You don’t have to travel to faraway places to explore stunning castles. America is home to hundreds of beautiful mansions, castles, chateaus, and elaborate estates with rich history’s and intriguing characters. Here are 5 fascinating castles in America that are definitely worth a visit.
1. Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, New York
This beautiful castle is located on Heart Island near Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands region. Millionaire George C. Boldt began building this fairy tale castle complete with a drawbridge in 1900 for his wife, Louise. Sadly, Louise died in 1904 and construction on the 120 room castle stopped immediately. Boldt left the islands sooner after his wife’s death and the castle sat untouched for 73 years. In 1977 the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took over the property and began to restore the castle and surrounding structures, including the Power House pictured above. Today, visitors can tour the castle and grounds between the months of May and October.
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2. Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Built by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. between 1926 and 1929, this spectacular medieval-style castle overlooking the Atlantic coast was originally constructed as a lavish wedding present for his wife, Irene. Hammond, also known as “The Father of Remote Control,” produced more than 400 patents in the castle which was also home to to the Hammond Research Corporation. Visitors can venture through Hammond Castle on a self-guided tour and explore a number of rooms including the indoor courtyard, the great hall, the library, two guest bedrooms, and the kitchens.
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3. Hearst Castle, California
Created by William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle, also known as “La Cuesta Encantada,” was completed in 1947. This legendary mansion boasts 165 rooms and 127 stunning acres of terraces, lush gardens, walkways, and pools. Hearst built the castle to house his massive collection of sculptures, ancient art, and pristine furniture. Visitors can tour the inside of the castle as well as what remains of Hearst’s private zoo, the private airport, and the treasured wine cellar built during the Prohibition Era.
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4. Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
Built by George Vanderbilt, this massive 8,000-acre estate features a gorgeous 250-room chateau that covers four acres of floor space and took six years to complete. Visitors can discover three extravagant floors on a self-guided tour and get up close and personal with the library, banquet hall, bowling alley, and 65 unique fireplaces. The Biltmore House is surrounded by both informal and formal gardens, forests, and meadows that can be explored via hiking and paved paths. Biltmore Winery and Antler Hill Village are also on the property and worth a visit.
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5. Loveland Castle in Loveland, Ohio
Chateau Laroche, often called Loveland Castle, was built by Harry D. Andrews, a medievalist, Boy Scout Troop leader, and World War I veteran. Andrews hand-built this rugged castle over a period of fifty years, and upon his death in 1981 he left the castle to his Boy Scout troop, the Knights of the Golden Trail (KOGT). Today, the KOGT looks over the property and carries on the valor and honor of knights of the past. Visitors can tour the house between the hours of 11am to 5pm. Fun fact: Harry served as a medic in World War I and was declared dead at one point. Unfortunately, by the time they announced he was still alive, his fiance had married another man. Harry decided to stay in Europe and check out the castles, inspiration for what would be Loveland Castle.
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