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    Explore Ohio: Visit a Hand-built Castle, Chateau Laroche

    Exit highway I-71 just north of Cincinnati, drive along streets with large homes and manicured lawns, then turn onto winding Mulberry Road and the landscape suddenly changes. Along wooded and flowering hills, the road leads you to a majestic building arising out of the ground. Chateau Laroche, meaning Rock Castle, and also known as The Loveland Castle, sits quietly overlooking the Little Miami River, somewhat out of place, yet perfectly fitting for the area.

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    Started on June 5, 1929, Chateau Laroche was built from the vision and strength of one man, Harry D. Andrews. Built in medieval style, the castle sits on an acre and a half of land, a refuge from modern day life. More lots have been added as they can be purchased, protecting the castle from encroaching development and preserving its quiet setting. Andrews named the castle after a military hospital in southwest France, where he was stationed during World War I.

    The castle measures about 96 by 65 feet with several floors, a dungeon on the lowest level, a living room, kitchen, and office on the main level, an entertaining room, den, and a few other spaces on the second level, and towers thirty-six feet high. Looking out onto the Little Miami River sits a large balcony where one can rest without fear of falling off and take in the quiet sights of the river during cool and shady afternoons.

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    The castle was built with several knightly features. A ‘stoop door’ is cut into the thick main door, where unknown guests had to enter with their neck sticking out, ready to have their head chopped off should they be an enemy. Perhaps not something you need to have in the modern age, but more exciting than a peep-hole. The door is constructed of 238 pieces of wood running in all different directions, and three layers of wood filled with nails, making it difficult to cut through with a sword or ax. Spy holes are located around the castle so that anyone approaching the castle can be seen from a safe height. Curved stairways offer protection during an invasion, making it is difficult to use lances and swords as you climb the stairs.

    Outdoor courtyards and hallways filled with flowers and seating areas make the Loveland Castle a pretty setting for weddings. Stepped gardens cut into the side of the hill fill with flowers and greenery, providing an excellent backdrop for parties and visitors’ photos.

    There are rumors of young ghosts running along the dining room, but these were silent during our visit. Of course we went in the middle of the day, so perhaps they make an appearance during the evenings.

    The castle will inspire any young child who is fascinated with castles, knights, princesses, and princes. Adults will marvel at the amount of detail one man built alone and by hand. It’s a fun place to explore. Chateau Laroche continues to host scout overnights, carrying on the will of Andrews who hosted many groups of children at his castle. The castle currently hosts about 30,000 visitors a year.

    Andrews passed away April 16th 1981, at the age of 91, still working on his castle. He willed the castle and grounds to the Knights of the Golden Trail, who serve as its caretakers today.

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    Visit the Chateau Laroche at 12025 Shore Rd, Loveland, OH 45140. April through September from 11am-5pm and October through March from 11am – 5 pm on “Weekends Only”. Admission is $5 for Adults and $3 for children, except on special event days. There are Castle Days on the 3rd Saturday of June, July, and August, a Medieval themed day. Remaining Castle Days are July 18 and August 15, admission is $6 and parking is free but limited. For more information, call 513-683-4686 or visit LovelandCastle.com.

    Explore Ohio is presented by Headies Hideout and The Jubach Company.

    HeadiesHideout85Headies Hideout is a full service smoke shop, glass gallery and so much more. We feature the highest quality glass around from our featured artists. Our brick and mortar location is near downtown Columbus, Ohio in our favorite neighborhood – Olde Town East. Come on over and check us out at 114 Parsons Ave, 43215. Learn more at HeadiesHideout.com.

    TheJubachCompany85The Jubach Company is the leading developer of log homes and land in the Hocking Hills area of Ohio. The Jubach Company seamlessly incorporates the bounties of nature into a dream getaway, handling all aspects of the home building process from developing the land through custom design, construction, and after-sale support. Learn more at Jubach.com.

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    Anne Evans
    Anne Evanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-evans/
    Anne Evans is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations for The Metropreneur and Columbus Underground. She regularly contributes feature stories on both sites, as well as Mega Weekend each week. She has started and grown businesses, created experiences, forged community partnerships, and worked to create opportunities for others. She loves meeting new neighbors and those making an impact in our community. Want to connect?
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