A Victorian-era castle sitting right in the heart of small-town Ohio sounds like the setup for a fairy tale — and in many ways, it is. The Castle Inn Bed and Breakfast was built from 1895 to 1899 by Samuel Ruggles, who built the castle as a wedding gift to his wife. More than a century later, that same romantic spirit still pulses through its stone walls, drawing couples, adventurers, and history lovers from across the region for a stay unlike anything a standard hotel could offer.
Located just 30 minutes south of downtown Columbus, Ohio in the home of the world-famous Circleville Pumpkin Show, this one-of-a-kind inn blends Victorian grandeur with modern comforts — and throws in the occasional murder mystery for good measure.
What Makes This Inn So Special
Every guest room at the Castle Inn B&B is a unique work of art. Each room features a unique theme, decorated with antiques and filled with comfort. Each and every guest room features a private bath, deluxe queen canopy bed, flat screen television, stereo or alarm clock radio, and soft seating. The inn’s four rooms are spread across the second and third floors, and each one has its own distinct personality.
Each accommodation has a deluxe queen bed — with the exception of the Round Tower Room, which has a king-size bed. The Victorian Honeymoon Suite and The Medieval Honeymoon Suite have heart-shaped Jacuzzis, and the Square Tower Room has an oval Jacuzzi. The Round Tower Room features a bubble tub. The Victorian Honeymoon Suite and Medieval Honeymoon Suite are the property’s most popular rentals due to their Jacuzzi tubs.
In the mornings, one of the Castle Inn cooks will entice you with a delicious home-cooked breakfast — made of your choice of eggs, gourmet pancakes, or their famous Apple French Toast and fresh juices, coffee, or tea. She generally serves items such as sausage, hashbrowns, apple or cinnamon french toast, and eggs provided by free-range chickens at a local farm outside of town. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes getting out of bed actually worth it.
The Murder Mystery Experience
For a truly unique evening of fun and mayhem, the Castle Inn hosts monthly Murder Mysteries held the last Friday of each month. This isn’t your typical dinner theater where you sit and watch — it’s Central Ohio’s most unique interactive experience where the guests are the characters. No acting background required; all personality types are welcome.
Every Murder Mystery stay includes accommodations for two in a fireplace or Jacuzzi suite, costuming, an appetizer buffet, a full sit-down dinner, and a hot breakfast the following morning. The organizers are so thorough that they even provide you with period clothing, and you are prepped as to what role you will be playing upon check-in. Groups staying in character throughout the evening tend to have the most fun — and the castle’s atmospheric setting only adds to the drama.
Romance & Special Occasion Packages
Romantic options are available to personalize your stay, including private candlelight dinners for two, rose petals, and rooms full of votives. A Birthday or Anniversary Bash featuring a Specialty Cake and a path of silk petals to the bed, or fresh flowers and chocolates, are available via pre-order from the staff. These thoughtful touches make the Castle Inn a go-to spot for anniversaries, proposals, and honeymoons.
The Castle Inn is also the perfect location for small indoor weddings and elopements, outdoor weddings in the walled garden, and bridal and baby showers. The Castle Inn is the perfect setting for your Wedding and Reception, be it Traditional, Cinderella, or Medieval in theme. They offer Bridal Luncheons, Showers, Last Girls Night Out getaways, and the ultimate photo shoot locations for life’s special events.
Atmosphere & Décor
It’s more of a mansion than a traditional castle, but a lot of the décor is castle-themed. The building and its history are very cool. From the moment you walk through the door, the sense of stepping back in time is palpable — antique furnishings, themed rooms, and architectural details that speak to the craftsmanship of the late 1800s all contribute to that feeling.
The bed and breakfast also has a parlor, dining room, library room with a TV, and an outdoor walled-in garden with a fire pit and dragon waterfall. Other amenities include free WiFi, a cozy common area parlor complete with fireplace and board games, ice and complimentary snacks, and a wonderful outdoor garden with sitting area. The outdoor walled garden is especially charming — a surprisingly private and serene escape tucked right within the property.
It’s worth noting that the castle is over 125 years old, and its age shows in places. Some visitors have pointed out that certain areas of the building are in ongoing need of repair and general upkeep. If you’re expecting a pristine, polished hotel experience, you may want to calibrate your expectations — but if you’re drawn to historic character, imperfect charm, and an authentic sense of the past, this place delivers in ways that newer properties simply can’t.
Other Considerations
How’s the pricing? Nightly rates are in the range of around $189 per night, with breakfast included. The Murder Mystery packages, which include dining, costuming, and accommodations, will cost more. Given the age and character of the building, some visitors feel the pricing is on the higher side relative to the amenities, so it’s good to go in with the right expectations — you’re paying for a unique experience, not a luxury resort.
Is it good for couples? Absolutely. Most guests consist of couples from their 20s to 70s, and the inn sees several repeat guests yearly. The Castle Inn Bed and Breakfast is primarily tailored to couples, especially with its extra packages. Solo travelers or groups attending a Murder Mystery can still have a blast, but the overall vibe is decidedly romantic.
Can I bring my kids? Children under the age of ten are not permitted. The inn is designed with adult guests in mind, and the intimate, romantic atmosphere reflects that.
What about pets? Service dogs and other animals may be permitted on a case-by-case basis, but such arrangements should be discussed with the inn’s owner ahead of time.
How do I make a reservation? The innkeeper asks potential visitors to call over the phone for a reservation. The Castle Inn is a pre-pay facility due to the limited number of rooms available and the demand. If you need to cancel, they will offer a gift certificate with no expiration date when cancellation is made 2 weeks before the arrival date. Within 2 weeks, a $50 cancellation fee will apply and the remainder of payment will be issued on a gift certificate with no expiration date.
What else is nearby? Nearby events and attractions include the October Circleville Pumpkin Show, the Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Hocking Hills State Park, and the Feast of the Flowering Moon. The downtown area with cute little shops is also within walking distance. One tip worth keeping in mind: the inn is located near train tracks that are active on Friday nights, so light sleepers may want to pack earplugs or request an upper-floor room.
Castle Inn Bed and Breakfast
📍 610 S Court St, Circleville, OH 43113
Website: http://www.castleinn.net
