Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Proctor, Vermont stands a remarkable testament to 19th-century architectural grandeur: Wilson Castle. This historic estate, built in 1885, represents an eclectic fusion of Victorian-era architectural styles including Dutch neo-renaissance, Scottish baronial, Queen Anne, and Romanesque Revival. Today, it serves as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of America's Gilded Age.
The castle's origins trace back to Vermont-born physician Dr. John Johnson and his English wife. Their vision for an extravagant European-inspired mansion in the Green Mountain State was nothing short of extraordinary. The planning and construction lasted nearly eight years and came with the staggering price tag of $1,300,000—an astronomical sum for the late 19th century.
Dr. Johnson, who met his wife while studying medicine in England, employed at least two English architects to design the main house and its eighteen outbuildings. However, the Johnsons' occupancy of their dream home would prove tragically brief. Following Mrs. Johnson's death, Dr. Johnson found himself unable to manage the exorbitant taxes and maintenance costs. The property was eventually repossessed, its valuable contents auctioned off or claimed by unpaid staff. Local residents began referring to the abandoned estate as "Johnson's Folly," a monument to excessive ambition.
Between the 1880s and 1939, Wilson Castle changed hands an astonishing sixteen times, reflecting both its allure and the challenges of maintaining such an elaborate property. The castle's fortunes finally changed in 1939 when Herbert Lee Wilson, a pioneer in AM radio broadcasting, purchased the estate and established radio station WHWB (AM) in its stable.
Wilson's career took a patriotic turn during World War II when he joined the United States Army Signal Corps. After retiring in the 1950s with the rank of colonel, he returned to the castle, where he remained until his death in 1981. The estate passed to his daughter, who maintained the family legacy until her passing in 2009. Remarkably, five generations of the Wilson family have called the castle home since 1939, and it has welcomed public tours since 1962.
What makes Wilson Castle a true architectural gem lies in its stunning details and grand scale. Set on 115 acres of picturesque Vermont countryside, the main house features 32 rooms spread across three stories. Its distinctive facade combines English brick and French marble, creating a visually striking exterior adorned with 19 proscenium arches, 84 stained glass windows, two turrets, a parapet, and a balcony.
The interior proves equally impressive, boasting 13 fireplaces finished with imported tiles and bronze. The rooms display an international collection of treasures, including Asian and European antiques, fine statuary, Chinese scrolls, and oriental rugs. Beyond the main residence, the property features a large orangery (greenhouse) and an aviary, further enhancing its Victorian charm.
Today, Wilson Castle stands as one of Vermont's most unique historic attractions. Open to visitors from late May through October, it offers guided tours that provide insight into both the architectural significance of the property and the fascinating stories of its residents over the centuries.
While many similarly grand estates across America have been lost to time, Wilson Castle's survival represents the dedication of multiple generations to preserving this remarkable piece of architectural heritage. As both a family home and a public museum, it continues to captivate visitors with its blend of European grandeur and Vermont charm.
For those interested in 19th-century architecture, Victorian lifestyles, or simply the allure of a real American castle, this historic treasure in Proctor, Vermont offers a journey through time that few other properties can match.
Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Proctor, Vermont stands a remarkable testament to 19th-century architectural grandeur: Wilson Castle. This historic estate, built in 1885, represents an eclectic fusion of Victorian-era architectural styles including Dutch neo-renaissance, Scottish baronial, Queen Anne, and Romanesque Revival. Today, it serves as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the […]