This Ohio Castle Makes Medieval Fantasy Feel Surprisingly Real
I never thought I’d find myself wandering through a genuine Victorian castle in the middle of Ohio, but that’s exactly what happened when I discovered The Castle Inn at 610 S Court St in Circleville. Built in 1895, this restored mansion transforms an ordinary weekend into something straight out of a storybook.
Walking up to the property for the first time, I couldn’t help but stare at the turrets and stonework that make this place look like it belongs in medieval Europe rather than central Ohio.
The Castle Inn offers guests a chance to sleep in rooms decorated with period details, relax in heart-shaped jacuzzis, and wake up to home-cooked breakfasts served in elegant dining spaces.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a romantic escape, or simply curious about staying somewhere completely different, this historic bed and breakfast delivers an experience you won’t find at typical hotels.
Victorian Architecture That Commands Attention
The moment you approach The Castle Inn, its architectural presence stops you in your tracks. The building’s stone turrets rise against the Ohio sky, creating silhouettes that look like they were lifted from European countryside postcards.
Original woodwork throughout the property showcases craftsmanship that simply doesn’t exist in modern construction. Intricate details carved into banisters and doorframes tell stories of an era when builders took pride in every element.
The stained glass windows catch sunlight in ways that transform ordinary hallways into kaleidoscopes of color.
During my visit, I spent considerable time examining the exterior stonework and marveling at how well the structure has been preserved. The round tower room occupies the original master bedroom space, complete with rose marble floors that speak to the luxury this home once represented.
Walking through these spaces feels like stepping backward in time, except with modern amenities thoughtfully integrated to maintain comfort without sacrificing historical charm.
Rooms That Tell Different Stories
Every room at The Castle Inn carries its own personality and historical significance. The honeymoon suite features romantic touches that make couples feel like royalty, while the medieval room embraces darker, more dramatic aesthetics with themed decor that commits fully to the fantasy.
I stayed in a spacious room where the bathroom alone measured larger than many modern hotel rooms. The rain shower installation provided contemporary comfort while maintaining respect for the building’s character.
Large refrigerators and microwaves in rooms add practical convenience without disrupting the Victorian atmosphere.
What struck me most was the attention to creating distinct experiences in each space. Some rooms feature working fireplaces that crackle with warmth on cool evenings.
Others boast jacuzzi tubs built for two, perfect for unwinding after exploring the surrounding area. The third floor rooms offer unique charm, though they do get warmer during summer months since air conditioning hasn’t been installed there yet.
Breakfast That Feels Like Family
Breakfast at The Castle Inn arrives family-style, encouraging guests to gather and share their castle experiences over hot, freshly prepared meals. The innkeepers, Trish and David, rotate the menu to keep things interesting throughout multi-night stays.
On my first morning, I enjoyed a frittata accompanied by perfectly seasoned hash browns and savory sausage. The second day brought fluffy pancakes with crispy bacon that disappeared from plates almost immediately.
Fresh juice options and bread for toasting round out the offerings, giving guests flexibility in building their morning meal.
What makes these breakfasts special isn’t just the food itself but the communal atmosphere they create. Sitting with other guests, swapping stories about which rooms we occupied and what attractions we planned to visit that day, added a social element missing from typical hotel breakfast buffets.
The innkeepers often join the table, sharing local recommendations and historical tidbits about the property that enrich your understanding of where you’re staying.
Gardens and Grounds for Peaceful Moments
Behind the castle, gardens unfold into surprisingly secluded spaces considering the property sits right in town. A pond creates a focal point where you can sit and watch the water reflect changing light throughout the day.
I found the outdoor areas perfect for morning coffee or evening conversations away from the bustle of daily life. Comfortable seating arrangements invite you to linger, while a designated fire pit area promises cozy gatherings when weather permits.
The gardens provide that rare combination of being easily accessible yet feeling completely removed from everything else.
Mature trees offer shade and privacy, creating natural boundaries that make you forget you’re in the middle of Circleville. During my stay, I watched birds nest in various spots around the property, adding natural soundtrack to quiet moments.
The grounds need some maintenance work, as several guests have noted, but the bones of something truly special are absolutely present and waiting to be fully restored to their original glory.
Murder Mystery Evenings Add Interactive Fun
The Castle Inn hosts murder mystery events that transform your stay from simple accommodation into participatory theater. I attended one set in the 1920s, where guests received character assignments and spent the evening uncovering clues while staying in character.
David, one of the innkeepers, facilitates these events with enthusiasm that keeps energy high throughout the evening. The castle’s authentic Victorian setting adds credibility that modern venues simply cannot match.
Walking through dimly lit hallways and gathering in parlors decorated with period furniture makes the experience genuinely immersive.
The mystery itself provided engaging entertainment, though I did notice some confusion around character pairings that didn’t match the printed program. Despite minor organizational hiccups, the core experience delivered exactly what I wanted: a chance to play pretend in an environment that supported the fantasy completely.
Couples and groups both seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, laughing and scheming as they worked to solve the fictional crime before the evening concluded.
Romance Packages for Special Celebrations
When celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons, The Castle Inn offers packages that elevate standard stays into memorable occasions. Romantic toast services and private dinners can be arranged, with the innkeepers going above standard hospitality to create special moments.
During one couple’s anniversary celebration I learned about, Trish and David decorated their private dining table with rose petals and candles, creating an intimate atmosphere enhanced by the couple’s own music selections. The beef tips over potatoes they served received enthusiastic praise, demonstrating that the kitchen can handle more than just breakfast.
What impressed me most about these special packages was the personal attention involved. The innkeepers clearly invest themselves in making celebrations meaningful rather than just processing another booking.
They work around guest schedules, coordinate with outside services like massage therapists, and remain available to ensure everything flows smoothly. This level of attentiveness rivals what you’d expect from luxury hotels, delivered with genuine warmth rather than professional distance.
Day Trip Hub for Ohio Attractions
Location matters when choosing accommodation, and The Castle Inn positions you perfectly for exploring central Ohio attractions. Hocking Hills State Park sits just 30 to 45 minutes away, offering hiking trails and natural rock formations worth the short drive.
I spent one day visiting the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, learning about ancient earthworks created by indigenous peoples centuries ago. The drive took less than an hour, making it an easy addition to my castle stay.
Circleville itself provides small-town charm with local restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Columbus sits close enough for day trips when you want urban amenities or specific attractions the capital city offers. The outdoor drama Tecumseh performs seasonally within reasonable driving distance, and the innkeepers maintain lists of local activities they happily share with guests.
Using The Castle Inn as your base camp for exploring Ohio makes practical sense while ensuring you return each evening to somewhere far more interesting than standard chain hotels.
Historic Details Worth Examining
History enthusiasts will find endless details to appreciate throughout The Castle Inn. Original architectural elements survive in various states of preservation, offering glimpses into how wealthy families lived during the late 1800s.
The craftsmanship visible in woodwork, glass, and stone speaks to building standards that valued beauty alongside function.
I spent considerable time studying the stained glass windows, watching how light transformed their colors throughout the day. Each window tells its own story through the images and patterns captured in glass.
The marble work in bathrooms, particularly the rose marble in what was once the master bedroom, demonstrates the luxury materials available to those with means during that era.
The building does show its age in places, with some areas needing restoration work that requires significant investment. Water damage appears in spots, and exterior maintenance demands attention.
However, these imperfections don’t diminish the historical value; they simply remind you that preserving 130-year-old buildings requires ongoing commitment and resources.
Innkeepers Who Make the Experience
Trish and David, the current innkeepers, shape the guest experience through their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate special requests.
They handle early check-ins, coordinate with outside vendors for services like massages, and adjust meal times to fit guest schedules rather than forcing everyone into rigid timeframes.
Their hospitality style emphasizes personal connection over corporate efficiency. They sit with guests during breakfast, sharing stories about the castle and offering recommendations tailored to individual interests.
When technical issues arise, like televisions not working properly, they respond promptly to resolve problems.
What distinguishes their approach is genuine investment in guest satisfaction. They’ve arranged murder mystery events, decorated for special occasions, and provided flexibility that made my stay feel customized rather than standardized.
Not every guest will want this level of interaction, but for those seeking a more personal lodging experience where hosts remember your name and preferences, their style creates exactly that atmosphere.
Understanding What Makes It Special
The Castle Inn works best for travelers who value uniqueness over perfection and history over modern polish. This isn’t a place for those expecting pristine conditions and flawless maintenance.
It’s for people who can appreciate a building’s character while understanding that restoration happens gradually.
My time at The Castle Inn taught me that special places don’t always fit conventional hospitality standards. The carpets show wear, some paint peels, and certain areas need professional attention.
But the experience of sleeping in a genuine Victorian castle, being treated like a houseguest rather than a transaction, and exploring a building with authentic historical significance outweighs these concerns for the right traveler.
If you approach your stay with realistic expectations and appreciation for what makes this property genuinely different, you’ll likely leave with positive memories. The Castle Inn offers something increasingly rare: accommodation with real personality, history you can touch, and hosts who care about your experience.
That combination creates stays worth remembering long after you’ve returned to ordinary life.