Wanna see some super cool castles but don’t really feel like schlepping all the way to Europe? If so then stay local and check out some of the best castles in New York state.
Because believe it or not, this great state of ours is positively overflowing with fairytale-perfect castles that you cannot afford to miss.
In fact, these picks for the best castles New York has to offer are so awesome that they will leave you perpetually picking your jaw up off the floor.
Trust me, I should know. I’ve lived in New York for 30+ years and know all about some super secret New York castles that you need to see…like now.
So, slowly step away from the overly generic guidebook and check out my super-savvy local guide instead. This way, you can start to experience New York like a real local.
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Best Castles in New York – Finger Lakes
1. Greystone Castle
Sitting proudly at the intersection of West Chapel Street and North Main Street in Canastota NY (just a half-hour drive from Syracuse), you will find Greystone Castle.
Any guesses as to why it’s called Greystone Castle? Yep, because it’s made of grey stones and it’s shaped like a castle!
But although it looks like a fairytale destination, this imposing and picturesque building has a rocky history.
Before there was a stone structure here, the land was the site of the local Methodist Episcopal church, and it was made of wood.
In 1908, a fire resulted in the original church burning to the ground. So, construction began on its replacement, and white stones were chosen to make sure it was more durable this time.
Having been rebuilt and finished in 1910, the building stopped being used as a church in the late 1960s.
It was renovated and reopened as the Greystone Castle events venue in 1995, and still operates as one of the best castles in New York today!
Anyone looking to get married, have a party or have a very high-class photoshoot can do that here in the gorgeous sunlit patio area.
Alternatively, you could also sit underneath the tall round tower or in the light of the enormous stained glass windows for added awesomeness at one of the top castles in New York.
Address: 201 N Main St, Canastota, NY 13032, United States
2. Connecticut Street Armory
It must be surprising for visitors to Buffalo to be walking along Connecticut Street and suddenly find themselves face-to-face with a giant castle.
After all, this Erie County fortification sits just 5,000 feet from the shores of Lake Erie, up in the northwest corner of New York.
Now, the site of the Connecticut Street Armory used to be a reservoir way back in the 1800s – used by firemen in emergencies.
So, when the 74th Regiment of the New York National Guard needed a new headquarters, the reservoir was relocated and the land was used to build the castle we know and love today.
And what a castle it is! As far as one of the best castles in New York go, this has got to be one of the largest.
In fact, the whole complex occupies an entire city block.
Now, standing across the street in Prospect Park, the southeast entrance of the castle is particularly impressive and imposing, with its huge six-and-a-half-story central main tower and multiple turrets.
In fact, the entire building is made of dried sandstone, which gives it a light terracotta color and makes it feel older and more established.
Today, it is still used by the US army as a troop headquarters and storage facility. So, don’t expect too many tours!
Address: 184 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213, United States
3. Old Fort Niagara
Sitting at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario, Old Fort Niagara has some of the richest and most dramatic histories of all of the top New York castles on this list.
In fact, the first military structure built here was constructed by the French during the Colonial War in 1678.
Then, throughout the years, the fort was replaced by larger and larger construction projects.
After reaching the size it is today in 1755, it was taken over by the British in 1759, before changing hands a few times during the Civil War – with the US eventually claiming ownership.
Because Old Fort Niagara has seen so much action, it has been rebuilt and fortified and rebuilt again quite a few times throughout its lifetime, which is LONG.
In fact, it’s probably one of the best castles in New York simply because it’s one of the oldest!
And visitors today can enjoy guided tours, artillery fire demonstrations, historical reenactments, and even watch artisans working away on-site.
Plus, it goes without saying that this hilltop lakeside fortification offers breathtaking views of Lake Ontario!
Address: 102 Morrow Plaza, P.O. Box 169 Youngstown, NY 14174-0169 USA
Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm but varies seasonally.
Price: Tickets are $17.00 for adults, $12.00 for kids, and free for anyone 5 and under.
4. Belhurst Castle
Originally built between 1885 and 1889 as a private residence, Belhurst Castle is now one of the swankiest hotels in New York.
It’s also one of the most haunted hotels in New York, in case you wanted to hang out with ghosts in one of the best castles in New York!
But throughout its history, Belhurst Castle has served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, a casino, and even a supper club.
See, it took 50 men four years to complete construction on this Romanesque Revival-style mansion – one of whom died while another allegedly went crazy as he was finishing the roof.
And since then, the reported ghost sightings within the hotel only seem to have grown/ So much so that many local residents also claim that the hotel is haunted.
Nevertheless, it’s well worth a visit to this beautiful castle. After all, it boasts two world-class restaurants and its own vineyard!
Address: 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, United States
Hours: Front desk is open twenty-four hours per day.
Price: $300+ per night.
Best Castles in New York – Thousand Islands
5. Boldt Castle
Although it is one of the best castles in New York, Boldt Castle was never actually completed.
In fact, the Castle was initially built for George Boldt (a hotelier) and his wife, Louise, in one of their favorite destinations, the Thousand Islands region.
Unfortunately, construction was suddenly and unexpectedly halted in 1904 when Louise tragically died.
Unable to envision living in the house without her, Boldt abandoned the project and never returned to Boldt Castle.
Following his death in 1916, the house remained uncompleted and unoccupied and fell into disrepair.
It wasn’t until 1977 when the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority obtained the property that any renovations or restorations were made.
The property was then purchased for just $1 under the promise that they would invest in fixing up (not necessarily finishing) the property and the surrounding area.
Since 1977, over $50 million has been spent restoring Boldt Castle and the other structures on Heart Island.
Today, the island castle is open seasonally to visitors between mid-May and mid-October and is a popular local attraction.
Address: PO Box 428, Collins Landing, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Hours: Open daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm from May 13th through October 9th.
Price: Tickets are $11.00 for adults and $8.00 for children.
6. Singer Castle
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can actually stay at one of the best castles in New York – which sits on its own private island!
FYI, Singer Castle is also available to rent as a wedding venue too.
And yes, it is extremely expensive – but if you can afford it, this is a magical experience worth having.
But, for those of us mere mortals of more modest means, Singer Castle can be visited as part of a guided tour.
Tours last 45 minutes and give a partial tour of the castle, including the library, dining hall, bedrooms, guest suites, and several other rooms.
You can also access Dark Island via shuttle, which leaves several times a day from Schermerhorn Harbor. Alternatively, private boats are allowed to moor at the docks here too.
Plus, Singer Castle can be found just a few yards south of the border between Canada and the United States – right on the Saint Lawrence River in upstate New York.
Now, initially built in 1905, Singer Castle was designed by architect Ernest Flagg for Frederick Gilbert Bourne, the then-president of the Singer Manufacturing Company (yes, the one that makes the sewing machine).
The castle was originally known as the Dark Island Castle but was renamed Singer Castle in honor of its first inhabitant.
At the time of construction, tons of granite were transported across the water (and ice during the winters) from nearby Oak Island to build Singer Castle and give you one of the best castles in New York.
Address: 1136 County Route 6, Chippewa Bay, NY 13623, United States
Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from April 30th to October 17th.
Price: Tours are 45-minutes long and cost$14.75 per adult and $7.75 for children.
Best Castles in New York – Hudson Valley
7. Lyndhurst Mansion
The stunning Lyndhurst Mansion, also known as the Jay Gould estate, is easily one of the best castles in New York. And once you visit, you’ll understand why!
Designed by American architect, Alexander Jackson Davis, the castle is done in his signature Gothic Revival style.
Davis didn’t live in the house though, which was instead owned by New York City mayor William Paulding Jr., merchant George Merritt, and finally railroad tycoon Jay Gould.
But, more importantly for visitors, the mansion itself offers fantastic views over the Hudson River, on which it sits.
The estate grounds are also fairytale-esque, and you can easily spend a day wandering around and touring the residence. Dogs are even welcome on the grounds – at least as long as they are on a leash.
Additionally, Lyndhurst Mansion has served as a filming location for several film and TV shows, especially those looking for gothic, fairytale, or opulent settings.
You may also recognize it from shows including the historical drama The Gilded Age and Blacklist, or the film Winter’s Tale.
And while you’re here be sure to check out some fun things to do in Sleepy Hollow, which is right next door to Tarrytown.
Address: 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
Hours: Open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Price: Tickets start at around $26.00 and you will have to pay to enter the grounds as well.
8. Beardslee Castle
Beardslee Castle has not had the best of luck in life when it comes to being one of the top castles New York has to offer.
Having been built in 1860 as a replica of an Irish castle, it was devastated by a fire in 1919 and then gutted again by a fire in 1989.
But, what stands today is still one of the best castles in New York. Plus, the fully renovated Beardslee Castle comes complete with a gorgeous stone outer shell and fabulous interior decor.
Why fabulous? Well, Beardslee Castle is not just a castle; it’s a restaurant!
So, visitors can enjoy all manner of delicious entrees, including farm-to-table pork loins, gulf shrimp, Faroe Island salmon, seafood chowder, and more.
Also, don’t forget a wine list of over 300 different bottles.
Do you wish to add some dark flavor to your evening? If so then head downstairs to the Beardslee Castle dungeon bar & grill!
With its vaulted stone archways and atmospheric lighting, you can enjoy your rack of lamb with an appropriately medieval dinner vibe.
Address: 123 Old State Rd, Little Falls, NY 13365, United States
Hours: Open Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at $26.00 each.
9. Bannerman Castle
It’s time to head out onto the Hudson River and to Beacon, NY for this impressive and towering castle.
However, don’t get your hopes up for a cozy night’s stay since Bannerman Castle is unfortunately in ruins.
Although, the original castle structure was much more elaborate and ornate than what is left today.
Constructed in the early 1900s by Francis Bannerman the sixth, the building was built on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River as a storehouse for his business.
Sadly, the castle was devastated by a huge fire that gutted the floors and walls and left just a small portion of the structure standing.
And while it may be abandoned today, you can still visit! In fact, there are a number of activities involving this grandiose island castle.
There are cruises out to the island, walking tours, kayak tours, movie nights, dinner events, and more.
Also, if you’re a fan of naval history, make sure to treat yourself to one of Bannerman Castle’s Titanic-themed First Class Dinners.
Guests can experience the exact 11-course menu that was served on the ill-fated Titanic way back on April 14th, 1912.
How many other of the best castles in New York can offer you that? Yup, pretty dang epic if you ask me.
And more than enough reason to visit one of the best New York castles of them all.
Address: Tours depart from the Beacon Institute Floating Dock.
Hours: Tours are 2.5 hours long and depart Thursday through Sunday at 6:00 pm, Thursday/Friday at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm Saturday/Sunday. They can vary though so always check their website.
Price: $40 per person for adults and $35 for children.
10. Wing’s Castle
Less than a 2-hour drive from New York City, this is one of the most modern castles on this list. In fact, it’s one of the best castles in New York state that is only 50 years old!
Actually, technically speaking this castle has never been fully finished!
See, artistic owners Peter and Toni Ann Wing started the project in 1970 and have been constantly updating and embellishing this place for its entire existence!
So, not only can you visit – and stay in – a “live-in art project”, but you can sleep easy knowing that it was made using 80% recycled materials.
As I mentioned, in addition to getting guided tours of the castle, you can also stay overnight in this fairytale building, which functions as a bed & breakfast.
And there are four different rooms for you to choose from: the Annex Suite, the Dungeon, the Chamber Room, and the Cottage.
Each one has unique bespoke furnishings and huge amounts of character, from stone pillars and ornate pointed windows to carved wooden doors and suits of armor.
One extra bonus to this being at one of the best castles in New York is that Wing’s Castle sits right next to the Millbrook Winery.
Therefore, you’ll be able to toast the beautiful sunsets from the castle balcony in style!
Address: 717 Bangall Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545, United States
11. Mohonk Mountain House
You can’t talk about the best castles in New York without at least some of them being luxury resorts. I mean, what’s the point of having a castle if you can’t live like a queen?
And that’s what Mohonk Mountain House is all about. Sitting to the south of the Catskill Mountains, just 20 miles west of Poughkeepsie, this Victorian castle resort will show you luxury on a royal scale.
With its host of lavish suites, fine dining, an award-winning spa, and breathtaking views of the Catskills, you’ll think you’ve woken up in a fairy tale!
Now, this castle was built by the Smiley family after Albert Smiley bought 300 acres of land by Mohonk Lake in 1869.
He envisioned a hotel that was comfortable but also at one with nature. And his descendants are still following this ethos today.
And it looks like it’s been a success since no fewer than five presidents have visited Mohonk Mountain House over the years, including Rutherford B Hayes, William Howard Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt!
Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, United
Hours: Front desk is open twenty-four hours per day.
Price: $1,000+ per night for a room. But you can always just visit Mohonk Preserve and go for a hike.
12. Olana State Historic Site
Completed in 1872, Olana Castle was designed by its original inhabitant, landscape painter, Frederic Church, and architect, Calvert Vaux.
Church wanted a home that would showcase his love of art and travel. So, the main villa of the property is a mix of Victorian, Persian, and Moorish architectural styles.
It is also one of the few completely intact artists’ residences in the United States. Because of this and its unique design, it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
Following Church’s death in 1900 one of the best castles in New York state was passed down through the family until 1966 when the state bought it at auction and opened the property to the public.
And with its truly magnificent views over the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, Olana remains a popular historical site in the state.
As a result, visitors can tour the house and surrounding property and learn all about Church, Olana, and the local area. There are also regular art exhibitions and cultural events held here too.
Address: 5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY 12534, United States
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Tour prices vary between $10 and $40 per person based on the tour you select.
13. Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library at Vassar College
Those lucky enough to visit the beautiful Vassar College campus will be thrilled to find one of the best castles in New York!
See, the Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library is the main library at Vassar and houses an impressive collection of over a million books, serials, micro text, and more!
Additionally, this gorgeous Gothic building was constructed using Germantown stone with limestone trim and is a standout on the campus.
And if the building itself wasn’t stunning enough, the real treat is the Cornaro Window, located in the library’s West Wing.
The window was specially commissioned for Vassar and depicts Elena Cornaro Piscopia.
Piscopia was a Venetian who initially rejected the chance to study for a doctorate in Theology. Later, though, she would become the first woman in Europe to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
And given Vassar’s history as a women’s college, they continue to highlight women’s accomplishments in education throughout both the library and the remainder of the campus.
While students are, of course, welcome to use the library year-round, it is also open to the public to visit during spring, winter, and summer breaks.
Address: 15 Main Campus Dr, Arlington, NY 12603, United States
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Price: Free
Best Castles in New York – NYC
14. The Met Cloisters
If you want to experience a magical fairytale setting, then just head to one of the most unique museums in NYC where you’ll also find one of the best castles in New York.
The Met Cloisters, also known simply as The Cloisters, is located in Tryon Park and is part of the world-famous Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Designed by architect Charles Collens, The Met Cloisters is a Medieval building predominantly done in Gothic and Romanesque styles.
The castle feels particularly European, which makes sense as it was designed to make visitors feel as though they’ve been transported to a monastery in Medieval Europe.
And once you step inside you’ll find several chapels and themed galleries, each decorated as the period it is meant to evoke and teach visitors about.
Also surrounding The Cloisters are gorgeous, well-kept Medieval gardens. And if you wander through the area you’ll find over 250 genera of plants, flowers, herbs, and trees within – including several rare Medieval species.
Plus, the ultra-rad upper level of the museum offers fantastic views over the Hudson River and the cliffs of the Palisades.
Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040, United States
Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Price: Pay what you wish for NJ, NY, and PA residents with a valid form of ID. Everyone else will have to pay $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $12 for students (free for children under 12.).
How to Get There: Take the A train to Dyckman Street and walk from there.
15. Bayside Historical Society
Once a mess hall and club for officers in the US Army Corps of Engineers, this ornate yet neat building sits on the Fort Totten peninsula in north Queens.
And like many of the best castles in New York, the Bayside Historical Society castle used to belong to the military, until it was taken over by the BHS in 1984.
However, the castle itself was constructed in 1887 in a Gothic Revival style, and in 1986 it was placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Now, once inside, visitors can explore all manner of exhibits about the area’s local history.
Each carefully curated collection contains all manner of letters, photographs, testimonies, and collectibles, giving a vivid picture of the previous eras of Bayside and the surrounding communities.
Bayside Historical Society’s castle is also a venue for events of all different varieties.
So, shows are held here displaying everything from vintage art to classic cars.
There are also lectures on historical events and interactive arts and crafts workshops too – making for some epic fun for the entire family!
Address: 208 Totten Ave, Queens, NY 11359, United States
Hours: Museum is open from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm from Tuesday through Thursday.
Price: $5.00 suggested donation.
How to Get There: Take the Port Washington Branch of the LIRR to Bayside and walk from there.
16. Belvedere Castle
You can’t visit the iconic Central Park without seeing one of the best castles in New York: Belvedere Castle.
Set atop Vista Rock, the second-highest natural point in Central Park, Belvedere Castle is the perfect spot for a magical afternoon.
And this New York castle of awesome was completed in 1869 after two years of construction and is a stunning mesh of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
It was built with granite and Manhattan schist with the intent of being an open-air lookout tower. Therefore, it originally had no doors or windows.
Luckily in 1919, it was converted into a weather station.
So, as of today, it now has doors and windows and is one of the best spots in Central Park for a beautiful view! It’s also a fun free thing to do on the Upper East Side.
From Belvedere Castle, visitors can take in scenic views of Turtle Pond, the Ramble, and the Great Lawn. There are even some great spots for sweeping views of NYC too.
Address: Central Park, New York, NY 10024, United States
Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the C train to 81st Street/Natural History Museum and walk from there.
17. Castle Williams
Castle Williams is a unique circular structure in New York Harbor, and one of the best castles in New York.
Like Castle Clinton, Castle Williams was also built in the early 1800s to be used for military defense against a naval attack.
And from the time it was constructed, the castle’s design was considered innovative and became the prototype for all US coastal fortification designs throughout the remainder of the century.
Then, after the peace treaty with Britain, Castle Williams remained under the control of the US government and was subsequently used as military barracks.
In 1915, the structure became the Disciplinary Barracks of Fort Leavenworth and remained as such until 1965.
Although the US Coast Guard briefly considered demolishing the building in 1966, they opted to keep it for ancillary government functions instead.
Then, in 2003, control of the site was transferred to the National Park Service, and it remains under their protection today.
So, stop by and say hi to one of the best castles in New York state for me.
Address: Governors Island
Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the summer.
Price: Free
How to Get There: Catch a ferry to the island from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan.
18. Castle Clinton National Monument
Castle Clinton, which is also known as Fort Clinton and Castle Garden, is one of the oldest castles in New York with construction starting in 1808.
In fact, the castle took three years to complete and was originally built on an artificial island (today Battery Park in Southern Manhattan) where New York was said to have officially started.
Built during wartime, the intended use of Castle Clinton was for war and it became a garrison in 1812 to keep out the British.
However, the fort never saw war and was converted into administrative headquarters for the Army in 1815 when the USA and Great Britain signed a peace treaty.
Castle Clinton later became the first American immigration station – yes, even before Ellis Island – welcoming more than 7.5 million people to the USA between 1855 and 1890.
Today it is both an NYC and USA-designated national landmark and sees millions of visitors annually.
So, this is one of the best castles in New York for history buffs, and a must if you are visiting NYC!
Address: Battery Park, New York, NY 10004, United States
Hours: Open daily from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 1 train to South Ferry and walk from there.
Best Castles in New York – The Adirondacks
19. Skene Manor
Nothing says opulence like your very own personal Victorian-style manor/castle, especially when it’s custom-built just for you and you alone.
Because that’s what Judge Joseph H Potter asked for when commissioning Skene Manor. And it looks like he got exactly what he wanted!
Finished in 1874, this sandstone palace (originally named “Mountain Terrace”) comes complete with two towers and three flat-roofed bracketed porches.
It also sits at the end of the similarly bespoke Potter Terrace and has quite a commanding view of the town of Whitehall and the Champlain Canal.
So, if you make your way up the lane you can take a tour of the restored and preserved castle, complete with period furniture, bespoke fixtures, and plenty of historic information.
Of course, like many of the best castles in New York, there’s also a gift shop and delightful tea room for refreshments and snacks.
Personally, I recommend visiting Skene Manor in the fall when the castle is surrounded by a rainbow of colors from local foliage that looks oh-so Insta-friendly.
Address: 8 Potter Terrace, Whitehall, NY 12887, United States
Hours: Open Friday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Price: Tours are free.
20. Highlands Castle
Overlooking Lake George, Highlands Castle is one family’s labor of love.
Back in 1978, John A Lavender II made a promise to his young son Jason that one day he would build him a castle.
When he managed to find the land for it in Bolton Landing – five years later – he began to make that promise come true.
Over the years the Lavender family managed to put together a series of picturesque stone buildings which are now available for rent to the public!
So, eager visitors have the choice of staying in the main Highlands Castle itself, the Castle Gatehouse, or the idyllic Castle Cottage.
Each one has its own distinct charm, with plenty of luscious soft furniture and outdoor balconies and patios so you can spend the evening looking out at the lake.
But, what makes this one of the best castles in New York is that you can rent the entire place just for yourself and your family. Your own private castle? Yes, please!
Address: 19 Skyline Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, United States
Hours: The front desk is open 24 hours per day.
Price: $1700+ per night.
Best Castles in New York – Long Island
21. Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle might just be the most high-class and swanky castle on this list. After all, this place just screams luxury and extra from pretty much any angle you look at it.
And that makes sense since this mansion was built over five years and eventually finished in 1919 by New York legend Otto Hermann Kahn – from whose initials we get the name of the castle: O-He-Ka.
Plus, with 127 rooms spread across 109,000 square feet of space, it’s the largest private residence in New York and the second largest in the United States.
Fortunately for those of us who can’t afford to build our own giant castle complex, Oheka Castle is now a hotel. So, you only need to pay for an overnight stay to enjoy the lovely interior and feel like a royal.
Now, during your stay, you’ll be able to enjoy fine dining, opulent rooms, and an impressively well-manicured garden and grounds that are inspired by chateaus in France.
Additionally, this castle has quite a high profile when it comes to popular culture as well.
After all, it was the inspiration for the Gatsby estate in F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Photographs of it were also used in the movie Citizen Kane and Taylor Swift’s Blank Space music video was even filmed here too!
Address: 135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743, United States
Hours: Tours are 1-hour long and offered somewhat daily at 11:00 am. They also must be booked in advance.
Price: Mansion tours are $30.00 for adults, $25.00 for seniors, $15.00 for hotel guests, $20.00 for students, and $10.00 for children.
22. Castle Gould
Castle Gould is part of the Gould-Guggenheim Estate which is a 216-acre property (also known as Sands Point Preserve) in Sands Point in Long Island.
The large property was originally intended for financier Howard Gould but was eventually completed by mining magnate, Daniel Guggenheim.
Since its acquisition, multiple properties have been built here. But, today two of note remain: Castle Gould and the larger Hempstead House.
So, if you’re looking for one of the best castles in New York state, you’ll love spending the day exploring both of these buildings.
See, Castle Gould was originally designed after Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. However, by 1904 (when it was finally completed) this 100,000-square-foot castle had become its own unique creation.
The castle, made entirely of limestone, was intended to be the main residence for Howard Gould and his wife, Katherine Clemmons.
Instead, Castle Gould became the servants’ quarters, as well as a stable and carriage house.
Then, after the completion of Castle Gould, Katherine decided she wanted something bigger and Hempstead House was started.
Today though, Castle Gould houses a visitor center where private/group tours around the remainder of the property can be arranged.
Address: 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050, United States
Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Falaise tour tickets are $15.00 per person, Hempstead House tickets are $10.00 per person, and entrance to the Preserve is $15.00 per car for non-members.
Best Castles in New York – Central New York
Dundas Castle (aka Craig-E-Clair Castle)
Just north of Roscoe, NY on Beaver Kill River sits an abandoned architectural gem: Dundas Castle or Craig-E-Clair Castle.
Yeah, the alternate name was coined by the wife of New York architect Bradford Gilbert, who built a summer retreat in what would become Roscoe in the 1880s.
His wife Maria said the area reminded her of her homeland, and she named it Craig-e-Clair which means “beautiful mountainside”.
Conflicting stories say that Maria was either Irish or Scottish, but wherever she was from, she was not wrong about the region’s stunning beauty.
Now, when the summerhouse was bought by Ralph Dundas – with the intention of turning it into the best darn mansion that he ever did see – it became Dundas Castle.
And trust me when I tell you that Dundas did not skip out on any luxuries at all. In fact, he brought in slate roofing from England, gates from France, and plenty of marble from Italy to erect all the building’s many staircases, fireplaces, and floors.
Unfortunately, the castle was never finished because Dundas died while it was still being built. And no one in his family moved into the area to take up the castle-building mantle.
That’s why today the castle is still unoccupied, although it is being preserved and also occasionally used as a youth summer camp under the name Camp Eureka.
Address: 609 Craigie Clair Rd, Roscoe, NY 12776, United States
Map of the Best Castles in New York State
Additional New York Resources You’ll Love
There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best castles in New York state.
Tell me, did your picks for the best New York castles of them all make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below.
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