A divorced New York dad promised his son they'd live in a castle one day — so he built 3, and now anyone can visit

Maria NoyenNov 25, 2021, 23:04 IST

Lavender II fulfilled a promise to his son Jason and went even further to build three castles.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

In 1978, a newly divorced father promised his 3-year-old son he'd build him a castle one day.
Today, John Lavender II owns three castles in upstate New York with scenic views of Lake George.
All three are available to book, together or separately, and sleep up to 21 guests.

Hidden among the forests lining Lake George, New York, are three mini castles with jaw-dropping views of the water and the Adirondack Mountains.

Highlands Castle, pictured in the forefront, sleeps four to eight guests.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

Lavender told Insider that five years before he bought the estate, he promised his son Jason he'd build him a castle.

Lavender and his son Jason pictured in 1983, a year after he bought the land.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

Lavender fulfilled his promise, going even further by designing and building three mini castles largely by himself.

Lavender's dream was to build a home for his son and spend as much time with him as he could.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

Lavender spent years designing each castle bit by bit, and building "two or three walls at a time."

The only help Lavender received was from friends and a few hired hands.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

In the summer of 1995, Lavender was assisted by his son's high school football team to finish up construction on The Castle Cottage.

Lavender taught his son stone-masonry.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

The estate remained a private home for almost three decades, until a near-fatal accident motivated Lavender to open up his doors to guests.

The vestibule area at Highlands Castle.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

In 2010, after careful consideration and deliberation with his wife Yvonne, Lavender opened his family home to the public.

Lavender and his wife Yvonne pictured in the summer of 1987, a year after they met.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

Though he "had no intention" to open their home up to guests, Lavender now feels that sharing the estate with others has given him a new purpose in life.

The doors at Highlands Castle are open to guests.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

Highlands Castle is the biggest property available to book out on the estate. It's also the first one Lavender started building in 1982.

Highlands Castle, the largest mini-castle on the estate, sleeps up to eight guests.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

The interiors of Highlands Castle are as castle-like as the exterior.

Lavender has decorated the interior of Highlands Castle with an array of antiques.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

One of Lavender's most prized antiques is a Romeo and Juliet stained-glass door, which he says is around 250 years old.

The previous owner of the stained glass door told Lavender they came from a Vanderbilt family home.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

Lavender said he had no idea when he bought the land in 1982 that he'd acquired one of the best mountaintop views of Lake George.

Lavender II said his castles have the "most spectacular view of Lake George."Courtesy of Highlands Castle

Steps away from Highlands Castle is The Castle Cottage, finished back in 1995.

The Castle Cottage and Highlands Castle are a few steps from one and other.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

The Castle Cottage, along with the two other castles on the estate, are all just a short walk or three-minute drive from Bolton Landing.

Stones used to build The Castle Cottage were all sourced from a local quarry.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

The Castle Gatehouse, the third property on the Highlands Castle estate, has a Grand Room and a dining area filled with antiquities.

The Castle Gatehouse is also available to rent on Airbnb.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

The Castle Gatehouse was finished back in 1988.

The Castle Gatehouse comes with three bedrooms and its own Grand Room.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

The ultimate dream for Lavender is to keep the castles in the family.

Lavender's dream is to keep the castles, which he promised to build his son back in 1978, in the family.Courtesy of Highlands Castle

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