Vermont boasts impeccable landscapes and historic buildings; that's why it's no wonder that this state contains multiple historic castles. Located in the New England area, this forest-filled state has plenty to offer for all our history-loving travelers. Representing an enchanting past, these fairy-tale castles are actually rather easy to find in Vermont. There's no need to head all the way to France or Germany for magical castles when you can find them right in Vermont.While some of the following castles are in use as either educational institutions or businesses, a few of these otherworldly Vermont castles allow you to spend a few nights and soak in the magnificence. If you're heading to Vermont any time soon, plan to visit these breathtaking castles:
9 Shard Villa
Built for the internationally-renown lawyer Columbus Smith, the Shard Villa is named after his first famous case defending Frances Mary Shard. The Shard Villa is placed on four acres of land and even includes a mausoleum containing the remains of Columbus Smith and his family members.
The home's interior includes intricate murals and artwork by Italian artist Silvio Pezzoli. In 1922, the estate became a retirement home for those needing elderly care and is still in use today.
8 Wilson Castle
Located in Proctor, Vermont, this estate was built in 1867 by American physician John Johnson and his English wife, who hired two English architects to design its unique style. Johnson and five generations of his family have lived at Wilson Castle, which is now a museum open to visitors searching for ghostly apparitions.
The home has thirty-two rooms within three stories and sits on 115 acres of land. Its exterior is made of English brick and French marble and has eighty-four stained glass windows and thirteen fireplaces made of imported tiles and brass. There's also a prominent conservatory and an aviary on the estate.
7 The Orchard House / Everett Mansion
Once the Everett Mansion, this castle is now called the Orchard House and sits on the campus of Southern Vermont College. Built in the 1910s by businessman Edward Everett, this English feudal-style estate was then the Everett Family's summer home. The Orchard House boasts impeccable views of the Bennington Monument, downtown Bennington, Mount Anthony, and the steeple of the Old First Church.
Another supposedly haunted location, paranormal activity, has been reported at the Everett Mansion. From lights turning on to footsteps being heard throughout the empty site, many of those at Southern Vermont College attest to the Orchard House's haunted status.
6 The Richardson Building
Built by Albert Richmond in 1895 with French chateau-style architecture, the Richardson Building sits on a busy intersection in Burlington, Vermont. In 1911, the building was transformed into one of the largest department stores in the area. Despite its historical and stunning design, the department store went out of business in 1982.
Now, the building has been renovated with new tenants. The Richardson Building offers four and a half stories, with the lower two floors built for retail space and the upper levels for apartments. Although the owners have changed throughout the years since 1895, the Richardson Building has become a staple of downtown Burlington, Vermont.
5 Castle Hill Resort And Spa
Now a luxurious resort and spa, Castle Hill was once the home of Alan Miller Fletcher, Vermont governor, from 1912 to 1915. The elegant estate was also the first in Vermont to be fully wired for electricity. Castle Hill still holds many of the original design elements by Fletch, including original wallpaper, grand staircase, and Tiffany light fixture.
The Castle Hill Resort and Spa is now a historic location where you can enjoy elegant accommodations and even a romantic wedding venue.
4 Hildene Manor
This manor was first owned by Robert Todd Lincoln, the oldest son of former President Abraham Lincoln. Robert Lincoln had chosen Hildene Manor to be his summer home and also named it his ancestral home. With over 400 acres, this castle-like estate has a renowned garden of herbaceous peonies, Nubian goats, and a cheese-making facility. Half of the estate's land is made of meadows and trails that are now open to the public. The Lincoln Family home is now a museum and educational site that stands by the values of Abraham Lincoln.
3 Converse Hall At The University Of Vermont
Another castle located on a university campus, Converse Hall, was built in 1895 and is the oldest building on the campus of the University of Vermont. The building's architectural style is considered unique, as only a handful of Vermont buildings are French chateau-esque. Converse Hall remains almost identically as it did in 1895 despite a few renovations.
At the University of Vermont, Converse Hall is a student dormitory that's supposedly haunted. Many students have shared their own haunted tales of this historic building.
2 St. Johnsbury Academy - Brantview House
Located on the family-founded St. Johnsbury Academy, the Brantview House displays Queen Anne's architectural design. Built in 1883, the Brantview House was the main home for the Fairbanks family for almost fifty years. In 1931, the house was donated to the St. Johnsbury Academy as a dormitory.
Although the Brantview House is in need of renovation, the school is hoping to let students partake in various conservation projects to preserve the building's history while also providing modern comfort.
1 Gregoire Castle
Now, if you're looking for a magical and secluded getaway, Gregoire Castle is unmatched. Located in Irasburg, Vermont, on twenty acres of private forest and scenic landscapes. This entire castle is available to rent for special events or fanciful vacations. Weddings are popular at Gregoire Castle due to its size and sheer magnificence. Gregoire castle is placed near plenty of activities, such as some of the best skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and hiking in Vermont. This castle is the ultimate stay.