Castles are huge and beautiful fortresses that are generally associated with Europe and the middle ages.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go that far to see a castle.
North Carolina has several amazing castles that you can visit.
There are enough castles in North Carolina that you can plan a castle tour exploring several of the amazing castles nestled in North Carolina.
Turrets, stonework, epic myths, and all the other beloved elements of castles can be found among these castles.
History lovers, fairytale lovers, and regular travelers all love to see these remarkable castles.
Castles in North Carolina
Castle Mont Rouge
Castle Mont Rouge is a castle in Rougment, North Carolina.
It was built and designed by a sculptor, Robert Mihaly, starting in 2000, but it was later abandoned in 2006.
While it was abandoned, vandals broke much of the glass and spray-painted inside the building.
Locals created rumors and ghost stories about the castle.
Later in 2016, Mihaly came back to continue work on the project.
While at one point, people could schedule visits at this castle, it is closed for the time being and is still under renovation.
Many people still visit the castle, looking at it from outside the gate.
The castle continues to be a source of fascination, and hopefully, it will continue to be restored and renovated.
Castle Ladyhawke
If you’re looking for a mountain castle retreat, Castle Ladyhawke gives you beautiful views that make you feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Located In Tuckasegee, this castle is high in the mountains.
While it was once a private home, it is now an enchanting venue for weddings and other special events.
Castle Ladyhawke has a dedicated staff and in-person tours for couples who want to see the venue in person before getting married there.
They also offer virtual tours and a Wedding Discovery tour that allows couples to stay at the Bear Lake Reserve at a discounted rate so they have more time to plan and experience what Castle Ladyhawke can offer.
Castle of Joy
The Castle of Joy is an event and wedding venue in Murphy, North Carolina.
You can rent out the entire castle to engage in your fairytale or fantasy dreams.
The castle is on 11 acres and is surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountain.
Because the owners are also artists, art and beauty are a priority at the Castle of Joy.
This castle even has a drawbridge of its own!
This castle is a little more quirky than some of the other castles, but it certainly offers a special experience that is geared toward creative and imaginative people.
Seely’s Castle
Seely’s Castle, also known as Overlook Castle, is a historic landscape in Asheville, North Carolina.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and has been a beloved building for over a century.
Fred Seely was an esteemed architect who built a jaw-dropping castle in English-gothic style.
He and his family moved into the castle in 1916 while the castle was still being built.
At 20,000 square feet, the castle was a mountain marvel.
The details were meticulous, and Seely’s Castle even features stones from Blarney Castle and the Tower of London!
Additionally, Thomas Edison himself designed the electrical work.
The castle was eventually sold to Loren W. Wells, and it passed hands again when Wells died.
The castle has a lot of lore surrounding it, including tales of Satanic worshipers, making the castle even more fascinating to visitors.
Gimghoul Castle
The Gimghoul Castle has a spooky history and has long been part of local ghost legends.
Thus, it’s a great place to visit for Halloween. The castle is in Chapel Hill, close to the University of North Carolina campus.
While it was built in the 1920s, the legend of the castle began almost a century before.
The legend claims that in 1833, Peter Dromgoole, an eighteen-year-old student, was buried in a shallow grave.
In love with a young woman known as Miss Fanny, Peter got himself in trouble.
Another young man also was interested in Fanny, and the two young men engaged in a pistol duel, ending in Peter’s death.
It is said Peter’s blood is still on a rock in the area.
There are also other versions of this legend.
The truth is likely less dramatic, and it’s likely that Peter didn’t even die in that spot.
Even so, the legend is an important part of the castle’s history, and the legend inspired UNC’s Order of Gumghoul.
Most people can’t enter the castle, but you can still look at it from afar.
Castle McCullogh
In Jamestown, North Carolina, you can find Castle McCulloch, a wedding and event venue.
The castle was originally a gold mill and was later transformed into a medieval-style castle, complete with a mote!
With water features, a grand ballroom, and plenty of indoor and outdoor venue space, guests always have a grand experience at the Castle McCullogh.
They can accommodate up to 300 guests in one event space, but they have several event spaces to choose from.
This location is known as a wedding spot, but they also host special events that visitors can attend, such as a Beer and Fear Bash for Halloween.
Other events they host are bridal and baby showers, engagement parties, birthday celebrations, and any other social event you could think of!
Graylyn Estate
For those who want to stay in a castle on their trip to North Carolina, the Graylyn Estate offers accommodations, dining, events, seasonal activities, and meeting packages for companies.
Thus, no matter what you want to do, Graylyn can make your experience exceptional.
Graylyn was originally owned by Bowman Gray, the first CEO of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Gray and his wife traveled the world and would fill their home with beloved pieces they collected on their travels.
The current owners have kept much of the well-traveled, wealthy vibe alive.
Smithmore Castle
For a taste of luxury, come to Smithmore Castle, a tranquil white castle in Spruce Pine, North Carolina.
Visitors love the many amenities and lovely mountain views.
Not just a castle, Smithmore also happens to be a five-star hotel!
With top-of-the-line accommodations, event hosting, royal amenities, and gourmet dining, you can treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience with gorgeous mountain views.
This retreat gives you a regal experience while allowing you to embrace the natural beauty of the area.
Tryon Palace
Tryon Palace has hundreds of years of history.
It was designed by John Hawks, who Royal Governor William Tryon hired to create the Georgian-style palace.
It was completed in 1770, and it became the first permanent capital of North Carolina.
Unfortunately, it burnt in a fire in 1798, but citizens like Maude Moore Latham helped raise funds and reopen the historical building in 1959.
It remains a community fixture and a testament to history and historic preservation.
Tryon Palace embraces its historical nature, and you can visit and explore the grounds and inside of this palace.
Tryon Palace offers historical tours and a historical experience like no other.
Tyron Palace includes the palace itself, gardens, palace grounds, and historic homes.
Thus, you have a lot to explore when you see this palace.
Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is the most-known castle in North Carolina and probably the most-known castle in all of the United States.
It is a well-visited travel destination and offers a large range of activities.
You could visit this location multiple times and still have more left to do!
Located in Asheville, it’s not hard to see why the grand, ornate Biltmore is called “America’s Castle.”
Construction for this private residence began in 1889, and it was built in chateauesque style during the Gilded Age by George Washington Vanderbilt II.
It became the largest private home in the United States, and it required an onsite brick kiln to be built to keep up with the need for tens of thousands of bricks each day.
The Biltmore has become a tourist destination and is now open to visitors who can tour the grounds, stay at the mansion, attend events, and luxuriate in the many amenities the Biltmore has to offer.
Chateau Des Fleures
Many locals know this castle as the Barclay Villa, a venue that many people adored, but recently, it has been bought by new owners and is called Chateau Des Fleures.
The good news is that it remains a wedding and event venue.
This venue also hosts events for the public, like a Christmas party in the winter.
Located in Angier, North Carolina, the Chateau Des Fleures is hard to miss.
With the regal exterior of a European castle, a ballroom, gazebos, a groom’s parlor, a bridal suite, and amazing lawns, there are so many options to make for the perfect wedding or celebration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I host my wedding at a castle in North Carolina?
Absolutely!
Some castles in North Carolina are private or don’t host weddings, but there are several options that do allow you to have your wedding there, so if you want a wedding in a castle, you can have a wedding in a castle.
A wedding in a castle is one of the most memorable experiences, and it will make a special day even more special.
Are there real castles in North Carolina?
In short, there are real castles in North Carolina.
These castles use many of the traditional elements of castles in their construction, and they are often modeled after their European counterparts.
However, some castle purists may argue that castles in North Carolina are not real.
After all, castles were initially built for strategic purposes as fortresses against threats.
Additionally, many castles were built in the Middle Ages, while even the oldest of castles in North Carolina was built hundreds of years later.
Nevertheless, North Carolina castles feel just as regal, and we consider them castles due to their ambitious and breathtaking design elements.
Is a castle visit good for the whole family?
Yes!
Most people love seeing one or multiple of these castles.
Anyone who loves stories of royalty, knights, or middle age history will embrace the castle.
Additionally, anyone who can appreciate the beauty and fine architecture can also enjoy the castle experience.
Some locations are more kid-friendly than others, but visiting a castle can very easily be a family endeavor.
Is it worth it to see a North Carolina castle?
North Carolina castles are some of the best in the United States.
It’s more than worth it to see these castles for yourself.
What’s the best castle in North Carolina?
No single castle is the best of all of the North Carolina castles.
However, the most well-known castle in North Carolina is, by far, the Biltmore Estate, which has over a million visitors each year.
With many amazing experiences and tours, you’ll feel like royalty when you visit the Biltmore Estate.
However, the less notable castles in North Carolina may not be as well-known, but they each are charming in their own way.
For example, Castle McCullogh has a fascinating history from when it was a gold refinery, and the Gimghoul Castle is the source of spooky ghost stories.
The history and uses of each castle will define what castle is the best for you.
How many castles are there in North Carolina?
There are quite a few castles in North Carolina, and the exact number depends on how you define castles.
This list uses architectural and design elements as the basis for what a castle is.
Other lists may include other estates that look grand but don’t necessarily look that much like castles or have only a few castle-like features.
