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
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
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
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
7/4/2020
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
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
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
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!
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!
