Wilson Castle facts for kids
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The Dutch neo-renaissance gable and Romanesque Revival porte-cochere in front of Wilson Castle
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| Location | 2708 West Street Proctor, Vermont |
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| Type | Historic house museum |
Wilson Castle is a large, old house in Proctor, Vermont. It was built a long time ago, in 1885. The castle looks like a mix of different styles, including Dutch, Scottish, and Roman. Today, it's a house museum where people can visit. You can explore it from late May to late October.
Contents
History of Wilson Castle
The Castle's Early Days
A doctor named John Johnson and his English wife built Wilson Castle. They spent almost eight years planning and building it. The castle cost a lot of money, about $1,300,000. Dr. Johnson hired English architects to help design the main house and its 18 smaller buildings.
The Johnsons did not live in the castle for very long. After Mrs. Johnson passed away, Dr. Johnson could not pay for the castle's upkeep. Many valuable items were sold, and some were even taken by people who had not been paid. Locals started calling the castle "Johnson's Folly."
New Owners and Radio
From the 1880s until 1939, the castle had many different owners. It changed hands 16 times! In 1939, Herbert Lee Wilson bought the estate. He was a pioneer in early AM radio.
Mr. Wilson even started a radio station, WHWB (AM), in the castle's stable. He later joined the United States Army Signal Corps during World War II. He retired as a colonel in the 1950s.
The Wilson Family Legacy
Herbert Lee Wilson passed away in 1981. He left the castle to his daughter, who died in 2009. Five generations of the Wilson family have lived in the house since 1939.
The castle has been open for public tours since 1962. Many visitors come to see its unique history and architecture.
What You Can See at Wilson Castle
Castle Design and Rooms
Wilson Castle sits on a large property of about 115 acres. The house itself has 32 rooms spread across three floors. Its outside walls are made of English brick and French marble.
The castle has a very fancy design. You can see 19 arched doorways and 84 stained glass windows. It also features two tall towers, a protective wall on the roof, and a balcony.
Inside the Castle
Inside, the castle has 13 fireplaces. These fireplaces are decorated with special tiles and bronze from other countries. The rooms are filled with beautiful items.
You can find antiques from Asia and Europe. There are also statues, Chinese scrolls, and colorful oriental rugs. The property also has a large greenhouse, called an orangery, and a birdhouse, known as an aviary.
