Nestled in Lakewood, Washington, Thornewood Castle stands as a magnificent testament to a bygone era, boasting a rich history that intertwines grandeur, ambition, and whispers of the supernatural. This historic estate, often referred to as one of the few genuine private castles in the United States, is not only an architectural marvel but also a site renowned for its resident ghosts and intriguing past.
Its formidable walls and sprawling grounds tell a story of an American dream built with European elegance, attracting visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike to uncover the enduring mysteries held within Thornewood Castle.
The Legacy of Chester Thorne: Building a Dream Castle
The vision behind Thornewood Castle belonged to Chester Thorne, a prominent figure and one of the visionary founders of the Port of Tacoma. Driven by a fascination with the stately English estates he admired, Thorne embarked on an ambitious project to recreate that splendor in the Pacific Northwest. With the invaluable design input from his wife, Anna, and the expertise of renowned 19th-century architect Kirkland Cutter, the construction of this English Tudor/Gothic mansion commenced.
Taking nearly four years to complete, the sprawling 27,000-square-foot manor was finally ready in 1911. No expense was spared in its creation; the very best materials and craftsmanship were employed. This included 400-year-old bricks meticulously sourced from an original English castle, which were shipped around Cape Horn, along with hand-hewn ancient English oak and exquisite stained-glass pieces. Over 100 panes of stained glass, dating back to 15th and 16th-century churches in England and previously owned by an English duke, adorn the Castle, casting vibrant hues throughout its interiors.
Built to endure for centuries, Thornewood Castle features remarkably solid construction: three-foot-thick foundations, 18-inch floors made of concrete and cinder, and 10-inch walls. The intricate woodwork, crafted from ancient English oak, was held together by solid wood dowels, a testament to the period’s commitment to lasting quality. The mansion itself boasts an impressive 54 rooms, including 28 bedrooms and 22 bathrooms, reflecting the scale of Thorne’s grand aspiration.
Beyond the impressive structure, Thorne also commissioned a landscape architectural firm to transform 37 of the estate’s 100 acres into formal English gardens, a task that required a dedicated full-time staff of 28 gardeners. Inside, a formidable team of 40 servants attended to the needs of Chester, Anna, and their daughter, Anita, ensuring the smooth operation of their magnificent home. Over the years, Thornewood Castle became a prominent social hub, hosting numerous garden parties and elegant dinners, with esteemed guests such as Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft gracing its halls.
A Family’s Enduring Presence and Transitions
Chester Thorne, the visionary banker and businessman, passed away on October 16, 1927, having enjoyed his extraordinary home for over a decade and leaving behind significant contributions to the Seattle-Tacoma area. Following his death, his wife, Anna Thorne, stepped into a more prominent role. She was elected to the board of directors of her husband’s bank and diligently continued to oversee his philanthropic endeavors within the community, alongside managing the vast mansion and its exquisite gardens. By this time, their daughter, Anita, had married Cadwallader Corse, and the couple, along with their son, resided within the spacious manor.
Later, Anita and Cadwallader divorced, and Anita subsequently remarried Major General David C. Stone. When General Stone was transferred to the Panama Canal Zone, the immense size of Thornewood Castle became a burden for Anna, who found it too large and lonely. Consequently, she moved to a smaller Georgian home she had built in Tacoma. Upon the Stones’ return to Thornewood, Anna also returned to the castle, where she lived peacefully until her passing in 1954.
General Stone’s death in 1959 marked another transition for the estate. Anita sold the house and its expansive grounds to Harold St. John, who made the significant decision to subdivide the land into 30 home sites. A little over four acres, along with 110 feet of the picturesque lakefront, were carefully reserved for the mansion itself. Over the subsequent decades, the house changed hands several times until it was ultimately purchased by the current owners, Wayne and Deanna Robinson, in the year 2000, who have since lovingly restored it.
Haunted History: The Spirits of Thornewood Castle
Beyond its tangible history, Thornewood Castle is equally renowned for its spiritual residents. Many believe that several spirits linger within its ancient walls, either bound by their profound love for the manor or by unresolved tragedies that occurred throughout its long existence. These paranormal phenomena contribute significantly to the castle’s mystique and allure.
The most frequently sighted apparition is believed to be Chester Thorne himself. Reports suggest he has made numerous appearances over the years, often in what was once his personal room, where light bulbs are mysteriously found unscrewed. Other guests and staff have reported seeing Anna, Chester’s wife, seated thoughtfully in the window seat of her former room, gazing out over the carefully manicured English garden. This room, now serving as the bridal suite, contains an original mirror from Anna’s time, and visitors have claimed to witness her reflection in it.
Adding to the ghostly accounts, there is a somber tale of a grandchild of a former owner who reportedly drowned in the adjacent lake. Occasionally, guests have recounted seeing a small child standing alone by the lake’s edge, only to rush down and discover no one there. These unsettling encounters reinforce the castle’s reputation as a truly haunted destination.
Thornewood Castle Today: A Historic Inn and Filming Location
Today, Thornewood Castle holds a prestigious place on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its exceptional architectural and historical significance. It has been transformed into a gracious country inn, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in history while enjoying the comforts of modern lodging. The current owners have diligently restored the castle to its former glory, ensuring that its rich heritage is preserved for future generations.
Guests at the inn are invited to explore the beautifully maintained grounds, including a lovely half-acre sunken English garden, echoing Chester Thorne’s original vision. The serene American Lake provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating, adding to the tranquil and luxurious experience. Beyond its role as a historic inn, Thornewood Castle has also served as a captivating backdrop for various film productions. Most notably, it was an aptly chosen site for filming Stephen King’s chilling mini-series
