Spectacular Castles And Mansions To Visit In New Jersey

The Garden State is filled with castles and mansions that were once residences for the wealthy. Now many are museums or homes to other businesses and organizations, but these structures have plenty of history and beauty that make them just as exciting for visitors as they were in their prime. Here are the must-see castles and mansions in New Jersey.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Lambert Castle in Paterson, N.J.

Constructed in 1892–1893, the Lambert Castle was created in Paterson, New Jersey, by Catholina Lambert. The English immigrant named it “Belle Vista,” and prominent people, including President William McKinley, visited the castle. After Lambert’s passing, his son sold the castle to the City of Paterson. Then in 1934, it was transferred to the Parks Commission, and the Passaic County Historical Society established a museum and library. In 1976, the building was awarded the Castle Landmark Designation, and in 1995, it underwent a $5 million restoration project.

Now a part of Kean University, Liberty Hall was built in 1772 in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, by lawyer William Livingston. He and his family moved to the home full-time after he retired; however, he came out of retirement and went on to serve in the First and Second Continental Congress and as brigadier general of the New Jersey militia. Afterward, Livingston became the first elected governor of New Jersey. In 1811, Peter Kean purchased the building after Livingston’s death and transformed it into a 50-room mansion.

Skylands Manor in Ringwood, N.J.

In 1922, horticulturist Clarence McKenzie Lewis purchased some land to create a regal home. Designed by the same architect as the Jefferson Memorial, Lewis’ home was lavish—filled with granite, Italian marble, pine and more. In 1953, Lewis sold the building and the land. New Jersey bought the property in 1966. Following the purchase, Skylands Manor became an official state garden; it now serves as a wedding venue.

The Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May, N.J.

Emlen Physick Jr., his widowed mother, Frances Ralston, and his aunt, Emilie Parmentier, moved into the Emlen Physick Estate after its completion in 1879. In the 1970s, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities saved and restored the 18-room home.

Natirar in Peapack-Gladstone, N.J.

Amassing more than 1,000 acres in Peapack-Gladstone, Walter Graeme Ladd and his wife, Catherine (“Kate”) Everit Macy Ladd, created a 40-room Tudor-style mansion, completed in 1912. Named Natirar, an anagram for the Raritan River, the home is trimmed with limestone, filled with oak paneling and decorated with molded plaster ceilings. Following Mrs. Ladd’s death, Hassan II, the King of Morocco, bought the property; he died in 1999. Then in 2003, Somerset County purchased the estate and transformed it into a cooking school, a farm, restaurant and more.

Drumthwacket in Princeton, N.J.

Now the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey, Drumthwacket was built by Charles Smith Olden in 1835. The estate is also home to the office of the Drumthwacket Foundation and acts as an educational center for children.

Alnwick Hall: The Abbey in Morristown, N.J.

Alnwick Hall was created for Edward and Rosaline Meany. One of the homes on “Millionaires’ Row” and a relic of Gilded Age extravagance, the 32-room castle dates back to 1904.

Glynallyn Castle in Convent Station, N.J.

Built in 1917 and now a private residence, Glynallyn Castle was the home of publisher George Marshall Allen. Modeled after the post-medieval manor house at Compton Wynyates in Warwickshire, England, this home was fitted with historic features including 400-year-old oak paneling and interior pieces salvaged from English mansions.

Iviswold Castle in Rutherford, N.J.

Lloyd W. Tomkins created the Iviswold Castle in 1869. Not long after, in 1887, David Brinkerhoff Ivison, president of the American Book Company, bought the property, turning it into the present-day castle-like structure. Before Felician University acquired the castle in 1997, it was administrative offices for Fairleigh Dickinson University.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.