Kip's Castle

Where: Kip's Castle, Verona
More Info: The castle is temporarily closed to the public.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥
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Set in a beautiful eleven acre estate bordering the townships of Montclair and Verona, Kip's Castle is an impressive building. It was built in 1902 and competed three years later by Frederick Kip, a textile manufacturer and inventor. His wife Charlotte designed the castle and the grounds. The 9,000 square foot castle contains 30 rooms and is designed to look like a medieval Norman castle. It was originally called Kypsburg. There is also a two story carriage house nearby. According to Wikipedia, Frederick's wife "is credited for the design of the "Kypsburg" building and grounds, cultivating an octagonal rose garden in the southwest corner of the property. After Charlotte's passing in 1926, the estate was sold and went through several owners, including Indian guru Osho in the 1980s, serving as a monastery."

The castle and grounds eventually fell into a state of disrepair. In 1985 the law firm Schwartz, Tobia & Stanziale acquired the property and much needed repairs were carried out. Due to various difficulties obtaining planning permission to develop townhouses on the property, the estate was listed for sale in 2006.

A combination of grants from the NJ Green Acres initiative and various Essex County funds resulted in the estate becoming part of the Essex County Park System. According to the official website, "initial plans for the estate include housing offices for the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, Essex County Open Space Trust Fund, and Essex County Parks Foundation. However, the Castle's true purpose is to evolve into the County's premiere cultural resource center, supporting and promoting arts and culture throughout our region."

The castle is situated on top of First Mountain. Access to the castle is via a long steep drive way. There is a parking lot near the castle. At this time, the castle is temporarily closed to the public. Visitors to the castle will be impressed by the scenic views of New York City.

An online brochure of the site can be found here.

Directions:

22 Crestmont Road, Montclair/Verona

From the Garden State Parkway:

1. Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 145 for Route 280 West.
2. Proceed using directions “From Route 280.”

From the NJ Turnpike:

1. Take the NJ Turnpike to Exit 15W for Route 280 West.
2. Proceed using the directions “From Route 280.”

From Route 280:

1. Take Route 280 to Exit 8B.
2. Follow Prospect Avenue/CR-577 North towards Cedar Grove.
3. This road turns into Pompton Avenue/Route 23.
4. Turn right onto Westover Road.
5. Turn left onto Crestmont Road.