Thornewood Castle in Washington has a very long history and it is also the home of various spectres which just refuse to leave. The original owner of the manor himself, Chester Thorne, has made several appearances over the years. In the room he formerly occupied, light bulbs have been known to turn on and off of their own accord. They have also been found unscrewed.

Guests and staff have reported seeing Anna, Chester Thorne’s wife, sitting in the window seat of her room. She can be seen looking at the garden longingly. This room is now the bridal suite. One of the things which remain in the room is Anna’s mirror and it is said that sometimes her reflection can be seen behind you.

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The grandchild of one of the manor’s former owners who died by drowning, has been seen standing alone by the lake. Guests would rush down there only to find the little child gone.

History

Thornewood Castle was built by one of the founders of the Port of Tacoma, Chester Thorne as a gift to his bride, Anna. The manor took more than 4 years to complete, occupying more than 20,000 square feet. It finally opened in 1991. No cost was spared to make the manor as magnificent as it can possibly be, with bricks dating as far back as 400 years. The manor house was designed by Kirkland Cutter, a very famous architect.

Chester Thorne was a man who was enchanted by the grandeur of old English states and swore that he would also build his own dream castle in time. He purchased a 400-year-old manor in England, had it dismantled and shipped to the United States brick by brick to be included in the building of what is now known as Thornewood Castle. The manor has a collection of rare artwork which is hand-painted onto the glass. The glass is mounted in windows throughout the estate. There are also beautifully handcrafted fountains located throughout the manor.

About

Dubbed as the house that love built, the castle offers 54 rooms with 22 bedrooms and 22 baths. All the suites are tastefully appointed with luxurious and elegant furnishings, as well as historical pieces and antiques. The castle has been lovingly restored and has been on the list of National Register of Historic Places.

In the castle grounds, there is also a sunken “Secret Garden”. Stepping into the gates of the garden is similar to stepping into an English novel. The garden was designed by the Olmsted Brothers and it has been restored to make it look like the original garden. Weekends and night at Thornewood Castle are never boring, thanks to various masquerade balls, Shakesperean plays, and even film screenings. Thornewood Castle has been featured in Stephen King’s Rose Red.

Features

  • Free newspaper
  • Iron & ironing board
  • Coffeemaker
  • Daily maid service
  • Air-conditioning
  • Hi-speed wireless internet access
  • Cable & satellite television
  • Refrigerator
  • Telephone
  • Some rooms with balcony/terrace

Things to Do

Staying at the world-class and historic Thornewood Castle is not only relaxing; it is also enjoyable, thanks to the many theatres, museums, as well as indoor and outdoor attractions. People who would like to go on some retail therapy can go to Tacoma’s Union Station; Freight House Square Shops; Tacoma Antique Row; Lakewood Towne Center and Tacoma Mall.

People who would like to go hiking, cycling or enjoying Mother Nature have many options. Those who would like to play golf can go to the Chambers Bay Golf Course and the Tacoma Golf and Country Club, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helen’s and Northwest Trek.

Fancy horse riding? Go to the Brookwood Equestrian Center. The French bistro, “La Crème Brulee” offers one of the best culinary voyages in Washington and it is a place which or more than worth going to. There are also other fine choices in the area.

Room Tariffs

  • Suites start at $275
  • Double occupancy room starts at $265
  • The presidential suite starts at $340
  • 1 bedroom apartment starts at $425
  • 2 bedroom apartment starts at $465

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