Sitting Pretty: Exploring the Historic Hearthstone Castle, Danbury, CT

One of the most unique attractions in New England, the Hearthstone Castle in Danbury, Connecticut, is the perfect place for a picturesque day trip or a romantic weekend retreat. Located on Candlewood Lake, Hearthstone Castle was built by the Tiffany family during the late nineteenth century and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Drawing inspiration from the English and French castle’s architecture, the castle is a sight to behold and an ideal destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Standing atop a hill surrounded by lush forest and sparkling water, Hearthstone Castle is a sight to behold. The castle itself is an impressive tower structure, complete with crenelated turrets, terraces, and dozens of tiny peaked windows with flowerboxed balconies. Constructed from white quartzite, the castle looks like it has been transported straight from a storybook, making it a popular backdrop for marriage proposals and wedding photoshoots. Find more information here.

The history behind Hearthstone Castle is as fascinating as its outward appearance. The first structure, a four-story Second Empire-style home, was built in 1892 by the industrialist, philanthropist, and co-founder of Tiffany & Company, Charles Lewis Tiffany. Tiffany purchased over 200 acres of land at the hilltop location and hoped to build something spectacular while minimizing costs. With help from some Italian stonemasons, he designed and built the castle-like home using white quartzite stones from the nearby Ives and Arch Quarry. The estate was completed in 1893 and was popularly known as “The Castle” to the locals. The Tiffany family sold the property in 1902, and for the next 60 years, The Castle changed hands multiple times before it was purchased by William D. Haskell in the early 1960s. Haskell used the castle as a private residence and renamed it “Hearthstone Castle” in 1962. Click here to read about The Danbury Railway Museum: Preserving Railway History in Connecticut.