Hearthstone Castle: A Ruined Landmark in Danbury

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Explore the historic ruins of Hearthstone Castle in Danbury's Tarrywile Park, a unique glimpse into a bygone era amidst natural beauty.

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Hearthstone Castle

Hearthstone Castle, also known as Parks' Castle or The Castle, is a historic, but now ruined, castle located within Tarrywile Park in Danbury, Connecticut. Built in the late 1890s as a summer home, it's a unique, albeit decaying, architectural landmark open for exploration within the surrounding park.

A brief summary to Hearthstone Castle

18 Brushy Hill Rd, Danbury, Connecticut, 06810, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hearthstone Castle.

Wear sturdy shoes for the potentially slippery and uneven terrain around the castle.
Bring a camera to capture the unique, if decaying, beauty of the castle ruins.
Combine your visit with a hike on the many trails within Tarrywile Park.
Be respectful of the site and adhere to all posted signs and boundaries.

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Getting There

Driving

From I-84, take Exit 3 to Route 7 South. Stay to the right and take the first exit toward Park Avenue and the Danbury Fair Mall. Turn right onto Backus Ave, which becomes Park Ave. After 0.6 miles, turn right onto West Wooster Street, then right onto Wooster Heights Road. After 0.2 miles, turn left onto Southern Blvd and continue for 0.6 miles, then turn right to stay on Southern Blvd. The entrance to Tarrywile Park will be on your right. Follow the park road to the parking area. From the parking lot, walk across Brushy Hill Road to access the trail leading to Hearthstone Castle. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From the Danbury Bus Terminal, take a taxi or rideshare service to Tarrywile Park at 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. From there, follow the driving directions from the park entrance to reach Hearthstone Castle. Taxi/rideshare costs from the terminal to the park typically range from $10-$20, depending on the service and time of day. HARTransit offers bus service in the greater Danbury region. Check their website for routes and schedules.
Walking

From the Tarrywile Park parking lot, walk out to the road and turn right. Follow the road down to Brushy Hill Road. Carefully cross the road and proceed up the driveway past the gate. Walk up the hill about 245 yards to the site of Hearthstone Castle.

Discover more about Hearthstone Castle

Hearthstone Castle, situated in Tarrywile Park, Danbury, Connecticut, presents a unique, if somewhat melancholic, historical experience. Constructed between 1895 and 1899, the castle, originally named Sanford Castle, was the vision of E. Starr Sanford, a successful New York City portrait photographer, who sought a lavish summer retreat. Designed by architect Ernest G.W. Dietrich, the castle boasts a Norman-inspired form with elements from various periods, featuring 16 rooms, including nine bedrooms, a library, and a billiard room. The castle's exterior was built using local granite fieldstone, while the interior showcased woodwork imported from Italy. The castle even had the capability of producing its own electricity. After changing hands a few times, Charles Darling Parks purchased the castle in 1918 and renamed it Hearthstone Castle, possibly inspired by the eight stone fireplaces within. The Parks family owned the castle until 1985 when the City of Danbury acquired it along with the neighboring Tarrywile Mansion and surrounding land. Unfortunately, the castle has fallen into disrepair over the years. Although the city has undertaken some stabilization and remediation work, the castle remains a fenced-off ruin. Visitors can walk around the perimeter, observing the overgrown vines, graffiti, and the remaining structure, including an old water tower. Despite its condition, Hearthstone Castle offers a glimpse into the past and a unique destination within the expansive Tarrywile Park, which offers 21 miles of trails, ponds, gardens and the Tarrywile Mansion.