Kip's Castle Is A Fascinating Spot in New Jersey That's Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale
By Melissa Mahoney|Published November 02, 2020
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Once upon a time, in the great state of New Jersey, a man and his wife decided to build a castle. But this wasn’t just any castle. This castle was special. On the property of the 11 acres they purchased, a 9,000 square foot mansion, based on the architecture of a medieval Norman castle, was built along with a 6,000 square foot carriage house. The couple would call this home for more than twenty years.
Construction on the castle took three years to complete, from 1902-1905.
Owners Frederic Ellsworth Kip and Charlotte Bishop Williams Kip originally named their house "Kypsburg." Frederic made his fortune as a textile inventor as well as industrialist and publisher. Charlotte was responsible for the design of the mansion, carriage house, and grounds.
Kip's Castle includes thirty rooms of differing shapes and sizes, six fireplaces, ornate chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings.
There's something special about getting a glimpse of the Empire City from New Jersey. The property is located on the ridge of First Mountain, part of a group of low-ridge mountains that were once part of a volcano.
Even the entrance looks like you are about to enter a world where fairy tales can come to life.
After Charlotte Kip passed away in 1926, her husband sold the property, which changed owners a couple of times and eventually fell into disrepair. In the mid-1980s, it was purchased by a law firm. Restoration began and continued over the next 20 years.
Kip's Castle now belongs in the safe hands of the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs who bought it in 2007.
The property has been brought back to life for all to enjoy.
A visit to Kip’s Castle is a fascinating step back in time. Spend the day here, walk around the house and grounds, and take in the sight of the New York City skyline. Whatever you do, you will be living in a fairy tale, at least for a little while!
Have you been to see Kip’s Castle? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
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