Just 25 miles north of New York City, lies a historic medieval castle, overlooking the majestic Hudson River. The Castle on the Hudson, situated on 11 hilltop acres, was originally called Carrollcliffe and later Axe Castle. It was built in two stages between 1897 and 1910 by General Carroll, the son of a Civil War General. The grounds are enclosed by a stone wall and support a veritable arboretum of evergreens and rare varieties of trees, grasslands and flowers. Designs by noted New York Architect Henry Killburn. The Castle was built in a style reminiscent of Norman fortification in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The finished castle boasted 45 rooms. The main tower of the Castle rises 75 feet, making it the highest point in Westchester County.
The Castle has changed very little in its first century. Much of the original interior woodwork and furnishings, which were built by a team of carpenters brought from Germany, still remain intact. Designed for graceful living and entertaining, the Castle has been renovated into a luxury hotel. Its individually styled suites incorporate the unique amenities including fireplaces and turret alcoves.
The Equus restaurant and General's bar, open to the public, occupy elegantly appointed rooms and an enclosed veranda with splendid views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. One of the dining rooms, the impressive Oak Room, features paneling brought from General Carroll's house in St. Germain, outside of Paris, France. It is said that this house had been given by Louis XIV to James II when he was deposed in England and fled to France.
A new addition completed in 1910, provided the Great Hall as the new dining room, an adjacent pantry, a formal ballroom, and additional servants' quarters, garage and stables.
Following General Carroll's death in 1916, his widow and children, Caramai, Arthur and Lauren, occupied the Castle until 1940, when it was rented for a brief period to a local school.
In 1981, the town of Tarrytown designated the Castle a historic landmark, protecting the outside structure from ever being changed.
The Carroll family owned and occupied the Castle until 1940. After a year as a boy's boarding school, the property served as the headquarters of a highly respectable investment counseling business before becoming a luxury hotel.
Today's vision for the Castle is one that will recreate the former glory days of Carrollcliffe as the site for memorable stays and glorious meals in sumptuous surroundings. The restoration of the Castle's original suites, which offer spectacular views inside and out, and the creation of the new 24- room addition named Carrollcliffe is a salute to its proud heritage. Bringing the Castle fully up to date are recent innovations including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a heated outdoor pool and tennis court. These and many other features enable the Castle to continue making history in the 21st century.