New England might be best known for its lighthouses, fall foliage, and charming seaside towns but tucked among its rolling hills and coastal cliffs are real-life castles that tell stories of ambition, romance, and old-world grandeur.
From ivy-covered stone towers to fairytale-like estates perched above lakes, these 16 incredible castles in New England prove that you don’t need to cross the Atlantic to feel like you’ve stepped into another era.
Whether you’re a history lover, architecture admirer, or just chasing a bit of magic, this list brings together the most enchanting fortresses and mansions across six states each with its own character and charm.
1. Gillette Castle – East Haddam, Connecticut
Built by actor William Gillette (famous for playing Sherlock Holmes), Gillette Castle looks like it leapt straight from a medieval storybook.
Perched high above the Connecticut River, this stone masterpiece features secret passageways, hand-carved woodwork, and whimsical design choices that reflect Gillette’s eccentric personality.
Pro Tip: “Take the ferry across the river for the best photo angle especially in late afternoon light.”
2. Hammond Castle – Gloucester, Massachusetts
A blend of medieval architecture and 20th-century ingenuity, Hammond Castle was constructed in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr.
Inside, you’ll find European artifacts, an organ, and a courtyard reminiscent of an ancient abbey.
Pro Tip: “Visit during the Halloween season Hammond hosts hauntingly atmospheric tours.”
3. Castle in the Clouds – Moultonborough, New Hampshire
Sitting atop the Ossipee Mountains, Castle in the Clouds offers sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Built in 1913, this Arts and Crafts–style mansion features grand terraces, stained glass, and vintage furnishings that evoke a golden age of New England wealth.
Pro Tip: “Arrive before 10 a.m. to enjoy breakfast at the café with panoramic lake views.”
4. Wilson Castle – Proctor, Vermont
This red-brick Victorian beauty combines European Gothic and Romanesque styles.
Wilson Castle boasts 32 rooms, imported marble fireplaces, and richly detailed interiors.
It’s open for tours and even rumored to be haunted.
Pro Tip: “Bring a wide-angle lens this castle’s ornate façade looks stunning framed by fall colors.”
5. Bannerman Castle – Pollepel Island, New York (Near Connecticut Border)
Though technically just outside New England’s traditional boundary, Bannerman Castle is too spectacular to skip.
Located on the Hudson River, this crumbling fortress once stored military surplus.
Today, it’s a hauntingly beautiful ruin accessible by kayak or guided boat tour.
Pro Tip: “Book a twilight tour watching the castle silhouette against sunset is unforgettable.”
6. Blantyre Castle – Lenox, Massachusetts
Now a luxury resort, Blantyre resembles a Scottish manor with stone turrets and ivy-covered walls.
Set amid the Berkshires, it’s one of the most romantic getaways in Massachusetts.
Pro Tip: “Visit in winter for roaring fireplaces and cozy countryside charm.”
7. Winnekenni Castle – Haverhill, Massachusetts
Overlooking Kenoza Lake, Winnekenni Castle was built in the 1870s as a summer home.
Its stone towers, lush park setting, and hiking trails make it a favorite for picnics and photoshoots.
Pro Tip: “Check local events Winnekenni often hosts outdoor concerts and community festivals.
8. Kimball Castle – Gilford, New Hampshire
Perched above Lake Winnipesaukee, Kimball Castle is partly in ruins but still breathtaking.
Though not open for full tours, you can glimpse its dramatic stonework from nearby viewpoints or on private property tours.
Pro Tip: “Visit during golden hour light on the lake and castle ruins creates a fairytale scene.”
9. Norumbega Inn – Camden, Maine
Once called the “Castle by the Sea,” Norumbega Inn is a turreted mansion overlooking Camden Harbor.
Today, it’s a luxurious bed-and-breakfast known for its elegant rooms and gourmet breakfasts.
Pro Tip: “Book a corner suite for harbor views and morning light through tall windows.”
10. Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins – Chesterfield, New Hampshire
Hidden in the forest, Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins are what remain of a flamboyant performer’s 1920s estate.
Stone staircases rise mysteriously from the woods, making this one of New England’s most photogenic hidden gems.
Pro Tip: “Visit early morning for solitude the ruins are magical in the mist.”
11. Belcourt Castle – Newport, Rhode Island
Located on Bellevue Avenue, Belcourt Castle combines Gothic, Italian, and French styles.
Built for a wealthy heir in the 1890s, it’s filled with antique armor and opulent furnishings.
Pro Tip: “Newport’s mansion tours often include Belcourt combine it with a visit to The Breakers for a full Gilded Age experience.”
12. Boldt Castle – Alexandria Bay, New York (Near Vermont Border)
Though technically in New York, Boldt Castle draws many New England visitors for its romantic backstory.
Built by millionaire George Boldt for his wife, it’s a masterpiece of love and loss, standing on Heart Island in the St. Lawrence River.
Pro Tip: “Take the boat tour around sunset the golden light on the stonework is breathtaking.”
13. Herreshoff Castle – Marblehead, Massachusetts
This small but striking seaside fortress was built by artist Waldo Ballard in the 1920s.
With its towers and medieval gates, Herreshoff Castle blends fantasy and New England charm. It’s now a private residence and guesthouse.
Pro Tip: “Book an overnight stay it’s one of Massachusetts’s most unique Airbnbs.”
14. Searles Castle – Windham, New Hampshire
Built by wealthy philanthropist Edward Searles, this granite mansion exudes grandeur.
Searles Castle is now used for weddings and events, with lush gardens and Gothic-style architecture.
Pro Tip: “If you can’t attend an event, visit the grounds during open house days they’re stunning in spring and fall.”
15. Higgins Armory Museum – Worcester, Massachusetts
Though technically a museum, Higgins Armory looks every bit like a medieval fortress.
Built in the 1930s, it’s a towering steel-and-glass structure once filled with knights’ armor and weaponry. Its architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
Pro Tip: “Stop by in winter the steel exterior and crisp light give it an authentic Gothic atmosphere.”
16. Searles Castle – Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Another Searles masterpiece, this castle in the Berkshires blends European design with New England landscape.
Today, it serves as a private school but remains one of the most photogenic buildings in the region.
Pro Tip: “Capture the castle from the nearby hillside at sunrise it looks straight out of a storybook.”
Final Thoughts
New England’s castles are more than just architectural curiosities they’re a window into ambition, imagination, and artistry.
From mountain estates to seaside fortresses, each one invites you to slow down and marvel at the stories built in stone.
If you crave that blend of history, mystery, and romance, New England’s castles offer the perfect escape no passport required.
