Celebrated for charming small towns, dramatic scenery, sporting opportunities, and maple syrup, Vermont can also boast of hosting beautiful historic castles on the list of its allures.
Vermont has a lot to offer, from extraordinary outdoor vistas to historical points of interest; castles are the edifice that unites fans of exceptional scenery and notable architecture because many castles are set in places of wild natural beauty.
Not to mention that palaces, castles, and mansions are places of compelling fascination to buffs of extraordinary buildings, and they attract the romantics among us, too.
Some castles are used by institutions of higher education or private businesses, and some of the palaces of Vermont let visitors experience overnight stays in an opulent style.
For those seeking a fairytale-worthy holiday perfect for local New Englanders to enjoy a romantic weekend, or an excellent destination for those visiting from other areas, come and explore these spectacular castles in Vermont!
Contents
- 12 Most Beautiful Castles in Vermont
- The Orchard House / Everett Mansion, Bennington
- The Richardson Palace, Burlington
- Converse Hall at The University of Vermont
- Wilson Castle, Proctorsville
- Harry Barber’s Miniature Castles, South Hero
- Mari-Castle, Randolph
- Shard Villa / The Columbus Smith Estate, West Salisbury
- The Laurel House, Cuttingsville
- Castle Hill Resort and Spa, Ludlow
- Brantview House, St Johnsbury Academy, Bennington
- Hildene Manor, Manchester Center
- Gregoire Castle
- Vermont Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
12 Most Beautiful Castles in Vermont
The Orchard House / Everett Mansion, Bennington
Everett Mansion was constructed in the 1910s by businessman Edward Everett and was once the Everett Family’s summer home.
Today, known as The Orchard House, the mansion is located on the campus of Southern Vermont College.
The English feudal-style estate rests on Mount Anthony in Bennington and consists of approximately 500 acres of land, including a spring-fed pond.
It possesses impressive views of downtown Bennington and the surrounding area.
In another supposedly haunted local villa, ghostly activity has been reported, including phenomena such as footsteps and lights turning on.
There are those at Southern Vermont College who swear to the Orchard House’s supernatural status.
The Richardson Palace, Burlington
Constructed in 1895 by developer Albert Richmond, the Richardson Palace includes fascinating details that range from finials and a conical roof to rounded bays.
In 1911, it was transformed into Abernethy’s Department Store, the largest in the area.
Unfortunately, despite its historical and stunning design, the department store closed in 1982.
Nestled in the Green Mountains, the Richardson Castle offers breathtaking views, and the Burlington castle presents French chateau-style architecture in a four-and-a-half-story edifice.
It is one of three buildings, including the Masonic Temple and Unitarian Church, that form the Head of Church Historic District.
Converse Hall at The University of Vermont
On the University of Vermont campus, the oldest building is Converse Hall, which was constructed in 1895, and possesses an architectural style that has been described as Romanesque / chateauesque — and who among us doesn’t adore turrets?
From its initial construction until 1972, Converse Hall operated as a dormitory for female students.
As a result, many believe the old dormitory is haunted, and many alums share spooky tales of this historic building.
Now, it’s employed as an office building and event space.
And fans of historical preservation will appreciate the careful renovations of Converse Hall; it remains nearly identical to when it was built.
Wilson Castle, Proctorsville
The Wilson Castle has thirty-two rooms within three stories and is situated on a generous 115 acres.
The exterior is cosmopolitan and crafted of French marble and English brick; the influences are an eclectic combo of nineteenth-century architectural types including Queen Anne, neo-renaissance, Romanesque Revival, and Scottish baronial.
The palace was built in 1867 and has eighty-four stained glass windows, a turret room with views of the mountains, a ballroom, a banquet, a library, and thirteen lucky fireplaces made of imported tiles and brass.
There are myriad ways to enjoy Wilson Castle.
Open to the public, you can enjoy it as a museum; experience a murder mystery dinner place; take a haunted tour, or enjoy an overnight stay.
In addition, the Wilson is a popular location for special events, featuring gorgeous gardens, landscaping, fountains, a conservatory, an aviary, and a courtyard.
Harry Barber’s Miniature Castles, South Hero
Experience castles and multiple garden structures, some of them possessing fascinating details such as working drawbridges, turrets, flags, fireplaces, and dungeons!
They were constructed in the 1920s by a Swiss immigrant/gardener, Harry Barber, who began building the premier castle in 1920.
These tiny castles are hugely popular and unique, precious and hidden treasures in Vermont that amply reward viewing.
The Miniature Castes range from two to four feet tall, constructed from wood, stone, metal, glass, and other materials.
Visitors can explore the grounds while enjoying the scenic vantage points of valleys and mountains.
Barber’s work is now showcased in galleries and private collections worldwide.
A rewarding way to view the Minature Castles of South Hero, Vermont, a small island town approximately 25 minutes by car from Burlington, is by biking around the island.
Several miniature castles are visible to passersby along the main roads.
Mari-Castle, Randolph
This historic home, constructed in 1886, showcases dormers, a mansard roof, and a central tower.
It has served a range of uses, including as a Catholic sanctuary, an orphanage, and headquarters for a corporation.
The Mari-Castle has the honor of appearing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The castle is open for tours, events, and overnight visits.
Well-known lawyer Columbus Smith, defending Frances Mary Shardupon, upon winning his famous case, named the villa after his client.
The Villas interior proudly showcases the beautiful murals and artwork by artist Silvio Pezzoli.
Resting on four acres of land, it possesses a mausoleum holding Columbus Smith’s and his family members’ remains.
In 1922, the estate became an assisted living home for those seeking elder care in a warm, gracious, and beautiful setting.
The Laurel House, Cuttingsville
Laurel Hall and the Laurel Glen Mausoleum form a historic property constructed between 1880 and 1882 by John Porter Bowman, a local businessman.
The grief-stricken Boardman had the mausoleum built as a memorial to them.
The property includes a two-and-a-half-story wood-framed main house with features characteristic of the Queen Anne period, such as a three-story tower, a porch extending across the front, and balconies on the upper levels.
There is also a barn, caretaker’s cottage, conservatory, and the famous mausoleum.
Castle Hill Resort and Spa, Ludlow
The resort grounds include a gorgeous mansion and several smaller buildings and cottages.
Castle Hill showcases many original design elements, such as wallpaper, Tiffany light fixtures, and a grand staircase.
Guests enjoying an overnight stay can stay in the mansion or one of the cottages.
In addition, the resort provides a spa, fitness center, and tennis courts.
Now comes the fun part: the ghost story!
There are tales, to this day, of the ghost of a woman who perished in a fire that is said to haunt the castle.
And some guests tell of seeing her image in the mansion and hearing odd noises from the cottages.
Brantview House, St Johnsbury Academy, Bennington
Designed by Lambert Packard and erected in 1883 as a high-style Queen Anne / Romanesque mansion.
Brantview House served as the primary St. Johnsbury residence of the Fairbanks family for nearly half a century.
In 1931, the grand historical home was donated to St. Johnsbury Academy and is employed as a dormitory.
Brantview House maintains its historical pedigree but needs major rehabilitation to comply with safety codes, improve mechanical systems, and enhance energy efficiency.
Students involved in the technical education programs plan to gain real-world experience by participating in conservation-related projects.
In addition, the revitalized Brantview House will continue to serve the school as a dormitory on the upper floors, with space on the ground floor for community and school events.
Hildene Manor, Manchester Center
Completed in 1863, Hildene Manor, a beautifully restored late 19th-century castle, was the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest son of Abraham Lincoln, who first owned this Georgian-Revival-style house.
Resting on over 400 acres, this fantastic estate has a celebrated garden.
Now a museum and educational site, the Lincoln Family home is open for tours, and guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Approximately half of Hildene Manor’s land is composted of meadows and trails open to the public, making Hildene Manor a magical castle experience.
Weddings and private functions work wonderfully in a historic ceremonial garden and a venue in one of Vermont’s most beautiful locations; to the east, the Green Mountains; to the west, Taconic, plus vistas of the Battenkill River Valley.
The non-profit Friends of Hildene owns Hildene Manor.
Gregoire Castle
This castle is a labor of love in Irasburg, Vermont, on twenty acres of private forest and scenic landscapes.
Harv and Sarah Gregoire constructed Gregoire Castle between 1990 and 1996.
They did all the work on a tiny budget and had virtually no experience with any building.
They lived in Gregoire Castle for over 20 years, giving tours to school kids, hosting special events, and opening a small cafe and antique store.
In 2016, new owners renovated the interior with comfortable modern furnishings and transformed Gregoire Castle into a fantastic vacation rental that’s both restful and majestic.
Weddings are popular as Gregoire Castle is situated near excellent skiing, hiking, snowboarding, and fishing in Vermont.
Vermont Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Vermont Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any abandoned mansions in Vermont?
There is an abandoned mansion in Vermont, several miles south of Middlebury Hyde Manor, located in Sudbury, VT.
It was once a grand resort hotel but is picturesquely, slowly, yet inexorably falling prey to time and the elements.
And yet, this majestic structure still amazes passersby traveling through the small Lake Hortonia district with the beauty and majesty of its ruins, which can be especially dramatic when seen through the bare architectural beauty of the winter-bare forests of the surrounding area.
Are there castles that I can rent in Vermont?
Absolutely.
You, too, can live like royalty for a spell.
For example, Gregoire Castle is available for rental.
What are the most stunning hikes in Vermont?
Vermont has incredible outdoor vistas and sporting opportunities.
Some sensational Vermont hikes might include Mount Pisgah Trail, Lye Brook Falls Trail, or Camel’s Hump Trail.
What town in Vermont is the most scenic?
Everytown in Vermont certainly possesses its distinctive charms.
However, to help start a Vermont adventure, here are suggestions for areas with incredible vistas: Manchester, Grafton, Shelburne, Bennington, and Woodstock are among Vermont’s innumerable charming, historical, and scenic towns to visit.
