New England might not be known for medieval fortresses, but this historic region is home to some truly spectacular castles that you might not expect. You can visit Gilded Age mansions, made for the richest of the rich, and mysterious stone fortresses hidden in the woods. No matter which of these awesome castles you visit, you will be charmed by the ingenuity of the builders
1. The Breakers – Newport, Rhode Island
The crown jewel of Newport’s mansion district and by far the most opulent, The Breakers is a 70-room Italian Renaissance palace built by the Vanderbilt family in 1895. This “summer cottage” comes complete with ocean views, elaborate gold leaf details, delicate carvings, and some of the most opulent rooms in America.
The tour is a great way to learn about the house and the children’s audio tour is probably the most fun, whether or not you are a child.
Visit Info: Open year-round with guided tours available. Located on Ochre Point Avenue in Newport.
2. Gillette Castle – East Haddam, Connecticut
Sitting dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle is one of New England’s most unique structures. When you first see it, it resembles a pile of stones that seem to be melting, but the inside is so much more impressive.
Built in the early 1900s by actor William Gillette (famous for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage), this 24-room medieval-style castle has hand-carved wooden door latches, secret passages, and mirrors positioned throughout to spy on guests.
Visit Info: Open seasonally as a state park. The castle interior is a self-guided tour, and don’t leave without a walk through the woods on the property. They are some of the best paths in the area.
3. Marble House – Newport, Rhode Island
Another Vanderbilt masterpiece, Marble House, was built in 1892 as a birthday gift for Alva Vanderbilt. The Petit Trianon-inspired palace used 500,000 cubic feet of marble and cost $11 million to build (equivalent to about $330 million today). The Gold Ballroom is particularly stunning with its elaborate gilded decorations.
While not as large or grand as the Breakers, this house is every bit as ornate.
Visit Info: Located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport. Open for tours year-round with special events throughout the seasons.
4. Rosecliff – Newport, Rhode Island
Modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles, Rosecliff was built in 1902 for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. This elegant white terra cotta mansion is famous for its heart-shaped grand staircase and the largest ballroom in Newport. The castle has served as the filming location for numerous movies, including “The Great Gatsby.”
Visit Info: Open for self-guided tours. The mansion also hosts special events and wedding ceremonies.
5. Castle in the Clouds – Moultonborough, New Hampshire
This Arts and Crafts mansion sits 2,300 feet above sea level in the Ossipee Mountains. Built in 1914 by millionaire Thomas Plant, the castle features 16 rooms with panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. The estate has beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and miles and miles of hiking trails.
Visit Info: Open seasonally with mansion tours and outdoor activities. The property includes a restaurant and offers scenic chairlift rides.
6. Elm Court – Lenox, Massachusetts
Known as the “Berkshire Cottage,” Elm Court is a massive Tudor Revival mansion built in 1886. It is so big, it is in 2 different towns! This 100-room estate was designed by architects Peabody and Stearns and is famous for its elaborate stonework, leaded glass windows, and beautiful formal gardens. The castle is now a private residence but occasionally opens for special tours.
Visit Info: Limited public access. Check local tourism boards for rare tour opportunities.
7. The Elms – Newport, Rhode Island
Built in 1901 for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind, The Elms is a French château-style mansion with 48 rooms. The classical architecture is much more understated than the surrounding “summer cottages,” mostly because the use of gold is a little more restrained. It still has elaborate marble work, crystal chandeliers, and beautifully manicured gardens with fountains and sculptures. The servant areas are particularly interesting, showing how the “other half” lived.
Visit Info: Open year-round for tours. The mansion offers both house and garden tours, with special holiday decorations in winter.
8. Rough Point – Newport, Rhode Island
This English manor-style mansion was the home of tobacco heiress Doris Duke. Built in 1887, Rough Point sits on a rocky promontory with spectacular ocean views. The castle houses Duke’s impressive collection of art, furniture, and decorative objects, including works by Renoir and Van Dyck.
Visit Info: Open seasonally for guided tours. Reservations are recommended due to limited capacity.
9. Chateau-sur-Mer – Newport, Rhode Island
One of Newport’s first grand “summer cottages,” Chateau-sur-Mer was built in 1852 and renovated in the 1870s. This Victorian mansion has elaborate carved woodwork, decorative arts, and a magnificent central hall. The castle represents the transition from Victorian to Gilded Age architecture.
Visit Info: Open for guided tours. The mansion showcases period furnishings and rotating art exhibitions.
10. Wentworth Castle – Jackson, New Hampshire
This medieval-style castle was built in 1874 as a private residence for General Marshall Wentworth and his wife, Georgia. The granite structure features turrets, battlements, and it looks just like a medieval castle. Though currently private, the castle’s exterior can be admired from public roads and nearby parks.
Visit Info: Private residence with limited public access.
11. Castle Hill – Newport, Rhode Island
Built in 1874 for Harvard professor Alexander Agassiz, Castle Hill is a shingle-style mansion perched on a dramatic seaside bluff. The castle features 20 rooms and sits on 40 acres of lawns that sweep down to the ocean. The property now operates as a luxury inn and restaurant.
Visit Info: Open to the public for dining and special events. The grounds offer beautiful walking paths and ocean views.
12. Belcourt Castle – Newport, Rhode Island
Built in 1894 for Oliver Belmont, this 60-room mansion was designed to resemble a Louis XIII hunting lodge. The castle has one of the largest private collections of medieval and Renaissance art in America, including armor, tapestries, and furniture. The Grand Hall was designed to accommodate Belmont’s prized horses.
Visit Info: Open for guided tours and special events. The castle offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations.
13. Ventfort Hall – Lenox, Massachusetts
This Jacobean Revival mansion was built in 1893 for Sarah Spencer Morgan, sister of J.P. Morgan. The red brick and limestone castle has elaborate carved details, leaded glass windows, and period furnishings. The hall is very different in style from any of the other “summer cottages” in Lenox. The mansion now serves as a museum and cultural center.
Visit Info: Open seasonally for tours. The mansion hosts cultural events, weddings, and educational programs.
14. Hammond Castle – Gloucester, Massachusetts
Built in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., this medieval-style castle sits on the rocky coast of Gloucester. If you were looking for a castle that looks like the old castles of Scotland, this is it! The castle has thousands of authentic medieval artifacts, a great hall with a soaring ceiling, and a magnificent pipe organ. The structure was built around Hammond’s collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. He always intended it to be a museum, and it is now a museum.
Visit Info: Open for tours and special events. The castle hosts concerts, weddings, and seasonal celebrations.
15. Searles Castle – Windham, New Hampshire
This granite castle was built in 1905 for interior designer and architect Edward Searles. The Tudor Revival mansion was built with 44 rooms, elaborate stonework, and beautiful stained glass windows. The castle sits on a 2,000-acre estate with formal gardens and woodland trails.
One interesting fact about Searles Castle is that it was financed by Edward Searles’ much older wife. She was an heiress and married Searles when he was 47 and she was 67!
Visit Info: Now operates as a wedding venue and corporate retreat. Limited public access, but the exterior can be viewed from public roads.
16. Mayflower II Castle – Plymouth, Massachusetts
While not a traditional castle, this replica of the famous Mayflower ship offers a unique castle-like experience with its fortress-like structure and historical significance. The ship serves as a living history museum where visitors can explore the vessel that brought the Pilgrims to America.
Visit Info: Open seasonally as part of Plimoth Plantation. Costumed interpreters provide immersive historical experiences.
17. Castle Tucker – Wiscasset, Maine
This Italianate mansion was built in 1807 and feels castle-like, including a cupola and elaborate Victorian interiors. The mansion has been preserved with original furnishings and decorative arts spanning four generations of the Tucker family.
Visit Info: Open for guided tours through Historic New England. They call the mansion a Time capsule of Victorian taste.
Planning Your Castle Tour
When planning your New England castle adventure, consider these tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Many castles are open seasonally (May through October), while others operate year-round with reduced winter hours.
- Advance Reservations: Popular castles like The Breakers and Gillette Castle can get crowded, especially during fall foliage season.
- Combination Tickets: Newport offers combination tickets for multiple mansion tours, providing significant savings.
- Photography: Most castles allow photography in common areas, but flash photography may be restricted in some rooms.
- Accessibility: Many historic castles have limited accessibility due to their age and architectural features.
Transportation and Logistics
Getting Around Newport: The city offers trolley tours that connect major mansions, or you can walk the famous Cliff Walk for spectacular ocean views between properties.
Parking: Most castles offer on-site parking, though Newport locations may have limited spaces during peak season.
Dining: Many castle properties feature on-site restaurants or cafes, perfect for extending your visit.
Conclusion
New England’s castles offer a fascinating glimpse into America’s Gilded Age, when wealthy industrialists built elaborate palaces that rivaled European royalty. From the opulent Vanderbilt mansions of Newport to the mysterious Gillette Castle perched above the Connecticut River, these architectural marvels provide unforgettable experiences for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts
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