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New Hampshire History|Sights & Landmarks

Here’s The Story Behind Castle In The Clouds In New Hampshire

By Ken MacGray | Published November 10, 2022

When you think of castles you probably think of old England. But right here in New England is a beautiful estate that is very much its own castle. In Moultonborough lies Castle In The Clouds, also known as the Lucknow Estate. The estate lives on today from its early 20th-century beginnings as an historic New Hampshire destination for all to enjoy.

Shoe magnate Thomas Gustave Plant (1859–1941) began the undertaking to conserve land in the Ossipee Mountains by buying up old farms and lots for his Lucknow Estate. Plant's shoe factory in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts was at one time the largest in the world. After the Plant family completed their purchase of the land, Boston architects J. Williams Beal & Sons were hired to design the house as well as all other buildings on the property.

Over the years, after Plant's death in 1941, the property passed through the hands of several owners. Today the property is owned and managed by Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT). The estate is nestled atop a small hill known as Lee Mountain at the base of the Ossipee Range, an isolated ring of mountains which are the remnants of an ancient volcano. It is said that the location was chosen by Plant's niece Amy, who was enamored with the scenery. Looking south, the estate has panoramic views over most of New Hampshire's Lakes Region from its lofty location above Lake Winnipesaukee.

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30 miles of hiking trails, many of them following the original carriage roads for the estate, lead hikers throughout the Ossipee Mountains. Trails lead to the highest summit in the range, Mt. Shaw (2,990 ft.), where there expansive views. A trail map is available for purchase from the LRCT website.

Castle In The Clouds is a popular and scenic location for many events, including mountaintop weddings.

The Castle In The Clouds property is open year-round. For more information, visit their website or follow along on Facebook for updates.

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Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254, USA