Beautiful American castles draw us in like moths to a flame. Envision for a moment the splendor of the castles in Europe, with their towers and turrets and Romanesque and Gothic architecture, tucked away in a medieval rustic land. The grandeur, intimidation, and power with notes of Europe are clear and strong.
Here is an incredible collection of the most beautiful castles in the United States. From California to Florida and every state in between, you will not believe what you are going to see. The below list will help you know more about these castles, their locations, history, and many other interesting facts.
Biltmore Estate | North Carolina
The Vanderbilt family’s Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, boasts the title of “Vacation Manor.” The stunning 250-room French renaissance estate was built using an estimated 40,000 cubic feet of stone and two million bricks. Biltmore Estate is furnished with original art, tapestries, and one heck of a fancy phone.
The 325-acre estate features 80 rooms with 12 baths, 43 employees and is attached to 1,000 acres of forested estate. As you may imagine, Biltmore Estate truly is a sight to behold and a beautiful backdrop for weddings, parties, and other events.
By 24dupontchevy, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1 Approach Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, United States | Timing: Open daily. Hours vary. For more details visit https://www.biltmore.com/hours/hours of operation/ | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SGRXeu8VFDm7mMtH9 | Phone Number: +18004113812
Hearst Castle | California
Hearst Castle is a National and State Historic Monument located on the Central Coast of California. Hearst Castle was designed by architect Julia Morgan between 1919 and 1947 for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
The main residence of Hearst Castle was built over many years in a variety of architectural styles, with points marked by the First Spanish period (circa 1919 1935), the Second Spanish Period (1935 39), the Mexican Colonial Revival Period (1940 41), and finally the Italian Villa Period from 1941 onwards. Today, Hearst Castle, currently a museum, stands as a top tourist attraction in the area and a beautiful setting for weddings. Be sure to stop by for one of Hearst Castle’s iconic tours.
Fun fact: There’s also a pool on the premises! Time of your life, indeed.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States | Timing: Temporarily closed. For more details visit https://hearstcastle.org/ | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iwVucBNMwimEePy18 | Phone Number: +18004444445
The Breakers | Rhode Island
The Breakers is a stunning 70-room mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. Originally built as a summer cottage by Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family, the mansion is considered one of America’s greatest Gilded Age mansions.
While 16th-century Italian Renaissance palaces inspired the architecture, the stone exterior was quarried and crafted nearby at Village Marble Quarry, owned by Vanderbilt.
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Address: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GkB1U1xGcRcsVHCR9 | Phone Number: +14018476544
Boldt Castle | New York
Boldt Castle is a national landmark located on Heart Island, in the Thousand Islands region of the Saint Lawrence River in northern New York. Constructed in 1904 and nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, it has been designed as one of the world’s most beautiful castles and makes a fabulous backdrop for weddings.
It has been designed as a historic site and a tourist attraction since 1950. Make it a point to visit for one of its well-known tours.
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Address: 1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, United States | Timing: 10:30 am to 06:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/hv42zToVApHn5CZw7 | Phone Number: +13154829724
Bannerman Castle | New York
New York’s Adirondack Mountains has been attracting visitors since the late 18th century. Today, as you drive into the High Peaks region, you will find the 19th-century Bannerman Castle with turrets and battlements overlooking peaceful Bannerman Island.
Bannerman Castle is located in the Hudson Highlands on Pollepel Island in New York’s Beacon. It overlooks the Hudson River from a small island in Beacon. The structure was originally built as a storehouse for ammunition and explosives by renowned inventor and American military officer Francis Bannerman VI (1848 1908).
By PhreddyCox, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Beacon, NY 12508, United States | Timing: Vary with events | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/L85ZAQovWzSzGzqV9 | Phone Number: +18452372636
Bishop’s Palace (Gresham’s Castle)
Standing on the hillside to the west of the junction of Broadway and East Main Street, Bishop’s Palace and its beautiful tower are a local landmark and a host of iconic tours. Bishop’s Palace is named after the man who built it, Bishop Henry Gresham.
If you haven’t already guessed by now, it is one spooky-looking mansion with its butler’s quarters, living room, kitchen, annex room, servant’s dining room, and a bedroom on the top floor that also served as his wife’s workshop.
By Nsaum75, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mPCyB7d9BEt6bVAe8 | Phone Number: +14097622475
Fonthill Castle | Pennsylvania
Fonthill Castle, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was built by an American scholar, archaeologist, anthropologist and ceramist Henry Chapman Mercer. With 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, and over 200 windows, Fonthill Castle was constructed to serve as Mercer’s home.
The architecture of the Fonthill Castle, the first of the three buildings by Mercer, is a mix of the medieval and Gothic styles. Another important feature of the Fonthill Castle is that it is one of the first buildings made of reinforced concrete. The place now serves as a museum showcasing Mercer’s diverse collection of tiles and prints collection.
By Francis valocchi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ALgJpxa5gt264a9a6 | Phone Number: +12153489461
Castello Di Amorosa | California
Castello Di Amorosa is a restored medieval-style castle, built by winemaker Dario Sattui over a 10-year period. The imposing structure dominates the picturesque setting of Calistoga, California, and is located in the Napa Valley Wine Country.
Castello di Amorosa is built of stone quarried from nearby Mount George. Castello Di Amorosa is a stunning building with a history that hits all points of the compass.
By DimiTalen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States | Timing: 09:30 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/castellodiamorosa?share | Phone Number: +17079676272
Lyndhurst Castle | New York
Like many historic sites, Lyndhurst Castle has a fascinating history. It was home to the New York barons who served as British Colonial Governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. It was designed in 1869 by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who was an innovative architect. Many of his construction ideas were used in building this castle, including the use of steel beams for support and concrete floors.
The 19th-century building, currently serving as a museum, has a mysterious staircase built over a century ago and offers an extensive view of the Hudson River Valley. Be sure to visit one of its well-known tours.
By Denver Gingerich, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States | Timing: Monday – Thursday: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Friday – Sunday: 09:00 am to 03:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wwgLdLVYCCEMM28z6 | Phone Number: +19146314481
Iolani Palace | Hawaii
Officially known as the “residence of His Majesty, the Sovereign of Hawaii”, Iolani Palace was the royal palace and official home of Hawaiian royalty from 1882 to 1893. The name of the palace is a partial translation of Iolani, meaning “royal hawk”. It reopened as a museum in 1978 after undergoing renovation.
The construction process of Iolani Palace brought back Hawaiian traditions and values. The design of Iolani Palace is the only example of American Florentine (a mix of Italian Renaissance and Hawaiian architectural styles). Make a point of stopping by for one of its famous tours.
By Arjunkrsen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States | Timing: Sunday – Monday: Closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/IolaniPalace?share | Phone Number: +18085220822
Hammond Castle | Massachusetts
Hammond Castle, located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a massive stone mansion (now a museum) built between 1910 and 1914. The Hammond Castle has over 70 rooms, including 17 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, a library with an oak ceiling that is over 100-feet long, a solarium, and eight working fireplaces.
Hammond Castle is unique in many ways. John Hays Hammond Jr. built it with numerous medieval and Renaissance artifacts that he had collected during his trips to Europe. Hammond Castle is attributed as being one of the most haunted sites in America due to a plethora of strange occurrences over the years.
Address: 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, United States | Timing: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kEtEF344SzHd58M19 | Phone Number: +19782832080
Belvedere Castle | New York
Located in Central Park, Belvedere Castle or Central Park Castle is a replica of an actual castle located outside Liverpool, England. Sitting atop a hill, it is open to the public from May 1st through Columbus Day and on most holidays. It’s a perfect spot designed for wedding photos and events.
While the castle itself is unique in terms of size and historical legacy, the park where it sits also has a rich history. It was originally designed by architects Olmsted and Vaux, who were commissioned to develop Central Park by New York City in 1861. The major designed features were naturalness and a pastoral feel.
Address: New York, NY 10024, United States | Timing: Monday – Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/belvedere castle?share | Phone Number: +12127720288
Belcourt Castle | Rhode Island
The beautiful Belcourt Castle is a French Chateau overlooking Lake Lure in North Carolina. Better known as Belcourt Mansion, in Nashville, it has been home to many interesting people. Many rooms are decorated with Louis XVI style furniture and some with murals painted by Eugene de Blaas. Late 1800s photographs adorn the walls of the grand foyer room. Stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, and rich tapestries make it a breath-taking setting for weddings.
Address: 657 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, United States | Timing: Monday – Thursday: Closed, Friday: 11:00 am to 04:00 pm, Saturday: 11:00 am to 05:30 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/odNZ6qF7ADJeAGNV9
Scotty’s Castle | California
Scotty’s Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in the USA. This Victorian-style mansion, known as the Enchanted Cottage, was built between 1908 and 1911. It is well known for its floor-to-ceiling frescoes of desert life.
There are actually two castles. The exterior one was built by Willis and Maude Cameron for their teenage son, Walter Jr., in the late 1920s. The interior one was built and made famous by Walter Sr. when he purchased the site in 1930.
Address: 123 Scotty’s Castle Rd, California, United States | Timing: Temporarily closed. For more details visit https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/historyculture/scottys-castle.htm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/D1jsDottUwhqZjo88
Gillette Castle | Connecticut
Gillette Castle sits on a bluff in the Litchfield County town of East Haddam, Connecticut. Located at the crest of a hill on the east side of the Scantic River, it is hard to imagine that this imposing structure was once a mere foundation.
With massive walls and turret-like structures, this gothic-style architectural wonder’s perceived image seems more suited for one in Europe instead of a cottage overlooking Route 30.
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By Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3uWXBGkCXhxTGvL76 | Phone Number: +18604243200
Castle in the Clouds | New Hampshire
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, built between 1923 and 1930 by Alanson Tom Roy, this mansion is perched atop Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. The mysterious Castle in the Clouds is a beautiful oddity. A remnant of the times gone by, this 6,288-feet high fortification gazes over the mountains of upper New England.
Address: Route 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/CastleintheCloudsNH?share | Phone Number: +16034765900
Montezuma Castle | Arizona
Words cannot describe the beautiful sight when you see Montezuma Castle up, close. It’s a 13-story building on top of an 800-foot-high cliff in Northern Arizona. It attracts many visitors, especially photographers who like to capture these ruins’ striking beauty and unique character.
By Postdlf, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, United States | Timing: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UB5ux4skGxTekaGu8 | Phone Number: +19285673322
OHEKA Castle | New York
If you’re a history buff or just have an appreciation for exquisite architecture and beautiful landscapes, a trip to the Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY will bring out your inner sense of adventure. Otto Herman Kahn — a famous banker, who started one of the largest accounting firms before becoming a philanthropist — built it in the 1920s.
After undergoing renovations and restoration to its former glory over the past few decades, Oheka has become a premier landmark in the Hamptons. It is also the backdrop for several gripping stories, including the iconic novel The Goldfinch and the movie based on that book.
By OhekaCastleNY, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743, United States | Timing: 24/7; Check-in: 3:00 pm; Check out: 11:00 am | Google Map Location: https://g.page/oheka-castle-huntington-ny?share | Phone Number: +16316591400
Castle Gould (Hempstead House) | New York
Castle Gould, built in 1906 by architect Stanford White, is fascinating for several reasons. It sits on 1.6 acres of land with priceless views of Long Island Sound. The land itself is quite interesting, containing a natural fault line that created a beautiful waterfall. Classified as an Ancient Monument, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles and is believed to be the oldest building in the US.
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By Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050, United States | Timing: Monday – Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm, Sunday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm| Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sq4VxDBhgMNLXp5EA | Phone Number: +15165702281
Loveland Castle (Château Laroche) | Ohio
The magic of Loveland Castle is how a secluded, peaceful woodland home has been transformed into a family getaway. Every tree on the property was hand-picked and transplanted.
Take a tour of this medieval marvel that sits on a hill overlooking Loveland, Ohio. Constructed for the purpose of hosting public events and festivals, it is the first commercially constructed European-style castle in the US. Make a point of going on one of its well-known tours.
Address: 12075 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, United States | Timing: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4xRyqWynkYUdZxk96 | Phone Number: +15136834686
Ca’ d’Zan | Florida
a’ d’Zan is easily the most unique castle in America. The house itself is out-of-this-world gorgeous. It is the one with the most impressive castles in the US in terms of history. Built in the early 20th century by philanthropist and socialite Ella Webb, the house has been named one of the 10 most important houses in American architectural history.
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By Indies1, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vwTNUQdwfXA3vfYN8 | Phone Number: +19413595700
Smithsonian Institute Castle | Washington, D.C
The Smithsonian Institution Castle is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and was designed by architect James Renwick, Jr. (who was popular for his design for the Gothic Revival Church in New York City). This medieval grandeur is the oldest building in the mall and houses the offices of Smithsonian’s Secretary, the National Museum of American History, and an eatery. Make it a point to take one of its well-known tours.
By AgnosticPreachersKid, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States | Timing: 08:30 am to 05:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2ia4dvFzrqXaDK3p7 | Phone Number: +12026331000
People fascinated with castles are always on the lookout for anything related to these ancient buildings. And believe it or not, there are a lot more of them in the US than most of them know of. This list of beautiful American castles will come as a pleasant surprise to you. Some even rank among the most beautiful in the world! If you are looking for a romantic vacation, some mansion to take your partner to, then it going to one of these romantic castles in the USA could be a good idea. And if you are studying to become an architect, then you should definitely consider visiting these beautiful castles in the USA.
