Fabulous New York: 14 stunning castles across the state
'06.11.2020'
Vita Popova
Perhaps you think the only way to see a castle in New York is to pick up a Harry Potter book or watch the new season of Game of Thrones. But you are wrong - there are many historic castles scattered throughout the state. Many of them are perfectly preserved and are available for visiting today. The publication writes about where they are located. Only In Your State.
We offer 14 castles in New York State that will remind you of a fairy tale.
- Bannerman Castle, Pollepel Island
It was built in the early 1900s and was used to store military equipment during its heyday. Since only ruins have survived from the castle, it is no longer open to visitors.
- Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay
In the early 1900s, George Boldt, general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York and manager of the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, began building the castle. Construction ceased abruptly in early 1904 following the death of Boldt's wife, Louise Kehrer-Boldt. Boldt never returned to Hart Island, where the castle is located, leaving the building as a monument to his love.
For 73 years, the castle and other stone structures have been exposed to harsh winter weather and vandals. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Hart Island for $ 1 under an agreement that all proceeds from the operation of the castle would be used for restoration. The main goal was to preserve the island for future generations. In the two decades after the acquisition, about $ 15 million was spent on restoration and improvement of the territory. Work continues annually.
Today the island and castle are open to the public for a fee. If you ever decide to visit this historical place, you will see it as it was originally, because many of the rooms have remained untouched.
- Beardsley Castle, Little Falls
Built in 1860 to resemble an Irish castle, this residence is currently used as a restaurant. However, they say that among the guests there are not only people, but also real ghosts!
The castle has several dining rooms, some of which have wood burning fireplaces that add extra charm to these already incredible establishments. By the way, this one of the best restaurants in New Yorkhidden in such a magnificent castle.
- Oheka Castle, Huntington
This castle is located in Huntington, a suburb of New York. This place was once home to the financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and his family. The name Oheka (from English - Oheka) is an abbreviation for the original owner. The mansion was built by Kahn between 1914 and 1919 and is the second largest private home in the United States.
Today the castle houses a historic hotel with 32 rooms.
It often hosts weddings, celebrity parties, photo shoots, films and TV shows. The castle became the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
In 2004, Ojeka Castle was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Singer Castle, Hammond
Built in 1896, this castle has changed many names since then. It was formerly known as the "Dark Island" and Jorstadt Castle. This historic site was featured in the 2000 film Skulls. Rumor has it that Michael Jackson once tried to buy Singer Castle!
And the castle was built by the millionaire Frederick Gilbert Born, CEO of the Singer sewing machine company.
- Belvedere Castle, New York
It was built in New York in 1869. It is located right on the territory of Central Park and is a real gem of this place and the entire city. This castle has been shown in films several times. For example, in it the authors of the children's show "Sesame Street" settled one of the main characters - Count von Sign.
- Olan History Museum, Hudson
The famous landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church lived here for a long time. Some of his most famous works of art were created here.
This stunning and uniquely designed castle was purchased by the State of New York and is open to the public. If you plan to visit this place, be sure to bring headphones with you. Grammy-winning artist Mark Cohn wrote his song "Olana" and dedicated it to this castle.
- Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown
Built in the late 1830s, this Gothic-style mansion was used as a movie set for several films. Donated to the National Endowment for the Preservation of History in 1961, it is now open to visitors.
- Hempstead House, Sands Point
Hempstead House was built in the early 1900s and was once owned by the US Navy. In 1971, the Hempstead House deal was transferred to New York. Built by the son of a famous railroad tycoon, this estate was once renowned for its luxury.
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The Tudor-style castle served as a summer residence for the family, hosting grand parties, performances and exhibitions by world-class artists, as well as meetings of the powerful elite of the time. Isn't this a reason to visit an amazing place?
- Gould Castle, Sands Point
Located on the grounds of Hempstead House, Gould Castle was originally intended as the primary living quarters for Howard Gould. When his wife was unhappy with the completion of the castle, he began building Hempstead House. Gould Castle continued to be used as stables.
- Belhurst Castle, Geneva
The mansion was built in the late 1800s and is located on Lake Seneca. Previously, the castle was used as a hotel, spa and winery during Prohibition, and now it serves as a hotel, spa and winery.
- Reed Hall, Perchase
This historic castle is currently located on the Manhattanville College campus. It was built in 1892. Once presented as a potential trade center, the castle was bought in 1951 from Manhattanville College.
- Castle Rock Castle, Garrison
Built in the late 1800s, Castle Rock was home to former Illinois Central Railroad president William Henry Osborne. Although the house itself is not open to the public, almost all the land around it is open for walking.
- Castle Ward, Paradise
Built in the 1870s, this castle was one of the first buildings in the United States to be built with reinforced concrete. Once it housed the Museum of Cartoon Art. This beautiful structure is now privately owned and is no longer open to the public.
If you dream of spending a vacation like in a Disney fairy tale, then you have a chance. Discover for yourself 10 fabulous castles where you can spend your holidays.
