Reviews
10/12/2020
We had a splendid stay to celebrate my birthday & our 13th wedding anniversary. The escape from reality to a mountaintop castle of pure serenity will forever be cherished. Taking time to disconnect - looking at each stone/rock perfectly placed by hand & heart that became your home and now a place for so many others to enjoy - just amazing. Thank you John & Yvonne - God bless.
Becky & Joe from Buffalo, NY
Becky & Joe
10/9/2020
My husband was so surprised at our arrival for his 40th birthday! I could not imagine a more whimsical, magical home for our birthday celebration trip. We are so grateful for your beautiful home, the amazing story behind its creator, and your hospitality.
With love,
Desiree & Rayner from Charleston, SC
Desiree & Rayner
10/6/2020
Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful castle! It made our 10 year wedding anniversary a very special one! We had a great time and loved every minute of it.
Daniel & April
9/21/2020
This unique setting is just so special. Nothing compares to the care given to make this a memorable experience. The views of Lake George are incomparable. Wonderful and exceptional place, filled with heart and soul. Thank you for opening up your home! A lasting memory.
Craig & Elaine
9/19/2020
Thank you so much for sharing your castle with us! The views are amazing and the King's Suite was like stepping back in time. What a treat it was to spend our honeymoon here. We will definitely be back!
Tara & Ian from Norwalk, CT
Tara & Ian
9/16/2020
John A. Lavender II is truly a man of his word. He provided us with the perfect castle for our family. He made sure to take care of every detail. He called us at every opportunity to make sure we were comfortable. I felt he went above and beyond. He and his wife Yvonne made my family feel like part of his own. His home had everything you could desire for whatever you could plan at his Castle. Everyone was blown away at his home and the views were breathtaking. It was everything we pictured and more. It was a place that will forever be in our hearts and minds. We could not have asked for a better experience. From the rooms to all the amenities, it really made us feel like we were in a home away from home. John is what you expect and want from a host and we truly feel like we gained a friend in him. Anyone who wants nothing but the best for themself and their loved ones, this is the place you want to be. You will not regret your decision to book his Castle for an experience of a lifetime. Thank you John and Yvonne for making our stay a memorable one. You have spoiled us in what to expect at any future reservations we make elsewhere. No hotel, motel, or Bed and Breakfast can hold a candle to what Highlands Castle can deliver. My wife and son will love me forever after their stay there. Thanks John for all you did for me and my family. We are truly grateful.
Eddie & Yvette
Eddie, Thank you for your kind words, and please know how much we enjoyed meeting your family and loved ones. Everything you expressed reinforces why we decided to share our home with others... to meet wonderful families like yours! Take care of yourself and each other. With Blessings, John & Yvonne
9/13/2020
John and his wife were such great hosts. They made us feel at home. The castle is really beautiful with great views. Also very close to downtown Bolton with great restaurants. He also recommended restaurants to go for my birthday during our stay. I had a wonderful birthday weekend. Would definitely come back with friends and family!
Sarah & Jerry
9/7/2020
Highlands Castle is one of the most beautiful and unique places we’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in! John and Yvonne are wonderful, kind people who are so welcoming! It was such a special experience that we can’t wait to visit again. We cannot give a better recommendation! This place is PRICELESS and so are the owners!
Paula
8/25/2020
We recently spent several days at Highland Castle to celebrate our 30th anniversary. I can't say enough about how wonderful everything was! We couldn't have asked for a more special place, you felt like you were stepping back in time, but with all the comforts of current day. The King's Suite was amazing, so spacious and comfortable, and the view of Lake George - spectacular! We spent hours enjoying both the screened-in and outdoor areas, it was so peaceful and relaxing. I honestly felt that I could have spent every moment we had at Lake George without leaving the castle.
On top of the beautiful setting, our hosts John and Yvonne were so gracious and accommodating. They are very special people who truly care about their guests. We want to thank them again for their generosity and for sharing their home with us. John and Yvonne - you made our celebration that much more memorable, thank you for everything!
Hoping to come back again soon,
Joe & Li
Joe & Ligia
8/1/2020
John and Yvonne having something special... unlike any other place we have been. The castle is incredibly detailed and unique, filled with hidden treasures to discover a little at a time. The view is truly spectacular. What a gem! Thank you for sharing your home. We look forward to staying here again in the future!
Juliana & Paul
7/20/2020
John and his wife Yvonne were amazing hosts. The castle was even better than I had expected (and I had very high expectations). The terrace overlooking lake George was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen and not something that I will ever forget. Cannot wait to come back to visit lake George again, but next time with more of my family. An AMAZING weekend.
Anthony
7/19/2020
Our stay was absolutely fabulous! A memorable weekend my boys and I will surely never forget. John and his wife were incredible hosts and went out of their way to make sure we were well taken care of. My family and I cannot wait to come back!
Julie
7/18/2020
The Highlands Castle was definitely a fairytale! Everything from our arrival to our leave. John and his wife went above and beyond with the decorations, the environment, and lastly the overall structure of the place. They both were so polite and we loved speaking with them about the best places to go for food and outdoor fun. John and his wife also helped me make this weekend one for the ages. Making my proposal go smoothly from the start. My fiancée (now) was in awe the entire weekend. She kept telling me how magical and beautiful the entire grounds were. Lastly, the view!! The view is absolutely breathtaking!! Definitely worth every moment there! Thank you again for your hospitality, love, and kindness! We will be back soon!
Andrew
7/7/2020
Outstanding views, beautiful scenery all around. Feels like a real palace, no regrets. John was a great host, and I had a graceful conversation with him!
Nabeel
7/4/2020
It is extremely rare to find a location that exceeds expectations, one that is even more beautiful than the pictures posted online. This property, location, and host... these are the exceptions to that rule. Our stay over the long holiday weekend was absolutely perfect and more than I could have ever expected. If you appreciate castles, architecture, great hospitality, nature, small towns with wonderful food and people, or even just a picturesque view and a comfortable bed - this is the place for you! I’ve done my fair share of traveling and as a designer, I have pretty high standards for where I stay, so simply put, I HIGHLY recommend visiting any one of John’s locations. You will not be disappointed! If you get the chance, I also recommend chatting with John. A truly genuine man with a deep appreciation and connection to the immersive world he has created in Highland Castle. An experience you will never forget.
Margo
7/4/2020
John’s place is like nothing other than perfection. The castle is stunning and the view leaves you speechless. I will be returning for sure!
Hank
5/15/2020
The Highland Castle is absolutely stunning! The views of Lake George are breathtaking. This is the perfect place to relax and unplug from everyday life! We had a wonderful weekend and highly recommend the Castle Cottage!
Kelsey
2/20/2020
The Castle Cottage is the single most amazing place I've stayed in. From the spectacular views, the incredible hospitality of the host's John and Yvonne, to the decor and luxury of the castle itself, it exceeded my wildest expectations. I guarantee a lifetime of memories (and some fantastic photos!) if you choose to stay here.
Cheryl
10/27/2019
PERFECTION! Where do I begin? Oh yeah it’s a castle! If you stay here you’ll be staying in a castle. I was having lunch nearby in Saratoga and looking for where I would stay and came across this property overlooking Lake George. By the way, the view is unprecedented. Gorgeous sunrises over the mountains and lake, starry nights, and golden hour before sunset with all of the full peak foliage was wonderful to see from the veranda. My stay was like a fairytale, it really does feel magical and like you’ve stepped back in time or to another place. I could sit outside overlooking the lake for hours, it’s very calming. Both around the grounds and all throughout the castle interiors you’ll see hundreds of perfect little touches. John has crafted a masterpiece and filled it with so many amazing things to see (and explore). Lots of artwork, medieval touches, stained glass accents, and secret passageways and nooks to uncover. When you walk into the great room you will be blown away and when you wake up in the royal suite you really feel like a king (or queen) in your own personal kingdom. I’m so thrilled that I decided to stay here and very happy with my host and experience. They made me feel like I was part of their family and belonged here. I almost didn’t leave! I cannot wait to go back, I’ve been telling everyone how cool it was to check this off my bucket list and spend the night in a real castle. This has been the highlight of my trip.
Curtis
10/18/2019
We live in NYC and London and we were looking forward to getting out of town and enjoying the fall foliage somewhere up north. We found Highlands Castle. All the reviews were so positive - so I wasn’t worried. The Castle itself is a sight to behold. Beyond beautiful. The view was so spectacular and the Castle Cottage was perfectly situated. John is a welcoming host who has a laid back and friendly demeanor. The story behind his vision and execution of building the castle is truly inspirational. Few people could take on such an undertaking. We felt like we were the only people staying there - but the accommodations were full so don’t delay making your reservation or you’ll miss out! The town of Bolton Landing is lovely and we really enjoyed the restaurants.
Karen
10/1/2019
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Highlands Castle! It was a dream! Definitely plan to come back again soon with friends.
Lydia
10/1/2019
Amazing hosts and breath taking views. Everyone needs to stay here at least once to experience its glory. What a treat! Great location in a small town with lots of great eats and easy off and on freeway access!
Tamra
9/1/2019
John, Yvonne, Bella and Major are absolute sweethearts! The views are breathtaking. Best birthday weekend ever thanks to you all! Can’t wait to return for our next trip!
Sabrina
9/1/2019
John and Yvonne were great hosts. The dogs were very friendly as well. Beautiful castle, amazing view and great hospitality.
Richard
9/1/2019
We loved our stay at the Gatehouse! A wonderful location and a place full of character. John was an excellent host, and I would recommend his home to anyone!
Michael
9/1/2019
Magical place. This is a one of a lifetime experience for those who appreciate nature and architecture. The hosts were incredibly friendly and their dogs are very welcoming.
Suzanne
Suzanne, Yvonne and I (and Bella & Major, too!) hope you'll be back with family & friends for another visit one day. You're the best! Until next time... take care and be well, John & Yvonne
9/1/2019
A magical retreat! I can not imagine that a more spectacular view exists. John and Yvonne were gracious hosts. The pride that they take in their venue and the love that they have put into it are easily evident.
Bill
8/1/2019
John and Yvonne were spectacular hosts. They have a truly unique and beautiful home that they take pride in and are so happy to share with others. We spent the perfect family weekend in the smaller castle. The views to wake up to are magnificent! The castle it self is awesome and like no place we have ever stayed before. Definitely the best kept secret of where to stay in the area. Thanks for a wonderful weekend!
Kristen
8/1/2019
Don't hesitate to book. Amazing place with incredible views. John is a great host and his castle is one of a kind.
Peter
2/1/2019
A literal castle overlookinng Lake George. If that isn’t a selling point I don’t know what is. It’s in a good location near several towns and a range of activities - we were there in February, would recommend winterfest and snowmobiling. Great meeting the owners (we rented one room and they stayed in another, you can rent out the whole place or more private outbuildings too) who were very helpful and poured their hearts into this place.
David
We're glad you found us and especially honored that you chose Highlands Castle as the setting for your proposal. Congratulations!
12/1/2018
John is amazing and this castle experience is a must. Worth every penny. He lit a fire for our stay in the Great Hall. The suite was majestic and a lifetime memory. The copper bath tub is luxurious. Definitely come stay with them!
Alok
Alok - It was a pleasure meeting you and your words are appreciated!
10/1/2018
A castle built by the owner's own hands. An almost impossible to imagine feat. Absolutely incredible! Views are breathtaking, our Kings Suite was huge and comfortable and fit for well...a king. Comfortable bed, loving living room, our own patio overlooking Lake George. Amazing. John gave us a tour of the main house. The craftsmanship is spectacular and it is filled with gorgeous stained glass and massive sculptures of men in armor carved out of a single poplar tree. John was warm and welcoming. He helped us find a great realtor as we begin to explore buy our own "castle" up here. Ok, well, not a castle but maybe like a cute cottage! Highlands Castle is a perfect romantic retreat, family get away, or place to host a celebration. For whatever reason you can dream up, just go. And next time you feel like something you are working on is too hard or taking too long, just think of John. He built his own castle over 30 years through sheer will, focus, vision, and tenacity! Inspiring and humbling.
Sally
Sally, I'm grateful for your thoughtful review. Although I designed and worked on much of the construction, it would not have evolved without the effort of some talented craftsmen to whom I am thankful, including my son Jason who was my inspiration, and my wife Yvonne who made it a 'home'. I am the most grateful knowing it is HIS hand who steered the vision throughout the years and made everything possible, while giving a place that sits on top of a mountain, and my life, purpose.
8/1/2018
A majestic castle with miles of lake views. Unforgettable experience! Already planning a return trip.
David
Hi Dave, I look forward to seeing you & Kesorn again! Be well, John
7/1/2018
Castle: check! Perfect Hosts: check! Views: umm... double triple check! Location: yep.. got that too! This stay has been one of my favorite Airbnb stays yet! The castle is as described. John was on premises to meet and greet us upon arrival and check in went as smoothly as possible. The property is centrally located to The marina, dining, and shops but is far enough tucked back into the woods that it looks as though you have a private viewing of Lake George all to yourself. Do yourself a favor and go get lost at the Castle for a bit. We did and loved every minute of it. Thanks again!
Jenna
Thank you for the unique and charming review. Until next time... be well!
5/1/2018
I decided to come to lake George to propose to my girlfriend (now fiancé) because we have never been before and I wanted to give her a new experience she would never forget. When I saw the castle and the pictures it was a no brainer. John jumped on the phone with me after I booked and helped me plan exactly where I was going to propose and even connected me with an amazing local photographer who captured pictures of the proposal. John and his wife are two of the most genuine and caring people you could ever meet. They gave us tips on where to go for food and where to find different activities which were incredible recommendations. They also had two German Shepard’s that were extremely friendly and awesome to hang out with!! And the castle itself... something out of a movie. Every last detail was perfectly planned out. The views from the castle are by far the absolute most amazing views of lake George. We even went up to prospect mountain that overlooks the lake and it didn’t even come close to the views from the castle. Best decision I could have made for this and my fiancé said it was literally the perfect weekend. We are DEFINITELY going back and probably bringing some friends along with us. This place is a rare find and something you should definitely experience in your lifetime.
Rob
Rob, Thank you for the nice review and your kind words. The reason we share our home is for wonderful people like you & Gabriella can show up... what could be better than that for us! Be well until we meet again.
2/1/2018
Highland Castle is magical. If you want a truly unique and memorable experience, Highland Castle is the place to go! The hosts are two of the most genuinely kind people I have ever met - extremely welcoming and hospitable. The structure of the castle is incredible and the views will leave you speechless. I will definitely be planning another trip there soon!
Yasmin
Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you & John again!
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