Castle in the Clouds

Castle in the Clouds is a 16-room mansion built in the American Craftsman style, situated on a mountaintop estate comprising about 5,000 acres in New Hampshire. The building occupies a ridge position with expansive vistas overlooking a major glacial lake and surrounding mountain ranges.

A wealthy shoe manufacturer named Thomas Plant built the mansion between 1913 and 1914 as a personal gift to his wife Olivia. The construction took place during an era of rapid technological advancement and reflected contemporary ambitions to integrate modern innovations into private homes.

The craftsmanship embedded throughout reflects the era when the mansion was built, with visitors noticing hand-forged bronze details, carefully chosen electrical lighting, and distinctive glass work that speaks to quality and care. These elements shape how people today experience the rooms and walkways.

Visitors ride a trolley from the Carriage House area up to the main building, with comfortable walking shoes recommended since the grounds feature slopes and pathways to explore on foot. Arrive with enough daylight to enjoy both the mansion's interior and the outdoor vistas.

The mansion was equipped with an ammonia refrigeration system, a central vacuum network, and pressurized shower systems that were remarkably advanced for 1914. These hidden mechanical innovations reveal how the wealthy of that era pursued cutting-edge home comfort long before such conveniences became standard.