Loveland Castle

Loveland, Ohio

Also known as Chateau Laroche, Loveland Castle was built over a period of 50 years by a single man! Inspired by the castles of Europe that he had visited after serving in World War I, Harry Andrews built his own castle on the banks of Ohio's Little Miami River "as an expression and reminder of the simple strength and rugged grandeur of the mighty men who lived when Knighthood was in flower." To instill this "manly purity" in a new generation, Andrews formed an organization for young men called the Knights of the Golden Trail. Andrews passed away in 1981; now the knights maintain the castle and grant entrance to visitors for a small fee. Throughout the castle can be seen displays of Andrews' life and relics of the chivalrous age; there's even a dungeon (with skeleton!).

Directions: 12025 Shore Road. Follow the signs from the nearby intersection of Fields Ertel Road and Rich Road; the castle is at the bottom of a very steep road.

Last visited: April 2008.

Standard disclaimer: Sites are described for entertainment purposes only, as they were at the time of my last visit. I can not vouch for the current condition of the site or its accessibility.