Reviews

An absolute must that I highly recommend! John & Yvonne Lavender, owners of Highlands Castle in Bolton Landing, NY are remarkable! Fantastic hosts. Their residence is the most breathtaking home we have ever laid eyes on. Thank you for allowing us to embark on our own fairytale. An experience of a lifetime. This location is truly where dreams become a reality.

Chad Arel & Jenn

This property is just amazing! The views, the comfiness, the way it makes you feel, the ambiance, everything about it made our trip special. Even though it didn't snow much when I was there, the snow it has was enough to transform it into a winter wonderland. Bolton landing is a beautiful town, and the people are very friendly too. Thank you for the beautiful memories. Definitely recommend staying here and we really can't wait to be back again!
Adriana & Harsh

Adriana & Harsh

The most beautiful castle and the kindest hosts we could have ever hoped for! (Heidi). Thank you for an amazing experience in your castle! Truly something we will never forget! (Andrea). I love this castle! I really want to come back! (Phoenix). We are grateful for your hospitality and warm hearts. (Steve).

Heidi, Andrea, Phoenix, Steve

What an amazing piece of property with buildings I've never seen before!!! Highlands Castle was the true "cherry on top" for myself and my family this Thanksgiving. John was beyond accommodating, and very caring and thoughtful to my entire family. Whether you are local or traveling, and are looking for a place like no other with views and an experience to match, check out Highlands Castle!!! You will not be disappointed!!!

Mike Catuccio

Mark & I can't thank you both enough! From the minute you greeted us at the door, John, we have truly loved our time here. The tour of the castle and the story behind it is something I will never forget. I have been planning my next trip with all my family since I arrived! You are both very special people and we look forward to a lifelong relationship!
Love,
Tammy & Mark

Tammy & Mark Petrocelli

When Dawn told me she had found a castle for us to stay in... I told her let's go! Little did I know how authentic the castle would be. Your vision for this retreat supersedes anything present in North America and should be on the must 'to-do' list for everybody. They will not be disappointed. We also loved the time you took to have coffee with us and have our 'therapy' session to open up about your thoughts and excellent vision. Here's to both of you and never-ending health to enjoy life's latter years. I hope our paths cross again! All our best!
Dr. Michael & Dawn Scherb

Dr. Michael & Dawn Scherb

We so enjoyed our stay in the Castle Cottage. We've stayed in lake view rooms in Lake George/Bolton Landing many times, but this is by far the most spectacular view of the lake and mountains that we've ever had. What an amazing sight when you drive up the road and the castle comes into view! You've done a beautiful job creating a special retreat. My husband's face said it all when we pulled up to the castle. I wanted to do something special for his birthday and there's no doubt I achieved my goal. We had a wonderful time here with our friends just chatting and enjoying the view. You are wonderful hosts and we enjoyed talking to you. I'm sure we'll see you again! All the Best!
Lisa & Gary Arold, Hope & Steve Corts

Lisa & Gary Arold

An absolutely amazing, magical, and fantastic home you have. The both of you opened your hearts and home in a way that is nothing less than a blessing. I arrived with no idea what to expect and my experience began with the most inviting feeling. Really, I could write a book just like the awesome conversations I had with you, John. I wholeheartedly appreciate every minute I had in this castle. I thought this would be a once-in-a-lifetime getaway... Now I am going to make it a point to return! And I'm also going to share with everyone I know. A million thank you's! Brent

Brent Lanning

The Miller's had an AMAZING weekend at Highlands Castle. Chip & Ellen came from York, PA. Our son Ryan & his wife Sarah came from Providence, RI. The 4 of us thoroughly enjoyed Bolton Landing, Lake George, and your fabulous hospitality. A VERY SPECIAL TIME with spectacular views and a relaxing time with family. We look forward to our next visit!
The Miller's

Chip & Ellen Miller

Thank you for opening the gates to this beautiful castle in the sky. Christina and I had an amazing time sitting out and overlooking Lake George. This view makes it impossible to leave! The castle has so much detail everywhere you look. And now Highlands Castle will be one detail in our story that will never be forgotten. Cheers, Jon & Christina

Jon & Christina

Your castle is beautiful and the views are breathtaking. We saw and heard an owl while we were eating dinner on the terrace! We couldn't have found a better place to celebrate Wesley's birthday. We had a wonderful time and we hope to come back next year! Jen & Wesley

Jen & Wesley

John and his wife Yvonne are two of the most wonderful people we have ever met. Their home is absolutely incredible and the story behind it is even more incredible. There are not enough words to explain how wonderful our stay was at this hidden gem. The views are breathtaking. It was an amazing getaway from the hectic city life. We look forward to going back again to this magical place!
Clare, Casey & Keith

Clare, Casey, and Keith

Imagine yourself on the patio of your private castle. The view of Lake George is breathtaking. The sunset is spectacular. John was an amazing host. The home is beautiful and we will surely be back.

Sheila, Rick & Christian

First time visiting Lake George and with all the places to stay, Highlands Castle was indeed the best choice! The castle is beautiful and is central to all attractions. The view was amazing all day. We had an awesome and fun time! John & Yvonne were great hosts and we'll be visitng again soon!!! The Madlinger's

Rob, Mimi & Carmella

Dear John & Yvonne, Chantal, Audrey, and I can't even begin to describe our stay here. There are truly no words. The minute we stepped foot on this property we felt a sense of peace and serenity. Thank you for being such gracious hosts and for sharing your home with us! This place is beyond magical, serene & special. Your vision for this place is truly felt in every detail, every outline, every chair, and every figurine. We will definitely return to the 'castle'. Many Thanks. Sincerely, Leslie, Audrey & Chantal

Leslie, Audrey & Chantal

Thank you so much for having us over to your gorgeous castle! We had a great time and appreciate your 'welcome' and tour of your wonderful home. We both wish we could visit every week! We are planning to come back with the rest of the family in the near future. Stay well and God bless you! Love, Blanca & Mike

Blanca & Mike

Thank you for sharing your home & dream with us! This was truly the most relaxing, fun & exciting adventure! We can't wait to come back again!! Thank you, The Nessers (Ike, Maya, David, Leah, Mazal & Shoshana)

Ike & Maya

Highland Castle is one of those special places that you want to return to again and again. We can’t recommend this beautiful venue enough! The hospitality was outstanding, the venue was spotless and the view from the terrace, surreal. John - We absolutely loved your beautiful Castle! You and Yvonne could not have been nicer and we will definitely be back for another stay. Thank you! George and Linda Carroll

George & Linda

Thank you so much for having us! We were able to have such a huge milestone here... Our Engagement! We will pass down the story of the beauty of your castle as part of our love story. This place is truly magical and will always hold a place in our hearts. Love, The future Mrs. Roedel & Paul Roedel

Jackie & Paul

This is the most beautiful castle I have ever seen. It has a beautiful story everywhere! John & Yvonne are the warmest hosts we have ever met. My husband chose such a perfect place to celebrate our 5th anniversary. It will be an unforgettable memory for me.

Xiaosheng & Han

Dear John & Yvonne,
We live in Syracuse and stumbled upon your castle while browsing online - searching for a unique place to stay in the Lake George area. WOW! From the moment we saw the photos online - we all were enchanted... and agreed as a family that we needed to come. It was a pleasure to meet you both - you are very kind souls. There are endless beauties throughout the property, our favorites: the bookshelf doorway, the lions at the entrance, the angels, and the greenery framing the windows. The views are spectacular! We enjoyed looking onto the mountains and lake at all times throughout our stay, but especially at dawn. It was magical to see the sunrise paint the sky in the most vivid pinks and purples - plus see the clouds and mist. Thank you for sharing your beautiful castle - a most memorable experience for our family. Warmest Wishes! The Mann Family

Taylor & Julie

Thank you for showing us the magic in the world on Kim's birthday weekend. The memories made on our first trip here will be a constant reminder that there are beautiful people in the world. You both are very special and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Cody & Kim

Thank you so much for your amazing hospitality. This place is truly a hidden gem and not only because of the gorgeous property. You two have put so much love into building this oasis. We appreciate you. We will come to visit again soon!

Frank & Kristen

Dear John & Yvonne, Thank you! Those two words don't seem big enough to express how much we want to say for the wonderful hospitality and energy you gave to our family! We had a WONDERFUL TIME!
The Iglehart's Jason, Dawn, Marvin, Clarissa & David

Jason & Dawn Iglehart

We had a fabulous stay in your castle. It truly was one of a kind, we felt like royalty! See you again soon!
The Russo family

Tommy & Dana

We’re from Buffalo NY and when my daughter showed me Highlands Castle, I said we had to go there! When we arrived, we couldn’t believe how beautiful it is. The property owners, John & Yvonne, are wonderful and kind people. When they realized that we came here to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday, they gave us a delicious cake which made us feel very special and loved. Our family will always remember this special place. Now, all of my other family members and my Asian friends are asking me the same question… “Where is this castle?” They all want to come here! …And we don’t want to leave this beautiful castle with the amazing view! The Wong Family

Calvin, Quan, Suzanne & Cody Wong

It has been an absolutely fascinating birthday weekend! I am in such 'awe' and so genuinely happy. I love your Shepherds, they are gorgeous and friendly. This Lake George experience definitely could not have been any better without you both and your generous hearts for sharing your home with us. I can't wait to share this amazing experience with my friends and family. We will be back!
Much love, DF & CB

Dana & Charity

Friendliest hosts Lake George has ever seen, they placed a castle high among the trees. Looking down upon a pristine lake, so many pictures did we take. Our time here was filled with ease, so dear hosts you must continue to share please. Should you ever venture down yonder, know that you have PA friends to ponder. With gratitude & warmth.

Amy & Andrew

Thank you for being such a great host and letting us stay in your lovely Castle Cottage! We had a great time! The castle was amazing with an incredible view of the lake. It was a real-life fairytale. My friends and I had an excellent weekend and we'll definitely stay here again!

Kelsey & friends

The Highland Castles are magical, with breathtaking views of Lake George. We can see all the love and thought you put into building it. It is truly a work of art. John and Yvonne are amazing hosts that go above and beyond to make sure your experience is perfect. We can’t wait to visit the Castles on our next trip to Lake George!

Debbie, Sarah & Janet

Thank you for making our engagement weekend more magical than we could possibly dream of. Your home is truly beautiful and we appreciate you sharing it with us. We hope to visit you again soon!

Anmol & Nishil

Great hosts, great views, and a great place to stay. Skip the crowds down below and stay at John and Yvonne’s. Get takeout dinners and eat them on the patio high above lake George. Enjoy sleeping to the forest sounds. A wonderful place to relax for a couple of days in a spot that really has to be seen to be believed.

Jonathan & Dina & Moses

This weekend was the best, all thanks to your hospitality! Our engagement was magical. We will never forget these past two days! The views and the entire scenery were enchanting! Thank you for sharing your home and for allowing us to create memories here! Until next time!

Mell & Nick

The epitome of a Fourth of July weekend with my husband and children at the Castle Gatehouse. Located a couple of minutes from the center of town, and close to everything. John, the host to the Castle Gatehouse is highly professional, accommodating, and always available to communicate with, for any questions. The Castle Gatehouse was immaculate, the bedrooms, and other rooms of the house were spacious, mattresses and pillows were super comfy. Linens, towels, and throw blankets were adequately sufficient throughout the house. The furniture was sturdy, beautiful, and comfortable. The WIFI always worked throughout the house. The kitchen was fully equipped with all working appliances, cookware, and kitchen essentials. My family and I had a fantastic experience, and we will definitely revisit. I highly recommend the Castle Gatehouse when visiting Bolton Landing, NY. Thank you John and Yvonne for sharing your home, and making our stay pleasant. God bless -The Georgiades Family

Zoe & Achilleas

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. We had a super comfortable stay. Will definitely recommend tp family and friends for future visits to Bolton Landing. Look forward to coming back.
Best, The Georgiades Family

Zoe & Achilleas

Thank you so much for allowing us to stay at your beautiful castle! We had a splendid time. Thank you for your outstanding hospitality. I had a birthday weekend I will never forget. I loved the personalized birthday note on the door! It made me feel very blessed. Our room was stunning and the view out the window is breathtaking. We'll have to come again for the years to come.

Matt & Megan