
Castles of New York
New York State has a history thats unmatched by any other state in our opinion. Once you leave New York City upstate offers great road trips that will leave you mesmorized. Beatifull views of Nature, Cozy small towns with streets alligned with building from every architecture style and offcourse mideval style Castles.
While its kind off difficult to count all the Castles but its a fact that New York State holds the majority of them over other states. Castle is a large mansion that is fortified. In our day and age we don't build castles and a billionaire mansions don't have walls and watchtowers anymore. Most of Towns have the ordinance against building large walls so Castles became obsolete. Every Castle is protected by Historical Society and usually holds a local museum. Most of the Castles generate revenue as Wedding and party Venues which are very popular this days.


1️⃣ Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle in Central Park, New York City, is a beautiful and iconic structure located atop Vista Rock, offering stunning views of the park and surrounding city. It was originally designed as a decorative folly, an open-air lookout point to provide "beautiful views," which is what "Belvedere" means in Italian. The castle showcases a hybrid architectural style of Gothic and Romanesque influences.
The castle is currently open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Belvedere Castle hosts seasonal events such as birdwatching walks, astronomy nights, foliage tours, and holiday-themed events and private Weddings. These events are free, but online registration might be required for some.
Things to do at Belvedere Castle:
▪ Enjoy panoramic views of Central Park, including Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn.
▪ Visit the Henry Luce Nature Observatory located inside, which offers educational displays and programs about the park's wildlife and ecology.
▪ Learn about the castle's history and its role as a weather station.
▪ Browse the gift shop.


2️⃣ Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle is a historic, luxurious hotel located in Huntington, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island, also known as the Gold Coast. It was originally built as a country home for financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and his family, completed in 1919. The name "OHEKA" is an acronym derived from Otto HErmann KAhn.
At 109,000 square feet and 127 rooms, it is the second-largest private residence ever built in the United States.
The castle has a rich history, having hosted lavish parties during the Gilded Age, and has been featured in numerous films and productions, including being an inspiration for the setting of "The Great Gatsby".
Today, Oheka Castle operates as a premier historic hotel with 34 luxurious guestrooms and suites. It is a popular venue for weddings, galas, and other special events.
Oheka Castle features the OHK Bar & Restaurant, offering a unique culinary experience.
You can take guided tours of the mansion and gardens to learn about the castle's history.


3️⃣ Belhurst Castle and Winery
Belhurst Castle, located in Geneva, New York, on the shores of Seneca Lake, is a historic Romanesque Revival-style mansion that has been adapted into a hotel and entertainment destination.
Accommodation:
Belhurst offers three choices of lodging:
▪ the historic Chambers in the Castle
▪ the modern Vinifera Inn
▪ the nearby White Springs Manor
The property was voted one of the Most Romantic Places in New York State.
Dining:
▪ Edgar's Restaurant in the Castle: Offers a sophisticated dining experience with antique furnishings, scenic views, and classic American steakhouse fare.
▪
Stonecutter's Tavern: A casual, pub-style eatery with burgers, chowder, and other American dishes, featuring a lakefront patio.
Winery and Spa:
▪ Belhurst Estate Winery & Gift Shop: Enjoy wine tastings, craft beer, and wine and chocolate flights. The property was named a World's Best Wine Hotel by Wine Enthusiast.
▪ Isabella Spa-Salon: A full-service spa offering massages, facials, body treatments, hair services, and bridal/special occasion services.
Events:
Belhurst Castle is a popular venue for weddings and events, featuring the Castle Ballroom and Meritage Ballroom.
Things to do near Belhurst Castle:
Wine tasting: Explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Visit nearby attractions:
Explore the Rose Hill Mansion (a 19th-century Greek Revival home).
Enjoy the lakefront: The castle is located on the shores of Seneca Lake, offering beautiful views and opportunities for lake activities.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a historic experience, or a place to celebrate a special occasion, Belhurst Castle offers a unique and memorable experience in the heart of the Finger Lakes region.


4️⃣ Bannerman Castle
Bannerman Castle, also known as Bannerman's Island Arsenal, is a unique and captivating ruin situated on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, near Beacon and Cold Spring, New York. It was built in the early 20th century by Francis Bannerman VI, a Scottish immigrant and successful military surplus businessman, who used the island as a storage facility for his vast inventory. The castle was designed by Bannerman himself, taking inspiration from Scottish castles with added elements from other styles he admired.
▪ Access to Bannerman Island is limited to boat tours, primarily offered by the Bannerman Castle Trust on weekends during the late spring, summer, and early fall.
▪ Tours depart from Beacon, NY, and require advance booking.
▪ Visitors should be aware that accessing the island and tours involves climbing 72 steps and navigating uneven terrain, making it currently inaccessible for people with disabilities.
▪ In addition to guided tours, the island hosts various events such as theatrical performances, movie nights, and special dinners.
▪ Personal photography is encouraged, but commercial photography requires a permit from NY State Parks and a donation to the Bannerman Castle Trust.


5️⃣ Elda Castle
Elda Castle in New York is the former estate of David Abercrombie, the co-founder of the clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch.
Current Condition:
The castle is uninhabitable and requires a complete renovation.
It is described as a shell of its former self, with missing plumbing and electricity.
Some original features remain, such as an open patio with a fireplace and a cast iron spiral staircase.
The property includes an original barn that is also in disrepair.
The property has been subject to vandalism and decay.
It has been locked up and features "no trespassing" signs and solar-powered video cameras.


6️⃣ Castle Gould
Castle Gould is a historic estate located in Sands Point, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island. It is part of the Sands Point Preserve, a 216-acre public property
Today, Castle Gould serves as the Visitor Center, Great Hall, and houses a sound stage known as The Black Box within the Sands Point Preserve.
The Welcome Center & Gift Shop and restrooms are located under the clock tower.ar-powered video cameras.
While not open for tours, the Great Hall in Castle Gould is used for private events, Weddings, Parties, after-school classes, family nature programs, and cultural events.
The Sands Point Preserve grounds, including the grounds surrounding Castle Gould, are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Admission to the Sands Point Preserve is $15 per car or free for Sands Point Preserve Conservancy members.
Walk-in admission is $4 per person.


7️⃣ Wing's Castle Bed & Breakfast
Wing's Castle is a unique bed and breakfast located in Millbrook, New York, about 75 miles north of New York City.
Public tours are currently unavailable for the 2025 season. However, booking a stay at the bed and breakfast includes a complimentary tour. Reservations for the bed and breakfast are made by phone only.
The castle is filled with antiques and collectibles, including military items and primitive trinkets.
The property features amenities like an outdoor swimming pool.
Nearby attractions include Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, antique shops, and the charming village of Millbrook.
Tours are CLOSED FOR 2025 SEASON. Only way to have a tour this year is to stay at bed & breakfast.
check the official website at wingscastle.com or contact them directly for updates on tour availability in the future.


8️⃣ Amsterdam Castle
Amsterdam Castle is an unique hotel where people can stay and host functions and events of any size. From an iconic & spectacularly photogenic business events to company functions, gatherings and Weddings.
Visit Official Website www.amsterdamcastle.com
▪ Original Purpose: Built in 1895 as a National Guard Armory for the 46th Separate Company of the New York Army National Guard.
▪ Features: It boasts a large interior with unique decor, including a reading room where JFK gave a speech.
▪ Amenities: Offers a restaurant, bar, terrace, conference space, free WiFi, free self-parking, and large guestrooms.


9️⃣ Beardslee Castle
Beardslee Castle in Little Falls, New York, is a historic building modeled after an Irish castle. It was built in 1860 by Augustus Beardslee. The three-story structure is currently used as a restaurant and event venue.
Restaurant operates with five intimate dining rooms. The menu changes seasonally, featuring wood-grilled meats, game, seafood, and creative vegetarian dishes influenced by American, Island, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. They also have a casual bar and grill on the lower level known as "The Dungeon," offering lighter fare and a wide selection of craft beverages.
Beardslee Castle is a popular venue for weddings, banquets, and special events, offering a beautiful and unique setting. They have a banquet room that can accommodate up to 175 guests.
Beardslee Castle is rumored to be haunted, with ghost stories and paranormal claims rooted in its history, including past deaths, fires, and connections to Native American history. Employees and visitors have reported various paranormal occurrences.
Restaurant Hours:
Friday & Saturday: Dinner seating from 5pm - 9pm.
Sunday: Dinner seating from 4pm - 8pm.
Monday - Thursday: Closed.
Beardslee Castle offers a unique dining and event experience in a historic setting, complete with tales of supernatural activity.
Check out their website at www.beardsleecastle.com for more information.


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