Tour Inside 1914 NY Castle of Kingsbridge Terrace With 28 Rooms! Amazing Interior!
Perched above the Harlem River in the Bronx’s Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood stands a striking architectural treasure—the Castle of Kingsbridge Terrace.
Built in 1914, this five-story stucco-and-stone residence, affectionately known as a “castle” by locals, represents one of New York City’s most unusual surviving examples of Victorian-era romantic architecture.
With 28 rooms, 11 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a commanding rooftop turret that offers panoramic views, the structure remains an enduring monument to craftsmanship, imagination, and historic character.
From the moment one steps through the grand arched entryway, the building’s medieval inspiration becomes evident.
Inside, the hand-carved wooden pillars, ornate structural beams, and rich herringbone-patterned hardwood floors speak to the level of artistry that once defined upper-class New York homes in the early 20th century.
The seven fireplaces, each framed by carved mantles of stone or wood, lend an atmosphere of warmth and grandeur that complements the stately design.
What truly sets the Castle apart, however, are its medieval-style stained-glass windows—a kaleidoscope of color and symbolism that filters sunlight into jewel-toned patterns across the walls and floors.
Many of these windows depict heraldic crests and floral motifs reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals, giving each level a distinctly regal air. It is a detail that underscores the builders’ romantic fascination with European castles and the aesthetic of nobility.
The residence is divided into three expansive units, each spanning multiple levels yet maintaining the architectural coherence of a single great estate. Unit 1, occupying the first and second floors, features four bedrooms and two baths, anchored by a stately living room that opens onto a west-facing balcony.
Unit 2, found on the third floor, offers a cozier yet equally charming three-bedroom, one-bath layout. The crown jewel, however, is Unit 3, which occupies the uppermost two levels and includes four bedrooms, two baths, and a spectacular observatory room beneath the turret. F
rom this vantage point, residents can take in sweeping views of the George Washington Bridge, the New Jersey Palisades, and the Harlem River below.
Each floor includes a balcony deck, offering not just fresh air but an ever-changing panorama of city and nature. As the sun sets, the entire western horizon glows in gold and pink hues reflected off the water—an experience that justifies the castle’s lofty nickname.
At the top, a rooftop overlook complete with ramparts and turret offers a fairytale-like experience. It’s easy to imagine early residents of the home gazing across the river, marveling at the growing skyline of Manhattan in the distance.
Structurally, the property was built to impress and endure. Its stucco and stone façade reflects both strength and elegance, while an attached two-car garage with vaulted ceilings provides practical convenience rare for its era. The full walk-out basement adds functionality, offering street-level access and a connection to the garage—an architectural innovation for urban homes of the early 1900s.
Beyond its architecture, the Castle of Kingsbridge Terrace holds a story of connection and community. Situated just a few blocks from major transit lines—the #4 train on Jerome Avenue, the B and D lines on Grand Concourse, the #1 train on Broadway, and the Metro-North station at Marble Hill—it stands as a reminder of how close grandeur and accessibility can coexist in New York’s boroughs.
Today, over a century after its construction, this historic triplex continues to enchant visitors and residents alike. The Castle of Kingsbridge Terrace is more than just a residence; it’s a living piece of New York history—a blend of artistry, romance, and urban ingenuity that captures a bygone era when homes were built not merely to shelter, but to inspire.
