Situated on 115 acres in the foothills of Proctor, Vt., Wilson Castle is a spirited estate with a storied history. Constructed over seven years in the late 1800s, the 13,131 square-foot mansion serves as a museum, a premier event venue, and a popular destination for paranormal investigators.

“Anyone who knows me knows it’s one of my favorite places to investigate,” said Scott Allan, host of “Spirit Talk Live” on YouTube. “Not only is the castle absolutely beautiful but there is so much history, and the paranormal activity is just incredible.”

Johnson’s folly

Construction on the mansion began in 1885 at the behest of Dr. John Johnson – a Vermont native who studied dubious medical practices in London, England. There he met and married one of his patients, a wealthy aristocrat named Sarah Robbins. He moved her to the United States and used his wife’s financial resources to build the couple’s stately home, which cost $1.3 million – nearly $50 million today – and included 32 rooms throughout its three stories, 13 fireplaces, 84 stained glass windows, and elaborate detailing. He continued to draw on those funds to fill the space with priceless antiques and artwork until he was cut off from the family fortune.

Not long after their money ran out, Sarah was recalled back to England and John had to sell the house as well as its contents.

From the 1880s to the late 1930s, the property was bought and sold 16 times. At one point, it served as an administration building and dormitory for a cosmetology school before being purchased by AM radio pioneer Herbert Lee Wilson in 1939. Wilson bought the estate to serve as a summer home for his family. He continued his work in the radio field for two years.

When the U.S. joined WWII, Wilson enlisted in the Army Signal Corps. He retired to his castle in the 1950s, having earned the rank of colonel. In 1962, he opened the castle for tours, and upon his death in 1981, the estate passed to his daughter, Blossom Wilson Davine Ladabouche, who bequeathed the property to her daughter Denise after her death in 2010.

Since her mother’s death, Davine continues to welcome guests to the castle to see the beautiful woodwork, tilework, and antiques dappling the various rooms. Some of the more unique items include a chair that was a papal gift to Col. Wilson. There is also an ornately carved Chinese chair and a bronze statue that was on display during the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The music room includes an early portable piano as well as two organs and several items of clothing that belonged to previous occupants.

According to the Wilson Castle website, there are rumors of an entire passageway hidden within the castle. So far, Davine has not located it. Of course, there is the possibility that Col. Wilson made up the tale of the passageway to distract from the gossip that the castle was haunted.

Eerie experiences

Paranormal experiences at Wilson Castle are legendary, and a number of investigators have arranged to spend the night on-site and set up their equipment in hopes of snapping a shot of a specter or catching a ghostly sound bite. Although there has been one confirmed death on the property, it is believed that the castle contains both an energy portal and vortex within it that allows the spirits to come and go as they please.

Davine leans into the mansion’s connection to the supernatural. Needless to say, Wilson Castle is a Halloween hotspot.

One visitor left a review that said, “I’m not one to have a firm belief in that kind of stuff, but I enjoyed myself, nonetheless. The castle is absolutely breathtaking, and I’d definitely do something there again. Definitely recommend for both ‘spooky’ events and regular historic tours.”

Toni Safford from Montpelier, Vt., said her 2022 visit to Wilson Castle was nothing short of fantastic.

“It was beautiful and unique,” she said on Facebook. “The amazing stained glass, with all of the vibrant colors, had me just saying ‘Wow.’”

Proceeds from paranormal investigations, tours, and special events are used to fund various restoration projects that ensure Wilson Castle will be available for future generations to enjoy. Visitors can also buy a piece of Wilson Castle’s history to take home. But be warned: Some buyers have returned their purchases, believing them to be haunted. Should this occur, contact the castle and tell them about the experience. They will pay for the return postage.

Whether a person believes in the spirit world, has a passion for architecture and antiques, or is looking for an inviting road trip in the Vermont countryside, Wilson Castle is an experience not soon forgotten.

If you go

Wilson Castle is located at 2970 W. Proctor Road in Procter, Vt. Tours cost $19 for adults, $18 for seniors and $7.50 for children ages 6-12. The castle is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. For more information call (802) 773-3284 or visit www.wilsoncastle.com.

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