As realtors, we get to visit a variety of homes but a castle…that is a treat. Whether you fancy Downtown Abbey or Harry Potter, there’s something about a castle that is awe-inspiring to young and old.

A seaside castle is even better and we are lucky enough to have one right here in Southern Essex County. Hammond Castle is located in Gloucester, overlooking the harbor. The castle was built in 1929 by John Hays Hammond, Jr. as a wedding gift to his wife Irene. At the time the residence cost $500,000 and took three years to complete (imagine what this undertaking would cost now?!).

With two boys both fully immersed in Harry Potter, I jumped at the chance to take them to the castle last month. They couldn’t believe their eyes, and neither could I! We roamed the halls and took in all the details from the drawbridge and turrets outside, to the vast great hall and many ornate details inside. Every corner and spiral staircase brought something worth seeing.

If you haven’t been yourself, plan your visit. Fall is a great time to visit and enjoy all the greater Newburyport area of Massachusetts has to offer.