XNUMXth century is clearly visible at Castello di amorosa. The vision of authenticity of Satui it required the use of handmade materials and construction methods from hundreds of years ago. The impressive end result includes a moat and drawbridge, defensive bastions, towers, stables, a chapel, an armory and 107 distinct rooms. Several tour and tasting options are available to visitors, including those who wish to abstain from drinking alcohol.
16. Boldt Castle
The river St Lawrence, which serves as the border between upstate New York and Canada, is dotted with more than 1.500 small islands known as the Thousand islands. One of these tiny pieces of land is Heart island, the setting of Boldt Castle. Accessible only by boat between May and October, the Boldt Castle it is an impressive example of a castle with extensive restoration work.
The hotelier and millionaire George Boldt he wanted to build a large Rhenish-style castle as a gift for his wife. Construction began in 1900, but the project was abandoned in 1904 when 's wife died boldt. Boldt never returned to the island, and the castle fell victim to weather and vandalism for the next 70 years. It has since been lovingly restored and today the castle is a major tourist attraction. Notable features include an elaborate ballroom and a grand corridor with a stained glass dome.
17. Lyndhurst
This mansion located on the east bank of the river Hudson a tarrytown, New York, may not technically be a castle, but its Gothic Revival style and 67-acre estate are grand enough to rival the real thing. Designed in 1838, lyndhurst it was initially built as a country villa for William S. Paulding Jr. The building's asymmetrical layout and distinctive turrets led critics to call it "Paulding's Folly“. The house was expanded and redecorated by subsequent owners before being opened to the public as a historic site and museum in 1965.
The property offers a variety of tours for visitors and a day pass to the gardens from May to November. The Classic Mansion Tour and the Backstairs Tour they explore the history of the house, its residents and the people who worked there. Special events such as theater performances and holiday-themed tours are scheduled on a seasonal basis.
18. Smithsonian Institution Building
A castle in the United States is itself a rare sight; a castle in Washington, is definitely amazing. Who would expect to find something resembling a royal residence just a few blocks away White House? Yet it is not uncommon to hear people talking about a "castle" near the National Mall. The castle they are referring to is lo Smithsonian Institution Building, a majestic structure made of red sandstone of Maryland.
Completed in 1855, this castle was the first structure of the Smithsonian Institution and remains its signature building to this day. The castle's elegant neo-Gothic architecture originally housed a natural history collection, a gallery, a laboratory and more. Today the castle hosts the Smithsonian Visitor Center, complete with high-tech interactive tools to help visitors plan their tour of the institution.
19. Belvedere Castle
If you have ever been to the iconic Central Park in New York, you've probably noticed a small castle sitting atop a dramatic rock overlooking a pond. This is the Belvedere Castle, located on rock view, the second highest natural point in the park. Completed in 1872, the Belvedere Castle it was initially built as a folly, designed to be a focal point in the park and a viewing point for visitors to enjoy the surrounding views.
Over the years, the castle has served several purposes. In 1919, the folly was transformed into a weather station. The weather service left in the 60s and the castle fell victim to vandalism and disrepair. An extensive restoration was completed in 2019, and today the castle houses a gift shop and visitor center. The elegant mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles of Belvedere continues to be a popular tourist attraction.
20. Castle in the Clouds
Born in 1859, Thomas Gustave Plant he was an industrious man who rose through the ranks to become the owner of the largest shoe factory in the world. Like many wealthy men, Plant dedicated a portion of his fortune to creating a comfortable home for himself and his family. The 6.300-acre estate was called Lucknow, built from 1913 to 1914 a MoultonboroughEdit, in New Hampshire.
A subsequent owner changed the name of the property to Castle in the Clouds, a nod to its mountaintop location, and opened it to the public. The house still bears the name today, and the estate offers a wide variety of activities, from dining to hiking trails to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The mansion itself offers tours to enlighten visitors about the history of the house and the style of architecture Arts and Crafts.
You might not be able to climb a medieval tower or try to get a peek at some royalty through a palace window anywhere in the United States, but that's not really necessary to get that majestic feeling that a castle can evoke. The United States offers vast historic estates and properties built by people who love old castles enough to recreate one at home.
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