“designed in the style of Stanton Harcourt Manor”
Searles Castle was built under the direction of Edward F. Searles, an interior decorator and antique collector. Having traced his ancestry to the Oxfordshire Harcourt family, he engaged the prominent architect, Henry Vaughn to design the castle in the style of Stanton Harcourt Manor in Oxon County, England. The building was completed in 1915 at a cost estimated to have been in excess of $1,250,000. The castle, located at 21 Searles Rd. in Windham, NH, contains 20 rooms. Searles is said to have employed the finest masons and woodworkers to construct the castle, and imported marble and artifacts from Europe to furnish it. Examples of the fine work are found in the carved oak balcony, and the marble fireplaces. Edward Francis Searles was born on July 4, 1841, In Methuen, Massachusetts. At the age of thirteen he went to work in a cotton mill to support his widowed mother and his brother. His love of art and music, later to be his hallmark, were in evidence early in his life. At the age of twenty-one he was teaching piano and organ in Bath, Maine.
Reviews
I've lived in Great Barrington for 17 years and been to Searles twice. It's such a treat to go inside. Currently, it acts as a private school for youth with disciplinary issues, learning disabilities, etc. But occasionally they open up the Castle for fundraising events like concerts or tours. The yards and exterior are still beautifully kept, although parts of the inside definitely feel stuck in the '70s and a bit neglected. The John Dewey Academy students are in charge of interior cleaning and maintenance. But still amazing to see the gaudy dining hall spaces and experience Searles' deteriorating legacy.
I have to question this location on the basis that it’s in 2 different states according to the information. It says it’s both located in Windham, NH and Great Barrington, MA.
The 2 photos are also strange as they show 2 different types of masonry.
Be the first to add a review to the Searles Castle.
Searles Castle
Hours
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
Visit the spooky real-life locations from 'Hocus Pocus'
- 5 Places
- 00:22
- 6 mi
The Great Northern is a 3,600 mile, cross-country odyssey
- 57 Places
- 69:15
- 3,565 mi
The top things to do on an I-95 road trip
- 50 Places
- 41:46
- 1,983 mi