Hidden among the rolling hills and serene lakes of Upstate New York are magnificent castles that could easily be mistaken for European royal residences.
These architectural treasures blend fascinating histories with stunning craftsmanship, offering visitors a chance to experience old-world grandeur without crossing the Atlantic.
From romantic island retreats to imposing stone fortresses, these six castles showcase the region’s unexpected connection to European architectural traditions.
1. Boldt Castle: A Monument to Tragic Love
Standing majestically on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, Boldt Castle embodies both romance and heartbreak. Hotel magnate George Boldt commissioned this 120-room Rhineland-inspired castle in 1900 as a testament of love for his wife Louise. Construction halted abruptly when Louise died suddenly in 1904, leaving the castle abandoned for 73 years.
Today, the meticulously restored six-story castle welcomes visitors to explore its grand staircase, Italian gardens, and ornate ballrooms. The grounds feature multiple architectural delights including a power house, playhouse, and the famous Alster Tower.
Accessible only by boat, the journey to Boldt Castle adds to its fairy-tale appeal. The panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River surrounding this Thousand Islands jewel make it easy to imagine you’ve been transported to the Rhine Valley of Germany.
2. Singer Castle: The Island Fortress with Secret Passages
Mysterious and imposing, Singer Castle rises from Dark Island like something from a Gothic novel. Built in 1905 by Frederick Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, this Scottish-inspired fortress features four stories of granite walls, turrets, and a clock tower that looms over the St. Lawrence River.
What truly sets Singer Castle apart are its secret passageways and spy holes. These hidden corridors allowed servants to move unseen throughout the castle while Bourne could monitor his guests through disguised peepholes. The 28-room castle remains furnished with period pieces, original artifacts, and hunting trophies.
Guided tours reveal not just the grand public rooms but also the castle’s underground tunnels and dungeon. Brave visitors can even book an overnight stay in the Royal Suite, though staff warn of occasional ghostly encounters in this riverside fortress.
3. Bannerman Castle: The Crumbling Military Stronghold
Rising dramatically from Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, Bannerman Castle presents a hauntingly beautiful silhouette of partial ruins. Francis Bannerman VI, a Scottish-born military surplus dealer, built this arsenal-turned-castle in 1901 to store his massive inventory of weapons and ammunition. The distinctive structure combines Scottish, Moorish, and Victorian architectural elements into something utterly unique.
A devastating explosion in 1920 and a fire in 1969 left much of the castle in ruins, creating the romantic, partially collapsed appearance it has today. The Bannerman Castle Trust now works to preserve what remains of this extraordinary landmark.
Guided tours take visitors across to the island by boat, where they can explore the ruins and restored gardens while learning about the eccentric businessman who created this military-inspired fortress. The castle’s dramatic profile against the Hudson River makes it a photographer’s dream.
4. Belhurst Castle: A Medieval Retreat in Wine Country
Nestled along the shores of Seneca Lake, Belhurst Castle blends medieval charm with Finger Lakes luxury. This 1880s stone mansion, built for wealthy businessman Henry Hall, resembles a romanticized English manor with its imposing stone facade, turrets, and spectacular lakeside setting.
Local legend claims the property is built on land once owned by the Iroquois and comes with tales of secret tunnels used during Prohibition. The original construction took four years and required skilled European craftsmen who created intricate woodwork, mosaic tile floors, and stained glass windows still visible today.
Modern visitors experience Belhurst as an elegant hotel, winery, and restaurant complex. Three distinct lodging options include rooms in the original castle, where guests report occasional visits from the resident ghost, Isabella. The property’s award-winning winery and restaurants make it a perfect base for exploring the Finger Lakes wine region.
5. Highlands Castle: The Modern Medieval Marvel
Perched on a mountainside overlooking Lake George, Highlands Castle represents one man’s extraordinary vision brought to life. Unlike other castles on this list, construction began in the 1980s when businessman John Lavender promised his young son he would build him a castle. Incredibly, he kept that promise, creating this stone masterpiece as a family home.
The attention to medieval detail is remarkable – stone walls, towers, great hall with 25-foot ceilings, and arched windows framing million-dollar views of Lake George. Though newer than its counterparts, Highlands Castle incorporates authentic architectural elements that make it feel centuries old.
Now available as a vacation rental and event venue, guests can live out royal fantasies while enjoying modern amenities. The castle’s dramatic position high above “The Queen of American Lakes” creates a setting worthy of any European mountainside, complete with panoramic vistas of the Adirondack mountains.
6. Beardslee Castle: The Haunted Medieval Fortress
Standing in stark contrast to the rural Mohawk Valley landscape, Beardslee Castle emerges from the countryside like a transplanted piece of Ireland. Built in 1860 by Augustus Beardslee as a replica of an Irish castle, this gray stone structure with its crenellated towers and gothic windows has served as everything from a private residence to a popular restaurant and event venue.
Three devastating fires throughout its history have only added to the castle’s mystique. Local paranormal enthusiasts consider it one of the most haunted locations in New York, with reports of unexplained footsteps, moving objects, and spectral figures regularly documented by staff and visitors.
The castle’s underground passages and dungeon-like basement enhance its medieval atmosphere. Today, guests can dine in grand rooms adorned with suits of armor and tapestries while possibly encountering one of the castle’s reputed ghostly residents, including former owner John Beardslee and victims of a nearby stagecoach accident.
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