“the ghost of the American renaissance”
This place is on private property. Listing for informational purposes only. Please do not visit without express permission from the land owner. The castle is located in what locals know and some maps identify as Craig-e-Clair (also Craigie Clair). The almost thousand acres of land surrounding the castle was amassed in the late 1880s by Bradford L. Gilbert, a noted New York City architect. Gilbert built an estate known as “Beaverkill Lodge” on the property. The hamlet of Craig-e-Clair was named after an Irish fishing village and translates as “Beautiful Mountainside.” Gilbert’s wife was a native of Ireland and chose the name because the Catskill scenery reminded her of home. The property was sold in 1903 to Morris Sternbach. Wurts-Dundas purchased the land and buildings from Sternbach in 1907. Like many wealthy men of his time he wanted a mountain hideaway for his family and friends. In 1907, he purchased 964 acres of forestland with a view of the Beaverkill near Roscoe. The land had been a fishing retreat complete with a “Swiss” style country house. Not satisfied with the existing structure, Wurts-Dundas set out to build the finest mansion possible incorporating the wooden country house. The design of the castle is thought to have been inspired by late nineteenth century interpretations of medieval European castles constructed in Scotland. Construction on the castle was begun in the early years of the First World War, and ceased in 1924, three years after Wurts-Dundas’ death in 1921. Never fully completed, the building represents an impressive example of the romanticized medievalism that emerged in American culture at the turn of the twentieth century. Although they visited during the construction period, neither Wurts-Dundas and his wife, Josephine – nor anyone else since – has lived in the castle. Remember, exploring this place is trespassing!!
Went here today and loved it beautiful building such a shame no one is doing anything with it
This property is privately owned, and as of 7.26.13 no one is being granted permission for admission on to the property, per the caretaker. There is a plan to open the castle to the public, but no time in the near future.
I'm trying to put together some information on abandoned places in NY. I live in the area and worked in Roscoe for many years. I'd like to get permission to go up to the castle and take some pictures. I wouldn't go without permission, so I'm looking to speak with someone to see if there is a time that I can go. My e-mail address is rmas0723@gmail.com. I see the other posts telling me to contact Walter King.
remember exploring this place is tresspassing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! call walter king@(914)760-5862.
this land is private property no one should enter the property at all. if you want to know anything about the castle or the land. contact walter king @ (914) 760-5862.
Went there today. Got stuck in the mud on the side of the road, but luckily a nice man came and helped us out. The castle is beautiful but there is no entry in, so we just walked around. You have to go up a hill and have no cell service out there, but we went up real quick and took some photos.
My boyfriend is a Freemason who came with me and we're going to try and get in contact with the Mason's who own it now and see if we can get an inside tour next time we're in the area.
i was here last summer... a friend and i got lost and we looked up the hill and theres this castle?!*&?!! we just walked up the hill and looked around for a bit and walked back down with no problem and i saw no signage saying it was illegal to be there... theres a gorgeous gate infront of it and a house close by... maybe they might know something
Can u visit this place or do they patrol?? Anyone??
Has anyone visited recently and if so did you have any issues with exploring it? Also do the caretakers live there year round and where are they located on the property? Thanks!
That's right down the road from me!
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Dundas Castle
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