
Whether you're a historical enthusiast, a lover of fantasy fiction, or an admirer of ambitious architecture, the timeless mystique of castles is impossible to deny. Visiting them is the highlight of many people's European vacations, but did you know there are some you can visit a little closer to home?
Ohio has many castles and castle-like structures spread out across the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas. Some are historical buildings, while others were constructed a bit more recently. Here are nine of the most distinctive Ohio castles and some background information on what makes each unique.
12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
Boy Scout leader Harry Delos Andrews created Loveland Castle Museum (sometimes called Chateau Laroche) as a hangout spot for his scout troupe (also called the Knights of the Golden Trail, or KOGT). Construction reportedly began in 1929 using materials fetched by Andrews and the 100-strong group of boys who made up the KOGT at the time. It was finally completed more than 50 years later and is now open to visitors.
Play a few games using the handmade chess, checkers, and puzzle sets scattered around the property, listen to a ghost story from one of the Knights on duty, or picnic in one of the many designated spots around the property. However you choose to spend your time here, this castle is sure to make you feel like a kid again.
1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Also known as Elsinore Tower, this small Cincinnati monument was built in the 1880s as a pumping station for nearby Eden Park. The arch's design was inspired by Hamlet's Elsinore Castle, though it was replicated on a much smaller scale; there are only a handful of rooms in this building, and all of them house the equipment needed to run the waterworks. Because it is so small yet still so visually impressive, this is an excellent spot for a quick outing on a trip to the city - you'll see some history up close and get a great photo opportunity as well!
2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Squire's Castle is not actually a castle at all, but rather a gatehouse for a castle that was never completed. The building dates back to the 1890s and is designed according to English and German baronial styles of the time. The structure has been remodeled slightly over the years to reinforce its structural integrity: its upper two floors have been removed and its basement filled in with concrete. Visitors can wander around the inside of the building, enjoy walks on the nearby trails, or eat a meal at the picnic area just outside the stone structure.
714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
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Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was constructed in 1915 by F. A. Seiberling, one of the founders of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The property was named after an Old English phrase meaning "stone hewn." Built in the Tudor Revival style, this Northeast Ohio estate includes 65 rooms and 70 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds.
Self-guided indoor tours are available for those who want to take a closer look at the remarkable interior finishes and architecture. Outside, you will find the hall's PlayGarden, a verdant paradise for kids. From bug catching and butterfly watching to geocaching, young visitors will always find something to do at this historic site.
4795 Chapel Ridge Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Cote Bonneville was built in 1902 by Napoleon DuBrul, a cigar mold mogul originally from Quebec, Canada. This privately-owned 6-acre gated property features a towering stone manor built in the Romanesque Revival style. The stately castle-like home is part of the Cincinnati Preservation Association's annual Raeburn Estate House tour each spring, but even the outside of this incredible structure is well worth a visit.
65666 Bethel Rd., New Plymouth, OH 45654
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Ravenwood Castle may look like a historical castle, but it was actually built less than 30 years ago in 1995. Inspired by English and Welsh castles from the 12th and 13th centuries, its original builders hoped to create a place where fans of medieval-themed popular culture could gather for a fun, immersive experience. They even built a tiny medieval village next to the castle to create a more immersive experience for their guests. In addition to grand occasions like weddings and formal events, this location is frequently used for recreational activities like board games, conventions, murder mysteries, and scavenger hunts.
200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, OH 44601
Glamorgan Castle was designed by Willard Hirsch for Colonel William Henry Morgan in 1904 and named for his ancestral home in Wales. Over the years, this gorgeous property has served as an Elk lodge and the corporate headquarters for Alliance Machine; it currently serves as the administrative building for Alliance City Schools, as well as a backdrop for local events like plays, weddings, and even car shows. For those interested in getting a better look at the castle's interior, there are guided indoor tours available every Friday afternoon.
561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842
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If it's a fairytale atmosphere you're after, look for the fanciful peaks of Landoll's Mohican Castle on the horizon. This impressive edifice was built by Jim Landoll, founder of the famous Landoll Publishing Company, in 1997. There were no floor plans or blueprints to guide the construction process; every room was built one at a time according to Landoll's vision. The castle was finally completed and opened for business in 2002. Twenty years later, this one-of-a-kind building is a well-loved hotel and restaurant and an extremely popular wedding destination. You can even go on ghost hunts in the cemetery on the castle's grounds.
Which of these magnificent Ohio castles is your favorite?

Cutler Realtors finished strong in 2021, helping so many buy or sell a home across Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. We seek to empower our real estate agents from start to finish so they can focus on providing the best possible customer service.
Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed their goals. We congratulate the following Realtors and groups for providing the superior customer service people have come to expect from Cutler Real Estate. Join us in celebrating the top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders for December 2021.

With signs of habitation dating back to 13,000 BC, Ohio has a rich and colorful past. No matter what you learned in history books, it can't compare to seeing it with your own eyes. Whether it's a castle in Northeast Ohio, a covered bridge near Columbus, or a library in Cincinnati, a visit to these incredible sites will give you a new appreciation of our state.
North Chagrin Reservation, 2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
If you're fascinated by the fictional royalty of Game of Thrones or real-life royalty of Queen Elizabeth and her family, don't miss Squire's Castle. Located at North Chagrin Reservation, Squire's Castle was built in the 1890s and patterned after German and English baronial castles. The gatehouse also serves as the trailhead for one of the North Chagrin's more scenic routes, and there's an adjacent picnic area that includes grills and seating. North Chagrin Reservation is open daily from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Case Western Reserve University, 1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
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The design and backstory of Maltz Performing Arts Center are as compelling as the events that take place inside it. Founded in 1850 as a temple for the local Reform Jewish congregation, the building has a unique heptagonal shape to fit the lot's odd configuration while approximating a circle, symbolizing unity. Thanks to the creative architecture and stunning interior, the building was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. A partnership between the Temple and Case Western Reserve University led to the creation of the Performing Arts Center, which hosts a number of concerts, lectures, and other cultural activities.
714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
While many historical buildings bear the name of their original residents, that's not the case with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. "Stan Hywet" is actually an Old English term that translates to "stone quarry," which is a nod to the property's most prominent natural feature. The estate served as the home for the family of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, but they also generously opened their doors to the public for frequent community events. Hours are 10 a.m. - dusk Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults and $6 for ages 6-17.
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
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Natural and man-made history combine to spectacular effect at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The 13-acre facility, located just two miles from downtown Columbus, is anchored by the John D. Wolfe Palm House. This glass greenhouse, which dates back to 1895, features 43 species of palms, including fiddle-leaf figs that were part of the original plantings. Seasonal and visiting exhibitions supplement the lush gardens and botanical biomes on permanent display. Franklin Park Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and $12 for ages 3-12.
145 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130
Do you think of art as something that requires specialized skill or talent? The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio has a mission to awaken the creative spirit in everyone. Programming includes themed exhibits, classes, workshops, and lectures aimed at making art accessible to all. Welcome the new year with the upcoming exhibit, "Hindsight: The Art of Looking Back," which is particularly appropriate for exploring the past. "Classrooms" are located in the Reese-Peters House, a Federal/Greek Revival-style home built in 1835 and widely acclaimed as the finest house in Lancaster. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Arney Run Park, 2340 Meister Rd. SW, Lancaster, OH 43130
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Covered bridges, once a common sight around the countryside, have become rare but treasured relics of the past. Only about one in 10 have survived to the present day, with Mink Hollow Covered Bridge being one of the more picturesque structures. At a length of 54 feet, this charming "house bridge" boasts the longest official name of any bridge in the country: Mink Hollow over Arney Run in Oil Mill Hollow near the Borcher's Mill Covered Bridge. Dog-friendly Arney Run Park is also a great spot for hiking, photography, bird-watching, and picnicking. Park hours are dawn till dusk, 365 days a year.
8070 Tylersville Rd., West Chester, OH 45069
Before social media and television, news and entertainment were transmitted across radio waves. The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting highlights the development and impact of radio technology, both locally and globally. Cincinnati native Powel Crosley Jr., once dubbed "the Henry Ford of radio," was the driving force behind the Bethany Relay Station, which broadcasted from the building that now houses the museum. Other attractions include displays of early wireless transmitters and a fully-equipped ham station where you can observe the workings of shortwave radio. The museum is open weekends from 1 - 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for everyone aged 16 and older.
414 Walnut St. #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Established in 1835, the Mercantile Library is one of only about two dozen membership libraries that still exist in the country. Spread across the 11th and 12th floors of the building, the library holds more than 80,000 volumes on subjects ranging from contemporary fiction and poetry to travel and history. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Salman Rushdie, and Julia Child are just a few of the exciting guest lecturers who have appeared at the Mercantile. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday.
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409
Kitty Hawk may be the site of their first flights, but the dreams of the Wright Brothers first took hold in their hometown of Dayton. Carillon Historical Park shines a light on the Wright Brothers and other regional pioneers of transportation and industry. The 65-acre open-air museum includes displays such as the Wright Brothers National Museum, Great 1913 Flood Exhibit, and Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship. Carillon Historical Park is open 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for ages 3-17.
What site in Ohio is associated with a significant memory from your own past?

At Cutler Real Estate, we pride ourselves on having the best Realtors in the business, who consistently exceed the expectations of buyers and sellers across Northeast Ohio, Columbus & Central Ohio, and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky. We believe in an environment that offers industry-leading tools and excellent business support to help our real estate agents realize success.
That's why we recognize those agents who have gone above a...

Gratitude is the attitude for November, and Cutler Real Estate is thankful to be a member of such a vibrant business community. We've teamed up with LoLo Gifts for special offers that help you discover the amazing restaurants, shops, and small businesses around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
As you prepare for the holidays, take a break and treat yourself with one of these delightful offers.
986 N. Court St., Medina, OH 44256
As the saying goes, eat breakfast like a king. You'll definitely feel like royalty when you start your day with a satisfying homestyle meal of pancakes, corned beef hash, or biscuits and gravy at Griddle's Cafe.
While the diner menu and ambiance may feel traditional, Griddle's Cafe recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. They've built a following on friendly service and classic dishes with an updated twist, such as their oatmeal with crème brûlée topping.
330.722.9886
Tuesday - Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
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Popcorn is a canvas for an endless range of flavors, making it the perfect snack for any taste. Which of the dozens of sweet and savory flavors at Kernels by Chrissie will satisfy your craving?
A popcorn kettle may not seem like a romantic gift. But when Chrissie's husband presented her with one, little did she know that this present would change their lives. Chrissie went from treating family and friends to building a full-fledged popcorn business, including mobile units to serve farmers' markets, music festivals, and other events.
216.664.0638
Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
1494 E. Smithville Western Rd., Suite C., Wooster, OH 44691
The pastry case at Miss Amy's Bakery is filled with a selection of mouthwatering cookies, cupcakes, and other luscious baked goods. Use your $10 certificate toward whatever strikes your fancy.
Yes, there really is a Miss Amy, and her Instagram-worthy treats do more than delight the taste buds of residents. Owner Amy Crosland provides true community partnership through her bakery's support of local organizations and causes, such as Special Olympics and the Wayne Center for the Arts.
330.804.0000
Tuesday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
424 W. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Looking for a place to kick back and unwind after a long day? Raise a beer or cider with friends at Land-Grand Brewing Company.
The historic 1920s building that houses Land-Grant Brewing Company once held an actual factory that produced elevators and track systems. Today, 12,000-square-foot facility accommodates a full brewhouse along with a great taproom and beer garden. Food is available from a rotating assortment of food trucks.
614.427.3946
Monday - Wednesday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - Midnight
Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
154 Cherry St., Kent, OH 44240
When your sweet tooth demands attention, a cupcake is the perfect solution. Choose from Death by Chocolate, Salted Caramel, or 14 other flavors on the everyday menu at The Mockingbird Bakery.
Cupcakes are just the tip of the baked goods iceberg at The Mockingbird Bakery, which offers a full assortment of cakes, cookies, and pastries. Pair your favorite sweet with one of their hot cocoa bombs. These hot beverages, in flavors like Chocolate Mint and Cinnamon, will warm you up fast on a cold winter day.
Contact And Hours
330.593.5058
Tuesday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
3717 Tulane Ave. NE, Louisville, OH 44641
Nothing brightens the day faster than flowers. Pick up a fresh, colorful bouquet for yourself or a friend at Dougherty Flowers.
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Family-owned Dougherty Flowers' "roots" in Stark County go all the way back to 1923. With nearly 20 fully operating greenhouses, they provide an incredible variety of flowers and plants at the peak of freshness. Their talented staff will work with you to design a custom arrangement for any occasion.
330.875.5571
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - Noon
117 Merz Blvd., Fairlawn, OH 44333
Birdbaths are just one of the many supplies and accessories found at The Bird Store and More! When it comes to soap, use your offer for a fragrant bar to pamper yourself or a friend.
Over 23 years ago, animal lover Sue Wright and her husband Paul made the leap from devoted customers to owners of The Bird Store and More! You'll often find Sue in the bird supply/gift shop alongside Tito, her pet Havanese, and Rae, the Blue-fronted Amazon parrot that serves as the shop's mascot.
330.869.9453
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
129 W. Elder St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Chocolate is the answer for any bad day. Indulge with mint, lemon lavender, peanut butter, or one of the other gourmet bars at Maverick Chocolate Co.
When Paul Picton's engineering job took him around the globe, he always returned with top-quality chocolate for wife Marlene and their sons. They decided to put their knowledge of chocolate to use by opening Maverick Chocolate Co. All products are handcrafted in small batches from ethically-sourced cacao beans.
513.381.0561
Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

At Cutler Real Estate, we don't believe gratitude is limited to a season. That's why we've teamed up with LoLo Gifts to offer a new list of freebies each month. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started.