West Virginia's Castle

August 6, 2023 -- West Virginia seems like an odd place for a castle, but there is one that sits on top of the hill overlooking Berkeley Springs. The Berkeley Springs Castle is a castle-like house (cottage) that was built for Samuel Taylor Suit of Washington DC. Suit was a Maryland politician and landowner. He met his much younger third wife in Berkeley Springs. 

Established 1885

National Historic Registry

Construction of Berkeley Castle began in 1880, but was not completed until the early 1890's after Suit had died. Mrs. Suit entertained lavishly at the house until her money ran out and the property was sold in 1913.

Personal retreat near a spa town

The castle consists of 13 (or 15) rooms, including a large ballroom and dungeon. At one time the castle was open to the public for tours. Mom and Dad visited. According to the internet, the Castle is currently available for weddings, private parties and other special events.

Also called Samuel Taylor Suit Cottage

Gargoyle at entryway to castle

In 2020, the castle was purchased by a far right (anti-immigration) group called VDARE, who was using it for their headquarters. In September 2025, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against VDARE and its leaders. The suit alleges they misused charitable funds to purchase and maintain the Berkeley Springs Castle for personal use. The castle is now owned by Berkeley Castle Foundation. In the summer of 2024, a catastrophic rock slide collapsed the castle's driveway onto Route 9. Repairs and fundraising are on-going. The castle opens for special events.