Once upon a time, in the great state of New Jersey, a man and his wife decided to build a castle. But this wasn't just any castle. This castle was special. On the property of the 11 acres they purchased, a 9,000 square foot mansion, based on the architecture of a medieval Norman castle, was built along with a 6,000 square foot carriage house. The couple would call this home for more than twenty years.

Construction on the castle took three years to complete, from 1902-1905.

Owners Frederic Ellsworth Kip and Charlotte Bishop Williams Kip originally named their house "Kypsburg." Frederic made his fortune as a textile inventor as well as industrialist and publisher. Charlotte was responsible for the design of the mansion, carriage house, and grounds.

Kip's Castle includes thirty rooms of differing shapes and sizes, six fireplaces, ornate chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings.

This is a place you can get magnificently lost in!

Stained glass windows adorn a rounded sitting room as well as other rooms of the house.

You can surely find beautifully intricate architectural details in every corner.

From the castle, you will find views of the enchanting skyline of New York City.

There's something special about getting a glimpse of the Empire City from New Jersey. The property is located on the ridge of First Mountain, part of a group of low-ridge mountains that were once part of a volcano.

Even the entrance looks like you are about to enter a world where fairy tales can come to life.

Walk around the vast property surrounded by woods and use your imagination to create your own fairy tale.

Structures on the property grounds were built with local trap rock and sandstone.

After Charlotte Kip passed away in 1926, her husband sold the property, which changed owners a couple of times and eventually fell into disrepair. In the mid-1980s, it was purchased by a law firm. Restoration began and continued over the next 20 years.

Kip's Castle now belongs in the safe hands of the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs who bought it in 2007.

The property has been brought back to life for all to enjoy.

A visit to Kip's Castle is a fascinating step back in time. Spend the day here, walk around the house and grounds, and take in the sight of the New York City skyline. Whatever you do, you will be living in a fairy tale, at least for a little while!

Have you been to see Kip's Castle? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments!