Perched near the banks of the Little Miami River in Loveland, Ohio, an unexpected sight arrests visitors—a medieval-style castle that looks like it was plucked from the pages of a storybook. Loveland Castle, also known as Chateau Laroche, is a curious fusion of one man’s dream, architectural wonder, and chilling paranormal activity. It’s not just a picturesque day trip from Cincinnati; it’s a full-blown time warp into medieval Europe, complete with towers, suits of armor, and a ghost story or two. Whether you’re a history buff, castle aficionado, or ghost hunter, Loveland Castle promises an unforgettable experience that’s equal parts enchanting and eerie.
The History
The Man Behind the Castle: Harry Andrews
Loveland Castle owes its existence to one man—Harry Delos Andrews, a World War I veteran with a passion for medieval history, chivalry, and adventure. Born in 1890, Andrews was not only a medic during the war but also a teacher, newspaper columnist, and amateur historian. After returning from Europe, he was fascinated by the architecture of medieval castles and wished to recreate that sense of nobility and valor back home in Ohio.
Andrews was also heavily influenced by the ideals of knighthood. He saw chivalry as more than just romanticized gallantry—it was a code of ethics to live by. This led him to form a group known as the Knights of the Golden Trail (KOGT), a youth group he mentored to live according to values like honor, loyalty, and courage. The castle would become their headquarters and spiritual home.
Building a Medieval Dream
Construction of Loveland Castle began in 1929 and continued for the next 50 years. Remarkably, Andrews built the castle almost entirely by hand using stones he collected from the Little Miami River and bricks made from old milk cartons filled with cement. That’s right—his DIY methods not only served practical purposes but added an eccentric charm to the structure.
The castle is an architectural collage of European medieval styles, featuring a central courtyard, a dungeon, towers, and even a moat. Its rooms are decked out with period-accurate furnishings, heraldic banners, and swords hanging on the stone walls. Visitors often marvel at the craftsmanship, with many unable to believe it was largely the work of one aging man and his teenage disciples.
Harry Andrews never married, instead dedicating his life to his project and principles. He lived in the castle until his death in 1981, and even today, the Knights of the Golden Trail maintain the castle in his honor. Their mission remains unchanged: to preserve the structure and share their mentor’s legacy of chivalry and self-discipline with future generations.
A Living Time Capsule
Loveland Castle isn’t just a monument to the past—it’s a living, breathing capsule of Harry Andrews’ life and philosophy. When you step inside, you get more than a glimpse of medieval times; you experience one man’s lifelong dedication to an ideal. From the hand-laid stone walls to the Medieval-style gardens and artifacts, everything in the castle is a tribute to history, not just as a subject but as a way of life.
The Haunt
Spirits of the Castle
While the history and architecture of Loveland Castle are enough to attract any curious traveler, the castle has also become a hotspot for paranormal investigators. After all, what’s a medieval-style castle without a few ghosts?
There have been persistent reports of strange phenomena since Harry Andrews’ death. Visitors and staff have described cold spots—even in the heat of midsummer—and the unmistakable sensation of being watched, especially in the tower rooms and the dungeon. Some have caught shadow figures moving in the corners of their vision, and others swear they’ve heard footsteps echo through the stone corridors when no one else was around.
The Ghost of Harry Andrews
Perhaps the most commonly reported ghost is that of Harry Andrews himself. Several members of the Knights of the Golden Trail claim Andrews never truly left the castle. Some say he’s been seen walking the grounds at dusk, still keeping watch over his beloved structure. Others report hearing someone humming hymns in the chapel—Andrews was known to do this in life as part of his routine.
One chilling tale recounts a guest who encountered an elderly man in knightly garb, only to have him disappear when spoken to. The guest later identified the apparition as Harry upon seeing his photo in the castle museum. Was it a spectral visit from the founder himself, or an overzealous imagination fueled by the castle’s aura? Either way, it’s the kind of encounter that keeps ghost hunters coming back for more.
Otherworldly Echoes
But Harry may not be the only spirit in residence. Paranormal teams have recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) picking up men’s voices whispering phrases like “Valor” and “Protect.” Given that the castle was a base for a chivalric order, some believe these are spirits of the Knights of the Golden Trail, eternally guarding their stronghold.
There are also stories of items moving on their own. One exhibit featuring medieval weaponry reportedly rearranges itself on occasion, despite no one having touched it. Cameras malfunction, batteries drain oddly fast, and digital devices flicker sporadically—common signs of paranormal activity, as any seasoned investigator knows.
Whether you’re an amateur ghost hunter or a seasoned paranormal expert, Loveland Castle offers a rich environment for investigation. The thick walls, isolated towers, and historic ambiance set the perfect stage for supernatural activity. Bring your EMF reader and plenty of batteries—you’ll likely need both.
Conclusion: A Castle Worth Investigating
Loveland Castle is more than a fun historical pit stop—it’s a living relic powered by passion, purpose, and perhaps a few restless spirits. Harry Andrews built more than just a sanctuary of stone; he created a legacy steeped in history, valor, and mystery. Today, that legacy echoes within its walls in both physical and metaphysical ways.
If you’re a ghost hunter, exploring Loveland Castle is a must. Its remote location, storied past, and consistent reports of paranormal activity make it one of Ohio’s most intriguing haunted destinations. Whether you’re hoping to encounter the shade of a medieval knight or merely revel in the solitude of candlelit corridors, you’ll find magic—and maybe a little mayhem—waiting for you.
So pack your camera, grab your EVP recorder, and prepare for an adventure through time. Loveland Castle isn’t just a visit; it’s an investigation—of one man’s dream, a bygone era, and the unexplained energies still echoing through its stone halls.