When I used to work in the area, I stumbled across the remnants of Squire’s Castle located in Willoughby, Ohio. To this day, stopping at the castle is a great family favorite activity when in the vicinity.
Constructed on 525 acres, Feargus B. Squire (founder of the Standard Oil Company) started construction of the project in the 1890’s. The building shown was constructed as the gatekeepers residence prior to the construction of the main home. The original design called for two (2) buildings in the style of English or German halls.
Unfortunately, for an unknown reason the project was abandoned and never completed. Eventually the property was sold off to the Metroparks, where it remains today.
Guests can visit the castle free of charge, including walking through the abandoned structure, as well as hiking along trails or strolling through the large grassed area in front of the structure.
Walking through the building, one can only wonder what potential could have been not only for the gatekeepers residence, but also the main house.
The Cleveland Metroparks has a wonderful brochure that they put together highlighting some of the history of the property. Included is a nice insert map showing the layout of how the building was originally used.
The complete pamphlet can be downloaded on the Park website.
Today the building is nothing more than a shell of its former self unfortunately. The property remains a mystery to Cleveland’s steel and oil past, but today lives on as a family-friendly park for everyone to enjoy.
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I’ve been looking for a summer home out east…This looks like it might be perfect. Your kids know how to use a lawnmower yet?
@Steve: If you consider a bubble-blowing, noise making mower suitable, I’ll send them over during your visit!