Great Castles of Ohio – GOLD Medal Winner
Yes, its the moment you have all been waiting for. It is time to reveal the Great Castles of Ohio – GOLD Medal Winner. Previously, it was Squires Castle in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, that walked away with the bronze medal. Then, the Glamorgan Castle in Alliance, Ohio, managed to come away with the silver.
Bronze Medalist – Squires Castle 
Silver Medalist – Glamorgan Castle
Now, in honor of the COVID cancelled, 2020 Summer Olympic Games, I want to finally award the GOLD medal. Drum roll please…it’s time to move up the podium. I proudly present the Great Castles of Ohio – GOLD Medal Winner…the LOVELAND CASTLE in Loveland, Ohio.
Loveland Castle, also Chateau La Roche
To tell you the truth, the contest was not really close. The first two castles are good…but, the Loveland Castle is a castle through and through. This is a fortification. The place looks like an ancient castle, inside and out. The modern luxuries are limited and basic. And yes, the Knights of the Golden Trail operate and guard the castle…even to this day. But, I better back up and offer a bit of history so that you can appreciate Loveland Castle, also known as Chateau La Roche. To know the castle, you have to know the man and the legend. And, the man and the legend is Harry D. Andrews (1890-1981).
Young Harry 
Knights of the Golden Trail 
Harry and his home
Now, the legend of Harry Andrews began while he was training at Fort Dix to enter World War I. Harry contracted meningitis. The military doctors declared Harry “dead.” While lying in the morgue, the doctors decided to try a new technique on him and injected adrenaline into his heart. And, BAM, Harry was back. He was blind and paralyzed. The doctor did not expected him to live. But, they were the same doctors that called him “dead.” To make a long story short, he recovered, finished his training, and entered the war in Europe. While serving in Europe, Harry developed his love of castles. In addition to studying architecture at Colgate before the war, Harry stayed in France after the war and studied architecture at Toulouse University. All of which served him well when he eventually returned to southwest Ohio.
In the late 1920s, Harry acquired land along the Little Miami River, near Loveland, Ohio. Among other things, Harry used the land for a kind of Sunday school/camp for local boys. Gradually, Harry and his campers started using the rocks along the river to build simple structures to add to their camp. As these first structures were somewhat “castle like,” Harry’s crew formed the Knights of the Golden Trail. The KOGT dedicated themselves to the land, the camp, the Ten Commandments and, of course, “saving modern civilization from degradation and degeneration.” Anyway, over the next several decades, Harry and his Knights (mostly Harry) slowly constructed the entire castle known as Loveland Castle or Chateau La Roche.
Carol at the garden terraces 
Just enjoying the river side view of the castle 
But, what’s a castle without the stocks
As I said, this is a legitimate castle in all ways. Supposedly, it is a one-fifth scale replica of a 16th-century medieval castle. The whole structure is made from stones hand carried from the river, along with some hand made bricks. There are turrets along the entire castle for defense. The windows are narrow slits to allow protection while still firing your arrows. And, the lot is beautifully wooded with a river view, not to mention a terraced garden. Furthermore, the interior does not disappoint either…
Harry’s bedroom and office 
The dining hall
This castle was not just a side project for Harry. No, this was his home. Harry put in electricity, some plumbing, and oil furnace and eventually even a phone. He ate here, lived here, departed to his day job, entertained here, taught here, and remained here until his eventual death in 1981. Additionally, this was also the main headquarters for the Knights of the Golden Trail.
Gathering for the KOGT…where is the round table? 
On the smooth area of the wall, the Ten Commandments are carved into the wall. Seems like an appropriate spot to swear in new KOGT (but I am just guessing)
I am not entirely sure of the full extent of the KOGT’s activities. My hope is that they are a harmless, well intended, conservative religious group with an interest in all things medieval. As you can see from the pictures, Harry collected a lot of medieval weapons, armor and other artifacts. Harry hated modern warfare. He felt the more up close and personal medieval ways were far more honorable. Oh, I almost forgot…the castle has a dungeon too. Sorry, it was too dark for meaningful pictures…but, its there.
As tourist attractions go, this castle is absolutely a diamond in the rough. Furthermore, I think it only costs $10 each. Then, you can wonder about the castle and grounds for as long as you want. You can take a picnic lunch and dine along the Little Miami river if you like. But, behave yourself during your visit. Yes, the Knights of the Golden Trail have continued to exist after Harry’s death. They serve as the caretakers and operators of the castle to this day. If you are in southwest Ohio, find a couple hours to stop by the Loveland Castle…Great Castles of Ohio – GOLD Medal Winner. PT
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If you liked this post, check out our other medalists https://travelingwithpt.com/great-castles-of-ohio-silver-medal-winner/ or https://travelingwithpt.com/great-castles-of-ohio-revisited/
For more information or to plan you visit to Loveland Castle… https://lovelandcastle.com/?v=7516fd43adaa
