Tucked among ancient firs on the shores of American Lake, Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, Washington, feels like a portal to another time. This grand English Tudor Gothic mansion, built in 1911, is the West Coast’s only true castle, a testament to love and ambition. But its beauty hides a darker side. Ghostly socialites clink glasses in phantom parties, and the spirits of its original owners, Chester and Anna Thorne, are said to wander its halls. Ever felt a room shift when no one’s there? Thornewood might make you wonder.
Located at 8601 N Thorne Ln SW, the castle’s red-brick facade and stained-glass windows evoke medieval England, yet its history is distinctly American. Commissioned by Chester Thorne, a wealthy Tacoma banker, it was crafted with materials shipped from a 400-year-old English manor. Today, it’s a bed-and-breakfast and event venue, but its haunted reputation draws paranormal enthusiasts. Featured in Stephen King’s Rose Red miniseries, Thornewood’s eerie aura is no Hollywood creation—guests report unexplained lights, moving objects, and a sense of being watched.
Why do these spirits linger? Is it the castle’s opulent past, its tragic losses, or something older, tied to the land itself? Let’s step into Thornewood’s shadowy halls to uncover its haunted history.
Thornewood Castle History
Thornewood Castle’s story begins in 1907, when Chester Thorne, a founder of the Port of Tacoma, purchased a 400-year-old Elizabethan manor in England. Determined to build a dream home for his wife, Anna, he had the manor dismantled and shipped across three vessels around Cape Horn to Lakewood. Construction, led by architect Kirtland Cutter, started in 1908 and finished in 1911, costing $1 million (roughly $30 million today). The result was a 27,000-square-foot masterpiece with 54 rooms, 22 bedrooms, and 22 bathrooms, blending English oak staircases, Welsh red bricks, and stained glass from 15th-century churches.
The estate, spanning 35 acres, included a sunken English garden designed by the Olmsted Brothers, named one of America’s most beautiful in 1926. Thornewood hosted luminaries like Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, its grandeur a symbol of Tacoma’s prosperity. Chester, who died in 1927 of cancer, and Anna, who passed in 1954, lived there with their daughter, Anita. After Chester’s death, Anna remarried Major General David C. Stone, and they returned to Thornewood until Stone’s passing in 1959. Against Chester’s wishes, Anita sold the estate, which passed through owners until Deanna and Wayne Robinson bought it in 2000, transforming it into a historic inn.
Thornewood’s cinematic fame came in 2000 when ABC/Disney restored it for Stephen King’s Rose Red, a miniseries portraying it as a malevolent mansion. The film sparked a surge in ghost stories, though locals claim hauntings predate the production. The castle’s history of wealth, loss, and imported relics—perhaps carrying their own spirits—sets the stage for its eerie reputation. What lingers in these halls? Let’s meet the ghosts.
The Ghosts of Thornewood Castle
Chester Thorne’s Spirit
Chester Thorne, the castle’s visionary, is a frequent presence. Often seen in his second-floor bedroom, where he died, his ghost walks through the door, passes the bed, and vanishes into the bathroom. Guests report objects rearranged and toilet seats left up in this “Money Room,” said to bring financial luck to those who sleep there. “He’s a helpful spirit,” owner Deanna Robinson told US Ghost Adventures in 2022. Chester’s apparition, clad in a brown riding suit, also roams the lawn, whip in hand.
Anna Thorne’s Ghost
Anna, Chester’s wife, haunts her former bedroom, now the bridal suite. Guests see her sitting in a window seat, gazing longingly at the garden. Her reflection sometimes appears in a mirror, startling visitors. “It’s like she’s still admiring her home,” a 2019 guest noted on HauntedRooms.com. The room’s grand piano occasionally plays faint notes at night, though no one is there. Anna’s presence feels melancholic, tied to her love for Thornewood.
The Phantom Party
The Great Hall hosts Thornewood’s most vivid haunting: a spectral cocktail party. Deanna Robinson recounted a night in 2002 when, while reading, the room filled with the sights and sounds of 100 socialites mingling, dancing, and breaking wine glasses. The hazy scene vanished quickly but is a recurring vision for guests. “It’s like stepping back to the 1920s,” Deanna said. These ghosts, dressed in early 20th-century finery, seem to relive their glamorous past.
The Child by the Lake
A sadder spirit is a young girl, possibly Chester’s granddaughter, seen near American Lake. Local lore, though unverified, claims she drowned in the 1940s. Guests report her standing alone by the water, vanishing when approached. Her presence adds a tragic note to the castle’s hauntings, her figure a fleeting glimpse of loss.
These spirits, from Chester’s helpful ghost to the lively phantom party, make Thornewood a paranormal beacon. Skeptics may cite old pipes or imagination, but the consistency of reports suggests otherwise. Who are these ghosts, and why do they stay? The next section holds chilling clues.
Ghostly Encounters People Have Had
Thornewood’s haunted legacy thrives on firsthand accounts from guests, staff, and investigators. Here are some of the most compelling stories.
In 2005, the Washington State Ghost Society investigated Thornewood, focusing on the second floor. In Anna’s room, they recorded an EVP saying, “I’m watching,” near the mirror. A team member felt a cold touch on their neck, and a REM-Pod went off near the piano. “It’s one of the most active places we’ve seen,” lead investigator Ross Allison told Occult World in 2017. The group also noted light bulbs unscrewed in Chester’s room, a hallmark of his pranks.
A 2018 guest, Sarah, shared her experience on ThornewoodCastle.com. Staying in the bridal suite, she woke to faint piano notes at 3 a.m. “I thought it was a dream, but the keys were moving,” she wrote. Her husband saw Anna’s reflection in the mirror, though Sarah saw nothing. The couple felt uneasy but unharmed, leaving with a story they’ll never forget.
During Rose Red filming in 2000, crew members reported odd events. A sound technician, quoted on Atlas Obscura, heard footsteps in the empty billiard room, followed by pool cues clattering. Checking the room, they found the cues scattered on the table, despite being neatly arranged earlier. Deanna Robinson confirmed similar reports from The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer crew, including a lavender scent in the Gold Room, linked to poltergeist activity.
In 2021, a wedding guest named Mark posted on Reddit’s r/Paranormal. During a reception in the Great Hall, he saw a hazy crowd of partygoers in vintage attire, only to blink and find the room normal. “It felt like a memory that wasn’t mine,” he wrote. Conversely, a skeptic, Lisa, visited in 2019 and told HauntedPlaces.org the castle felt “peaceful,” though she admitted the lakefront gave her chills.
These tales, from EVPs to spectral visions, fuel Thornewood’s mystique. Got a ghostly encounter? Share it at Reports@ParaRational.com!
Learn More About Haunted Locations
Thornewood Castle Map
Nestled at 8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 (47.1787, -122.5514), Thornewood Castle is a Tudor Gothic marvel. Known for ghostly parties and the spirits of Chester and Anna Thorne, this historic inn beckons paranormal enthusiasts.
Tips for Visiting Thornewood Castle
Planning a trip to the haunted Thornewood Castle? Here’s how to experience its eerie charm safely and fully.
Book a Stay or Tour: Thornewood is a private bed-and-breakfast, with rooms starting at $250/night. Book via thornewoodcastle.com for an overnight stay or event. Ghost tours, offered sporadically, cost about $50 and require pre-booking. Check the website for availability.
What to Bring: Pack a camera for orbs or apparitions, and a recorder for EVPs. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds and a jacket—the castle can feel chilly, especially in Anna’s room. No elevators, so expect stairs.
Best Times to Visit: Evening stays or fall tours (October–November) heighten the spooky vibe. The sunken garden is stunning in spring. Weddings and events may limit access, so plan ahead.
Safety Tips: Stick to designated areas—trespassing is prohibited. The lakefront can be slippery, so watch your step. Respect the spirits; Chester and Anna are said to be friendly but dislike disruption.
Thornewood is a historic site, so follow rules to preserve its beauty. Want to hunt ghosts? Contact the owners for private investigation options
FAQ Section
Is Thornewood Castle really haunted?
Guests and investigators report EVPs, apparitions, and phantom parties since at least the 1950s. Skeptics point to the castle’s age, but consistent sightings intrigue believers. Stay overnight to find out.
Can I stay at Thornewood Castle?
Yes, it’s a bed-and-breakfast with suites like Anna’s Room. Rates start at $250/night. Book at thornewoodcastle.com. No overnight investigations without permission.
How do I book a ghost tour?
Tours are rare but offered through local groups like Tacoma Ghosts. Check thornewoodcastle.com or tacomaghosts.com for schedules, typically $50 for 2–3 hours.
When’s the best time for paranormal activity?
Fall evenings, especially October, report the most sightings. The Great Hall and second floor are hotspots.
Is it safe to visit?
The castle is structurally sound but has steep stairs and no elevator. Stick to guided tours or booked stays to avoid trespassing.
Can I investigate with my own team?
Private investigations need owner approval. Email info@thornewoodcastle.com to inquire about access.
Conclusion
Thornewood Castle is more than a historic estate—it’s a living ghost story. From Chester’s helpful spirit to the Great Hall’s phantom parties, its hauntings weave a spellbinding tale. Whether you’re sipping tea in the sunken garden or sleeping in Anna’s suite, the castle’s eerie charm captivates. Ready for chills? Book a stay at thornewoodcastle.com or share your spooky tale at Reports@ParaRational.com. Subscribe to ParaRational’s newsletter for more haunted adventures.
What’s waiting in Thornewood’s shadows? Only one way to find out.
