Hammond Castle Museum in MA!
I moved to New England recently & was shocked when I found out there was a CASTLE 🏰 within driving distance- within the U.S.!!
-You can take a self guided or guided tour (most people seemed to do self)
-Self guided you can spend as little or long as you please , we spent around an hour.
-Picturesque ocean views & unique historic pieces fill this castle making it one of a kind.
From the website: “Hammond Castle Museum was constructed in the late 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr., known as the Father of Radio Control. The Museum’s architectural style is mixture of a medieval castle, a Gothic cathedral, and a Renaissance-era French village set amongst Roman ruins. It was built as his home and laboratory and designed to accommodate his private collection of artifacts from ancient Rome through the Renaissance.”
My favorite part was a note about the pets of the house- the owners had both cats & dogs.
🐱The cats had a special door and wooden beam by the drawbridge to come/ go as they pleased.
🐶One of the dogs was stolen & Hammond, the builder of the castle, made his own “security system” around the dogs outdoor tall brick enclosure & cemented tons of broken glass pieces into the top of it to ward off any potential dog-nappers.
#newengland #castle #hammondcastle #travel #massachusetts #maine #newhampshire #eastcoast
Nestled near Boston, the Hammond Castle Museum is a hidden gem that transports visitors back to the 1920s. Constructed by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr., known as the Father of Radio Control, this enchanting castle features a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic and Renaissance influences. Visitors can explore an incredible collection of historical artifacts, including pieces from ancient Rome and the Renaissance period. The self-guided tour allows you to savor the scenic views at your own pace. One highlight of the museum is its history of pets. Hammond's feline and canine companions had unique accommodations, such as a special door for the cats to enter freely via a wooden beam over the drawbridge. One particularly intriguing aspect of the museum is Hammond's inventive approach to pet security; following the theft of one of his dogs, he designed a “security system” that included embedding shards of glass atop the dog's outdoor enclosure to deter future thefts. This charming blend of personal history with the structure’s grandeur makes visiting the Hammond Castle Museum a delightful educational experience for all ages. If you are exploring Massachusetts, especially along the beautiful New England coast, make sure to add this museum to your itinerary for an unforgettable encounter with history and architectural beauty!
I'm from western mass & my mom & stepdad brought me there a few years ago. Absolutely lovely place as is the surrounding area for food & shopping!