When you think of castles, the images that come to mind are likely of medieval and Gothic castles found in European countries.
However, in the U.S., there are several European-inspired castles constructed in medieval, Gothic or Neo-Classical styles to be found.
Some of these historically inspired castles can even be found here in California, serving as venues, historic landmarks and even personal residences: One is right in Stockton's backyard.
Preston Castle, Ione
Preston Castle, an iconic Ione building 38 miles east of Stockton, celebrated its quasquicentennial, or 125th anniversary, in 2019.
Completed in 1894, the facility served as a reform-type institution for troubled youth. Prior to that, minors who were convicted of crimes were sent to San Quentin or Folsom prisons. In 1889 State Sen. Edward Preston introduced a bill that established the school, and in June 1894, the first seven wards were accepted. The castle was closed when the state opened new facilities nearby. The building stood vacant for more than 40 years until the Preston Castle Foundation received ownership. Preston Castle is a California State Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Long rumored to be haunted, the castle hosts several popular events throughout the year, including haunted walkthroughs in October and paranormal investigations throughout the year. Visit prestoncastle.org/events/the-haunt to book your visit. The castle, at 900 Palm Drive in Ione, is also available for guided and self-guided tours and other events. Visit prestoncastle.org to learn more.
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There are at least 21 castles in California. Here's where to find them
Castley, which is a website for castles in the U.S., and Only in Your State, a website for sights and landmarks, have provided comprehensive lists of all the castles to be found in the state of California.
Castle Lionheart, Oak Glen
Castle Lionheart in Oak Glen is 90 minutes from Hollywood adjacent to The San Bernardino National Forest and is modeled after an English castle dating to 1385 A.D., according to Castley. To visit: https://filmatthecastle.com/
Vikingsholm, Lake Tahoe
Built in the 1860s, the Scandinavian-style lakefront Vikingsholm (“Tahoe's Hidden Castle”) is now part of Emerald Bay State Park in El Dorado County and is open for tours during the summer. Situated on the only island in Lake Tahoe, the castle is also a great destination for sightseeing, hiking, boating and swimming. To visit: Vikingsholm Tour Information.
Albion Castle, San Francisco
The landmark castle at 881 Innes Ave. in San Francisco was built in 1870 and is now registered as a historical landmark. Originally intended as a brewery until shut down during the Prohibition era, there are two stone cisterns in its underground caves that produce 8,000-10,000 gallons of natural spring water a day, according to the venue’s website. Available for small private event rentals: thealbioncastle.com
Sam’s Castle, Pacifica
Built in 1908 in Pacifica south of San Francisco, Sam's Castle is now home to the Sam Mazza Foundation and offers tours of the historic property once a month. The castle has a unique history, including being used by the Coast Guard during WWII. To visit: sammazzafoundation.org.
The Pink Castle, Flintridge
The Pink Castle in Flintridge is a well-known, castle-esque residence constructed in 1911 and is now a private residence. Learn more: facebook.com/ThePinkCastle
Ledson Castle & Winery, Kenwood
The chateau-like property was originally built in 1989 as a residence but now hosts winery visitors, wine-tastings and events. To visit: https://ledson.com.
Chateau Montelena Winery, Calistoga
Built at the end of the 19th century, tastings are available at the chateau daily. The winery is open daily. To visit: montelena.com.
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Grey Castle House, Martinez
Grey Castle House in Martinez is a modern castle-like home in the San Francisco Bay Area with Airbnb accommodations. To visit: Grey Castle House.
Castello di Amorosa, California
Completed in 2007, Castello di Amorosa (“Castle of Love”) in Calistoga is an authentically styled 13th-century Tuscan castle winery in the Napa Valley. Hand-built with antique materials and furnishings imported from Europe, the castle offers tours, wine tasting and food and wine pairing experiences are offered daily. To visit: castellodiamorosa.com/visit.
Shea’s Castle, Antelope Valley
Built in the 1920s in Antelope Valley, Shea's Castle is a private, castle-like residence not open for visitors, according to Castley.
The Castle House Estate, Joshua Tree
Featured on HGTV, the Castle House Estate is located near Joshua Tree National Park and offers modern glamping accommodations in everything from yurts, cybertents and shipping container homes to the two iconic Guard Tower Suites. To visit: thecastlehouseestate.com.
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Castle in the Forest, Lake Arrowhead
With its own Bavarian-style pub, Castle in the Forest near Lake Arrowhead is available for stays on AirBNB and VRBO; a quick check shows prices start at $4,365.00 per night with a 2-night minimum. Learn more: castleintheforest.com
Medieval Times, Buena Park
Just a few miles from Disneyland, Medieval Times Buena Park is a medieval-themed entertainment venue with live jousting and sword-fighting, and a medieval feast fit for a king. To visit: medievaltimes.com/Buena-park.
The Castle, Los Angeles
This castle-like vacation rental in Hollywood is available for bookings on AirBNB: airbnb.ie/rooms/39542232
Hollywood Hills Castle, Los Angeles
This 1931 castle in the Laurel Canyon section of the Hollywood Hills is famed for hosting rock legends in the 1960s and 1970s, according to its website. It is available on Airbnb. To visit: hollywoodhillscastle.com.
The Hollywood Castle, Hollywood
The Hollywood Hills landmark is featured in Katy Perry video “I Kissed A Girl” and Tom Petty’s “Into the Great White Open” as well as the E! show “Married to Rock.” Available to rent for music videos, TV shoots, photography and also as a venue for large groups: thehollywoodcastle.com.
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Lobo Castle, Santa Monica Mountains
Agoura Hills’ Lobo Castle is set in the Santa Monica Mountains between Pacific Coast Highway and the 101 Freeway and is available for charitable fundraisers, filming and photo shoots. Learn more: lobocastle.com.
Castle Noland, San Luis Obispo
The 9-bedroom Château Noland and adjacent Carriage House Suites sit above the Avila Valley between Shell Beach and San Luis Obispo. Minutes from several beaches, bike trails, world famous wine tasting, and the idyllic downtown San Luis Obispo, the equestrian property is available to rent on Airbnb and VRBO for stays, weddings, receptions and more. Learn more: airbnb.ie/rooms/15137884
Rubel Castle, Glendora
The mid-century Rubel Castle in Glendora was built over 26 years entirely by hand from river rock and salvage and sits near historic Route 66. Attracting visitors from all over the world, the artsy site is among famed TV host Huell Howser's favorite spots and has hosted luminaries like Alfred Hitchcock, Prince Albert, Sally Rand, Dwight Eisenhower and Bob Hope, according to the Glendora Historical Society. Learn more and book a tour: glendorahistoricalsociety.org/castle
This article originally appeared on The Record: Where to find historic castles in California
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