A medieval castle in Ohio, United States? Yes, there is, but it's not quite medieval. Loveland Castle (also known as Chateau Laroche) was constructed in 1929 in Loveland, Ohio using stones from the riverbed below the castle. The castle was inspired by European medieval castles, and it has an interesting story.
Loveland Castle was constructed by Harry D. Andrews in the 1920s, who was a World War I veteran and Boy Scout troop leader. The name "Chateau Laroche" was inspired by the military hospital in France where Andrews served in World War I, and it means "castle rock". Andrews built the castle over fifty years until his death in 1981 by collecting river stones and bricks molded from cement using quart-sized milk cartons. The castle was not completed, but the Knights of the Golden Trail (KOGT), which was founded by Andrews, completed the work and maintained it over the years.
The chapel features stones from all over the world that are set into the wall that had been brought back by Andrews and his friends and followers.
There are three videos detailing the life of Andrews in the war as well as two videos about the construction of Loveland Castle that were filmed in the late-1970s. The videos detail Andrews' love of medieval history and castles. He was a nurse in the war and contracted spinal meningitis along with other soldiers. He was actually reported dead, but he made a full recovery six months later. According to one of the videos shown at the castle, his blood was used to help treat other soldiers with the disease, and they survived. Andrews decided to stay in Europe and visit castles after the war as his fiance had married another man after Andrews was incorrectly declared dead.
The castle entrance contains a small gift shop and some personal items as well as items from visitors. A small office and kitchen is located off to the side.
Armour and other medieval props were dotted around the castle.
Below are some examples of stones brought back from travels.
Swords and stained glass with the KOGT (Knights of the Golden Trail) has been built into the castle window.
Below is the dining room.
The river can be seen below.
Off to the side of the dining room is Andrews' bedroom. It is closed off, but a sign tells visitors to look up to see the vaulted ceiling that Andrews constructed and that has withstood time.
After the castle visit, we headed through the garden outside where there are a few areas to sit and relax.
Loveland Castle is very interesting, and the three videos really help to understand the significance of the castle and the man who built it well into his 90s and continued to build it and live in it until he passed away.
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