The Hidden Castle In Illinois That Almost No One Knows About
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published December 02, 2017
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
There’s a hidden castle in Illinois you’ve probably never heard of or noticed before. Full of history and glamour, you won’t believe what lies beyond these walls.
Whether you love architecture, history, or grandiose attractions, this is the place to visit. Keep scrolling for important details.
Havencrest Castle in Savanna is a marvelous piece of architecture that some may wish to keep secret. Formerly known as Greenleaf Home, it was bought in 1976 by Mr. Alan St. George and his wife who expanded and redesigned the entire place inside and out by themselves.
The massive home is a testament to their undying love. They were childhood sweethearts married for 31 years. The mansion is filled with representational carvings and paintings with "Semper nos" written in them, which means "always us" in Latin, a motto for the couple. Adrianne, his wife, passed away in 2006, and after a period of mourning, Alan returned to making art in her honor.
Tucked away atop a hill, behind bushes and trees, this hidden castle looks more like a modern mansion from the outside but...
A fun fact about Alan St. George is that he founded a company called Facemakers, Inc. which still produces mascots (like Smokey the Bear and Tony the Tiger) for corporations like Disney and even The White House.
This fantastical home was once used for hosting galas, charity events, and costume balls, and you can see why. Who wouldn't want to show off these rooms?
In addition to artwork, this hidden castle was also home to six dogs. Adrianne was the founding director of the Carroll County Humane Society and cared for animals all her life.
The beauty extends to the gardens outside. It could take nearly half a day to roam the extensive grounds. Tours of the house began in 2013, and it has become a popular booking for weddings and other extravagant celebrations.
Unfortunately, though, the castle is not always available for tours. The owner often does work there and does not allow people in the home during that time. Stay tuned to the castle's Facebook page or website for details about openings and events.
Havencrest Castle is located in Savanna at 140 N 5th Street, and you can get more information on its website or Facebook page. At the time of this writing, it is not available for tours, but you can still stop by for a peak around outside.
