Place: Thornewood Castle

Location: Lakewood, WA

Date of Investigation: 4/20/15

History:

Thornewood Castle is located in Lakewood, Washington, and was actually the site used in Stephen King’s Rose Red movie. While Rose Red is a work of fiction based very loosely on the Winchester Mansion, the real Thornewood Castle is still considered to be haunted. The house itself is largely a private residence, but part of it is rented out as a B&B, with various special events hosted.
Thornewood Castle has a unique history.  Often referred to as the House Love Built, the home was constructed over a period of three years (1908-1911) by Chester Thorne for his bride, Anna.  Chester, who was a founder of the Port of Tacoma, was largely influenced by the old English Estates, and set out not only to make this Anna’s dream home, but his own as well.

Chester purchased a 15th century English castle/manor home, and had it largely dismantled.  Three ships were commissioned to bring the dismantled materials to Washington State for use in the construction, which was being overseen by famed architect, Kirtland Kelsey Cutter.  The 54 room home features such antiques such as stained glass, woodwork, and an art collection, all of which came from the dismantled English castle, but also featured gorgeous red brick imported from Wales.  The home was built to last for centuries.

While there are many reports of ghost sightings, its important to note that this property is still largely a private residence, and investigations are granted on a very selective basis.  “Gawkers” are discouraged, but guests staying at the bed and breakfast are encouraged to tell their own tales, all of which are quite positive.

Reported Activity:

The most famous sightings include seeing Mr. Chester Thornton, who died in 1927.  he is seen throughout the home and the grounds, but not as often as his bride, Anna.  Anna is most often seen seated in her former bedroom, perched upon her window seat.  She is seen gazing out her window at her beautiful gardens, but more romantically, she is often spotted by brides to be.  Anna’s Suite is a popular room for bridal parties to use as a dressing room before weddings.  Brides will many times report gazing into Anna’s 100 year old mirror as they put on their gowns, only to a woman’s reflection behind them, sitting on the window seat.

Our Investigation: