New England can’t really compare to regular old England when it comes to castles, but we still have some pretty spectacular specimens here in Massachusetts. These castles may not be the former residences of kings and queens, but the incredible architecture and drama of these structures will definitely make you feel like you’ve wandered into a storybook. Here are 10 hidden castles in Massachusetts you might not have heard of – yet.
- Bancroft Tower Castle, Worcester
Flickr/Troy B. Thompson Bancroft Tower Castle was built in 1900 by Stephen Salisbury III to honor George Bancroft, who was born at the site in 1800 and later became secretary of the United States Navy. Bancroft tower is 56 feet tall. A gorgeous spot to wander and explore.
- Blantyre Castle, Lenox
Blantyre Constructed in 1901 as a seasonal home for original owner Robert Paterson, the Blantyre is now a luxury hotel and spa. If you feel like being treated royally (and can foot a royal bill) this Massachusetts castle can fulfill your fairytale fantasies. Click here for the official website of Blantyre Castle.
- Hammond Castle, Gloucester
Flickr/Rachel C. Photography This castle was built in 1926 by the inventor John Hays Hammond. Hammond had amassed a tidy fortune running the African mines of the infamous Cecil Rhodes. The castle served as both his home and laboratory. Today, the property is a museum. Drop by and check out some of Hammond’s inventions as well as his extensive collection of ancient artifacts. Click here for the official website of Hammond Castle Museum.
- Cohasset Castle, Cohasset
Zillow Maybe the coolest thing about this castle is that it was FOR SALE… If you happen to have a couple million dollars lying around. If you’re interested, this 8,600-square-foot residence offers a grand hall, marble floors, seven fireplaces, and you get to say that you live in a freaking castle. But, you’ll have to wait until it returns to the market.
- Herreshoff Castle, Marblehead
Herreshoff Castle This castle is a reproduction of Erik the Red’s tenth century Viking castle in Greenland. It was originally known as Castle Brattahlid and was constructed by artist Waldo Ballard in the 1920s. It has since been converted to a B&B. Lots of Gothic windows, turrets, and old world charm to be found here.
- Winnekenni Castle, Haverhill
Wikimedia Commons/Beckwith-Zink (Diane) Haverhill chemist Dr. James R. Nichols built this structure between 1873 and 1875 as a summer home. Its name, “Winnekenni,” is an Algonquin word meaning “very beautiful.” The city of Haverhill purchased the castle in 1895 and today it is open to the public. Click here for the official website of Winnekenni Castle.
- Searles Castle, Great Barrington
Wikimedia Commons/ John Phelan Not to be confused with Searles Castle in New Hampshire, this stunning estate was built in the 1880s. It has seven stories and includes a “dungeon” basement. There are 40 rooms, 36 fireplaces (they must have skipped the bathrooms) and was commissioned by Mary Hopkins, widow of railroad millionaire Mark Hopkins. The estate is named after her second husband, Edward Francis Searles.
- State Armory Castle, Fall River
Wikimedia Commons/Marc N. Belanger The State Armory was built in 1897 by the city of Fall River and was used to house veterans and civil defense offices. The Armory was closed in early 2015 due to safety concerns regarding its structural integrity. Still, it’s definitely worth a drive-by if you are in the area.
- Prospect Hill Castle, Somerville
Flickr/Eric Kilby Technically a monument and not a proper castle, this structure is still pretty cool. It is said that this is the spot where the first version of the American flag was raised.
- Searles Castle, Methuen
Wikimedia Commons/EraserGirl Remember that other Searles Castle? Same family. Edward Francis Searles, the second husband and eventual widower of the wealthy Mary Hopkins, apparently decided that one castle was not enough. So he built yet another Searles castle! Today the estate is home to the Presentation of Mary Academy High School. They do occasionally open the castle to tours for the public.
These hidden castles in Massachusetts are pretty spectacular to behold. If you’re looking for a knock-out venue for a wedding or other event, you should definitely put a few of these on your short list. Did we miss any of your favorite hidden Massachusetts castles? Join the conversation in the comments! If you’re up for an adventure, set off on this road trip to Massachusetts’ most majestic castles.
Flickr/Troy B. Thompson
Bancroft Tower Castle was built in 1900 by Stephen Salisbury III to honor George Bancroft, who was born at the site in 1800 and later became secretary of the United States Navy. Bancroft tower is 56 feet tall. A gorgeous spot to wander and explore.
Blantyre
Constructed in 1901 as a seasonal home for original owner Robert Paterson, the Blantyre is now a luxury hotel and spa. If you feel like being treated royally (and can foot a royal bill) this Massachusetts castle can fulfill your fairytale fantasies. Click here for the official website of Blantyre Castle.
Flickr/Rachel C. Photography
This castle was built in 1926 by the inventor John Hays Hammond. Hammond had amassed a tidy fortune running the African mines of the infamous Cecil Rhodes. The castle served as both his home and laboratory. Today, the property is a museum. Drop by and check out some of Hammond’s inventions as well as his extensive collection of ancient artifacts. Click here for the official website of Hammond Castle Museum.
Zillow
Maybe the coolest thing about this castle is that it was FOR SALE… If you happen to have a couple million dollars lying around. If you’re interested, this 8,600-square-foot residence offers a grand hall, marble floors, seven fireplaces, and you get to say that you live in a freaking castle. But, you’ll have to wait until it returns to the market.
Herreshoff Castle
This castle is a reproduction of Erik the Red’s tenth century Viking castle in Greenland. It was originally known as Castle Brattahlid and was constructed by artist Waldo Ballard in the 1920s. It has since been converted to a B&B. Lots of Gothic windows, turrets, and old world charm to be found here.
Wikimedia Commons/Beckwith-Zink (Diane)
Haverhill chemist Dr. James R. Nichols built this structure between 1873 and 1875 as a summer home. Its name, “Winnekenni,” is an Algonquin word meaning “very beautiful.” The city of Haverhill purchased the castle in 1895 and today it is open to the public. Click here for the official website of Winnekenni Castle.
Wikimedia Commons/ John Phelan
Not to be confused with Searles Castle in New Hampshire, this stunning estate was built in the 1880s. It has seven stories and includes a “dungeon” basement. There are 40 rooms, 36 fireplaces (they must have skipped the bathrooms) and was commissioned by Mary Hopkins, widow of railroad millionaire Mark Hopkins. The estate is named after her second husband, Edward Francis Searles.
Wikimedia Commons/Marc N. Belanger
The State Armory was built in 1897 by the city of Fall River and was used to house veterans and civil defense offices. The Armory was closed in early 2015 due to safety concerns regarding its structural integrity. Still, it’s definitely worth a drive-by if you are in the area.
Flickr/Eric Kilby
Technically a monument and not a proper castle, this structure is still pretty cool. It is said that this is the spot where the first version of the American flag was raised.
Wikimedia Commons/EraserGirl
Remember that other Searles Castle? Same family. Edward Francis Searles, the second husband and eventual widower of the wealthy Mary Hopkins, apparently decided that one castle was not enough. So he built yet another Searles castle! Today the estate is home to the Presentation of Mary Academy High School. They do occasionally open the castle to tours for the public.
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Address: 26 Massachusetts Ave, Worcester, MA 01602, USAAddress: 16 Blantyre Rd, Lenox, MA 01240, USAAddress: 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, USAAddress: Castle Rd, Cohasset, MA 02025, USAAddress: 2 Crocker Park Ln, Marblehead, MA 01945, USAAddress: Castle Rd, Haverhill, MA 01830, USAAddress: Great Barrington, MA, USAAddress: Fall River, MA, USAAddress: 68 Munroe St, Somerville, MA 02143, USAAddress: Methuen, MA 01844, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden castles in massachusetts June 26, 2020 Beth Price-Williams Can I spend the night in a castle in Massachusetts? You certainly can spend the night in castle in Massachusetts. If you’re up for a road trip, set off on an epic adventure that will take you to eight simply magnificent Massachusetts castles, some of which allow you to spend the night. Your road trip starts at Herreshoff Castle in Marblehead. If you make reservations in advance, you can spend the night in this 1920s castle that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The road trip will also take you to Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Bancroft Tower in Worcester, and Venfort Hall in Lennox. Which hidden gems in Massachusetts should I visit? You’ll find an abundance of hidden gems in Massachusetts, if you know where to look. Bound Brook Beach in Wellfleet, for example, requires some effort to reach. You’ll have to follow a 25-minute hike or just drive down a dirt road to arrive at the sandy beach that offers a beautiful setting for sunbathing and swimming. For an historical adventure, head over to Schoolmaster Hill Ruins in Boston. Tucked in Franklin Park, the ruins can be found along a picturesque hiking trail. The trail is considered easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels, including kiddos. Are there any covered bridges in Massachusetts? We can probably classify covered bridges under the category of unique things to see in Massachusetts. You might want to carve out an entire day for a fairy tale day trip to five covered bridges. You’ll journey to five beautiful covered bridges, starting at Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge in Hardwick. The covered bridge dates back more than a century and a half, and you can even drive through it. (Be careful if you decide to walk through and keep an eye out for traffic.) You’ll also visit Tannery Bridge in Sandisfield, Sheffield Covered Bridge in Sheffield, Burkeville Covered Bridge in Conway, and Arthur Smith Covered Bridge in Colrain.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden castles in massachusetts
June 26, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
Can I spend the night in a castle in Massachusetts? You certainly can spend the night in castle in Massachusetts. If you’re up for a road trip, set off on an epic adventure that will take you to eight simply magnificent Massachusetts castles, some of which allow you to spend the night. Your road trip starts at Herreshoff Castle in Marblehead. If you make reservations in advance, you can spend the night in this 1920s castle that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The road trip will also take you to Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Bancroft Tower in Worcester, and Venfort Hall in Lennox. Which hidden gems in Massachusetts should I visit? You’ll find an abundance of hidden gems in Massachusetts, if you know where to look. Bound Brook Beach in Wellfleet, for example, requires some effort to reach. You’ll have to follow a 25-minute hike or just drive down a dirt road to arrive at the sandy beach that offers a beautiful setting for sunbathing and swimming. For an historical adventure, head over to Schoolmaster Hill Ruins in Boston. Tucked in Franklin Park, the ruins can be found along a picturesque hiking trail. The trail is considered easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels, including kiddos. Are there any covered bridges in Massachusetts? We can probably classify covered bridges under the category of unique things to see in Massachusetts. You might want to carve out an entire day for a fairy tale day trip to five covered bridges. You’ll journey to five beautiful covered bridges, starting at Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge in Hardwick. The covered bridge dates back more than a century and a half, and you can even drive through it. (Be careful if you decide to walk through and keep an eye out for traffic.) You’ll also visit Tannery Bridge in Sandisfield, Sheffield Covered Bridge in Sheffield, Burkeville Covered Bridge in Conway, and Arthur Smith Covered Bridge in Colrain.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You certainly can spend the night in castle in Massachusetts. If you’re up for a road trip, set off on an epic adventure that will take you to eight simply magnificent Massachusetts castles, some of which allow you to spend the night. Your road trip starts at Herreshoff Castle in Marblehead. If you make reservations in advance, you can spend the night in this 1920s castle that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The road trip will also take you to Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Bancroft Tower in Worcester, and Venfort Hall in Lennox.
Which hidden gems in Massachusetts should I visit?
You’ll find an abundance of hidden gems in Massachusetts, if you know where to look. Bound Brook Beach in Wellfleet, for example, requires some effort to reach. You’ll have to follow a 25-minute hike or just drive down a dirt road to arrive at the sandy beach that offers a beautiful setting for sunbathing and swimming.
For an historical adventure, head over to Schoolmaster Hill Ruins in Boston. Tucked in Franklin Park, the ruins can be found along a picturesque hiking trail. The trail is considered easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels, including kiddos.
Are there any covered bridges in Massachusetts?
We can probably classify covered bridges under the category of unique things to see in Massachusetts. You might want to carve out an entire day for a fairy tale day trip to five covered bridges. You’ll journey to five beautiful covered bridges, starting at Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge in Hardwick. The covered bridge dates back more than a century and a half, and you can even drive through it. (Be careful if you decide to walk through and keep an eye out for traffic.)
You’ll also visit Tannery Bridge in Sandisfield, Sheffield Covered Bridge in Sheffield, Burkeville Covered Bridge in Conway, and Arthur Smith Covered Bridge in Colrain.
