ABOUT "Thornewood Castle"
Thornewood Castle was built by one of the founders of the Port of Tacoma, Chester Thorne as a gift to his bride, Anna. The manor took more than 4 years to complete, occupying more than 20,000 square feet. It finally opened in 1991. No cost was spared to make the manor as magnificent as it can possible be, with bricks dating as far back as 400 years. The manor house was designed by Kirkland Cutter, a very famous architect.
Chester Thorne was a man who was enchanted by the grandeur of old English states and swore that he would also build his own dream castle in time. He purchased a 400 year old manor in England, had it dismantled and shipped to the United States brick by brick to be included in the building of what is now known as Thornewood Castle. The manor has a collection of rare artwork which is hand painted onto the glass. The glass is mounted in windows throughout the estate. There are also beautifully handcrafted fountains located throughout the manor.
Thornewood Castle in Washington has a very long history and it is also the home of various spectres which just refuse to leave. The original owner of the manor himself, Chester Thorne, has made several appearances over the years. In the room he formerly occupied, light bulbs have been known to turn on and off of their own accord. They have also been found unscrewed.
Guests and staff have reported seeing Anna, Chester Thorne’s wife, sitting in the window seat of her room. She can be seen looking at the garden longingly. This room is now the bridal suite. One of the things which remain in the room is Anna’s mirror and it is said that sometimes her reflection can be seen behind you.
The grandchild of one of the manor’s former owners who died by drowning, has been seen standing alone by the lake. Guests would rush down there only to find the little child gone.
Thornewood Estates, Lakewood, Washington, 98498
253-584-4393
Ghost Tours
Suitable for all guests and families (HALLOWEEN FUN)
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DATE & TIME SCHEDULE
Thornewood Castle has occasional hosted special events than can be open to the public. Candlelight tours, afternoon teas, and tours are some upcoming future events.
Castle & Garden Tour Only
Occasionally, there is a hosted Castle & Garden tour. By pre-paid reservations only. Please call Thornewood at 253-584-4393 or e-mail info@thornewoodcastle.com for more information.
Candle Light Castle Tour
What is it really like in the quiet hours of Thornewood? To experience Thornewood you need some quiet time. Usually evening is the best, says the lady of the house or other guests. Your hostess Deanna Robinson will personally share the stories of Thornewood and walk you through the corridors and rooms of her home (even the seldom-seen tunnels of the basement and the "wish bone" sticks). A walk in the garden, described as a Fairy Mound by some, is also included in the early evening hours. What you will see or hear is unknown. Nothing is guaranteed but for those with curiosity, the spirit of adventure calls.
An overnight room booking required in addition to Tour booking. Guests of overnight guests may book the Candlelight Tour. Candlelight Tour is $100.00 per guest plus tax. Please call Thornewood Castle 253-584-4393 for further information.
The evening of Thursday, October 27, 2011.
The evening of Friday, October 28, 2011
Click here for more information on the Candle Light Castle Tour
Castle & Garden Tour with High Tea
We, at Thornewood Castle, cordially invite you to join us for a hosted Castle/Garden Tour accompanied by High Tea and to momentarily set aside the mundane and the ordinary and give grace and charm to the course of your afternoon. We promise that the atmosphere at Thornewood will wrap you in warmth and comfort leaving you perfectly content with yourself and each other having transported you back to a gentler time.
Click here for more information on High Tea Events
Holiday Tour
Date to be announced. Please call Thornewood at 253-584-4393 or e-mail info@thornewoodcastle.com for more information. - DIRECTIONS
1. Take I-5 to the Thorne Lane exit (Exit #123 ) just south of Tacoma, Washington. Turn west on Thorne Lane. Go three-tenths of a mile. Watch 25 mile speed limit. Turn right on the first street to the right (Thorne Lane).
2. Immediately after turning right off Thorne Lane (3/10 mile from I-5) you will see this gate into Thornewood Estates. Drive up to the entry phone on the left.
3. Enter 016 on the key pad. We will answer and buzz the gate to open. (If you forget the code number to enter, just scroll the A-Z keys down until you see "Thornewood Castle".
4. Enter into Thornewood Estates, follow the private road around to the 5th driveway on your right until you come to this small sign on your right (about 1 block). Turn right down this driveway.
Please Schedule Your Visit
Please do not come without an appointment or reservation (unless you are on the invited guest list to a scheduled function). We apologize but as a private residence we need to space out our visitors, otherwise we receive too many “walk up” requests to give adequate attention to our current guests. We simply do not have the time or staff to handle unexpected visitors or to “preview” the rooms or B&B Suites before booking. We are also trying to be considerate of our neighbors regarding traffic.
Approximate driving times (assuming no traffic jams or accidents):
Downtown Seattle 45 minutes (43 miles)
Seattle/Tacoma Airport 35 minutes (30 miles)
Downtown Tacoma 15 minutes (12 miles)
Downtown Olympia 20 minutes (14 miles)
Pacific Lutheran University 13 minutes (8 miles)
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