Artist in Action Blog: Belhurst Castle and the Mysteries Within

The Belhurst Castle is located in Geneva New York and owned by the Reeder family. Belhurst Winery is known for its over forty award-winning wines, as well as the rich history of the Castle - now expanded to include 3 hotels, 2 restaurants, a spa, and a gift shop.

The Belhurst Castle was created by Architects Fuller & Wheeler of Albany, NY. Fuller & Wheeler designed buildings between 1883-1897, including buildings in DC, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Colorado, Missouri, and Quebec. Among some of their Architectural wonders are: Silliman Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cohoes, the rectory of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Albany, Hampton B. Denman House in DC, the Delaware and Hudson Station, the Masonic Temple in Albany, as well as many others. Belhurst Castle/Mansion was created in a romanesque-revival style. Within the woodwork in the Belhurst Castle, you will see the faces of some of the artists who helped to create the masterpiece (a fun and charming find for youth who tour this amazing place).

The name Belhurst is translated to “beautiful forest” and the surrounding land was originally the site of a Seneca Indian Village as well as home to the “Council of the Six Nations of Iroquois.” While at some point in its history, Belhurst Castle was called the “hermitage,” some of the acres of land were sold and once Carrie M. Young Harron Collins purchased the property, the original house was torn down and the mansion began to be built. Carrie M. Young came into Geneva and the Seneca Lake area from New York City.

The most fascinating finds in the Castle are the Conservatory and the Music Room. While the Conservatory is now used for dinner parties, it used to be a greenhouse filled with beautiful lush plants, and a glass ceiling. Known for its stained glass and lighting, as well as its peaceful tones of nature, the outdoors are brought in through the large glass windows. as well as through the shape, structure, architecture and design of the room itself. The Music room is another treasure where you find circular cut-outs within the woodwork, that aide in the acoustics within the music room. With charming period furniture, a Knight in the entranceway, and an enchanting fireplace, we were pleasantly surprised and delighted to be able to tour this beautiful Castle.

Please enjoy our gallery below: