Nestled in the opulent heart of Newport, Rhode Island, Belcourt Castle stands as a mesmerizing testament to Gilded Age glamour—and perhaps something even more mysterious. Beyond its French Gothic architecture and storied lineage, Belcourt Castle is known for flickering candlelight not caused by human hands, spectral figures moving through long-forgotten halls, and whispers of voices calling out in the quiet of night. For history buffs and paranormal investigators alike, this enigmatic mansion offers a unique blend of prestige, legacy, and ghostly intrigue. Let’s take a journey through the storied past and spine-tingling legends of Belcourt Castle.
The History
Built for a Bachelor, Fit for Royalty
Belcourt Castle was constructed between 1891 and 1894 for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, a wealthy socialite, horseman, and U.S. Congressman. Designed by the prominent architect Richard Morris Hunt, the castle was envisioned not just as a summer home, but as a statement of Belmont’s unconventional taste and admiration for medieval European architecture. The $3.2 million construction boasted about 60 rooms sprawling across 50,000 square feet and was heavily inspired by Gothic and French Renaissance châteaus.
Interestingly, Belmont’s vision came with quite a surprise—for a time, the mansion did not contain a single room devoted to dining. The entire first floor was reserved for his prized horses, with stables more luxurious than many people’s homes. This peculiarity further fueled the legend of Belmont as an eccentric nobleman in a Gilded Age costume.
A Home Reimagined Through Generations
After Belmont’s death in 1908, the castle passed through various ownerships. His widow, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont—herself a force to be reckoned with in the women’s suffrage movement—remodeled sections of the home, adding a few “practical” touches such as a kitchen. With each new generation, Belcourt transformed subtly, adapting modern amenities and design modifications while keeping much of its original character intact.
In the mid-20th century, the castle began a new life as a museum and social venue, showcasing over 800 years of antiques and imported European art. In 1956, the Tinney family purchased Belcourt Castle and filled it with a collection of medieval artifacts, suits of armor, and even imported thrones believed to have belonged to European royalty. For nearly 60 years, the Tinneys championed the preservation and legend of the castle—embracing both its imperial and eerie reputations.
Recent Renovations and Modern Times
In 2012, the Tinneys sold the castle to Carolyn Rafaelian, founder of the Alex and Ani jewelry brand. Rafaelian began substantial renovations to honor the historic nature of the estate while breathing fresh life into its storied walls. As of today, Belcourt Castle is a private residence, occasionally hosting exclusive events, with limited public access.
Though no longer open for regular tours, Belcourt remains a must-know location for those researching New England’s haunted heritage. And with its deep legacy and preserved Gothic elements, its supernatural stories are still very much alive.
The Haunt
An Atmosphere Ripe for the Paranormal
With shadowy corridors, ancient artifacts, and relics steeped in centuries of history, Belcourt Castle is more than just a historic mansion—it’s a spiritual crossroads. Visitors and staff over the decades have reported a range of paranormal phenomena, from unexplained cold spots to phantom footsteps in empty rooms. What makes Belcourt especially captivating for ghost hunters, though, is the nature of its haunted objects.
The Haunted Chairs of the Gothic Ballroom
Among the most famous haunted items in Belcourt Castle are two 15th-century chairs located in the Gothic Ballroom. These throne-like chairs, believed to have originated in Europe, are said to be occupied by spirits of unknown origin. According to multiple eyewitnesses, attempts to sit in these chairs are often met with a powerful and sometimes violent resistance—some have been pushed forward or felt an electric shock-like jolt when attempting to rest on them.
Visitors have also reported that the chairs sometimes emit groaning sounds, even when no one is near them. Many psychics and paranormal investigators who have visited the castle claim that the spirits inhabiting these chairs are territorial, and possibly connected to historical figures whose energy remains tethered to these thrones.
The Suit of Armor That Cries Out
Another centerpiece of haunting activity in Belcourt Castle is a suit of armor believed to date back to the 16th century. According to legend, the armor belonged to a fallen knight who endured a tragic death on the battlefield. Guests and staff have claimed to hear moans or anguished cries emanating from the armor during the quiet hours of the night, and some have reported feelings of dread or nausea when standing near it too long.
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions carried out by seasoned ghost hunters have picked up unexplained sounds and voices around the armor, some of which seemed to respond to direct questions—though usually in disjointed, archaic phrases.
Phantom Figures and Poltergeist Activity
In various parts of the house, especially the former stables and carriage house, staff have reported seeing full-bodied apparitions dressed in period clothing—sometimes watching silently from across the room before vanishing. Cold rushes of air and sudden slamming of doors—when no drafts are present—are also common complaints tied to these haunted zones.
One chilling account describes a ghostly figure of a woman in white wandering the upper floors. Often described as sorrowful, she’s been spotted through windows and reflected in mirrors. Some speculate she’s a residual spirit from the home’s early days, possibly a former servant or visitor with unfinished business.
Conclusion: A Castle Calling All Paranormal Explorers
If you’re a history lover with a penchant for the paranormal, Belcourt Castle should be high on your haunted travel list. Though public access is currently limited, events hosted on-site and sporadic ghost tours make it possible for persistent paranormal enthusiasts to catch a glimpse—and maybe a ghost—within its haunted halls.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of haunted thrones, ghostly knights, or just the echoing silence of antiquity wrapped in myth, Belcourt Castle offers an unforgettable adventure into the supernatural. Bring your EMF detectors and EVP recorders—and don’t say we didn’t warn you about those chairs.
So next time you’re wandering through New England, consider a detour into Newport’s shadowy corners, where spirits from the past might just be waiting to tell you their stories under candlelight, in the heart of Belcourt Castle.