Future of Hearthstone Castle

Already showing signs of deterioration at the time of the City of Danbury’s purchase, the Castle has badly deteriorated over the ensuing years due to water damage that has caused the structure to be boarded up and declared unsafe for entry by visitors. While the exterior walls remain largely intact, the roof and floor have been structurally undermined leaving the interior in need of total renovation.

The Tarrywile Park Master Plan approved by the Tarrywile Park Authority and City of Danbury in 2004, established two options for renovation of the Hearthstone Castle. The first option involves developing the Castle into a three season pavilion and observation tower. The plan includes stabilization and limited renovation of the castle to provide a kitchen facility for picnics, seating areas for picnics, creation of an observation tower to take advantage of the spectacular views afforded by the site and establishment of an educational area, historical exhibits and tourist information center. Efforts would include restoration of the historic landscape and garden design as well as expansion of the site’s hiking and passive recreation facilities.

The second option includes the complete restoration of the castle and development of a fully functioning building with lodge areas, restaurant, museum, conference rooms, classrooms, wellness center, information desk, staff residence and gift shop. Restoration of the original gardens and expansion of the hiking trail system would also be undertaken. The restored castle and grounds would provide a major attraction and gathering place for the city, rescue a structure on the National Register of Historic Places and provide an on-going source of operating income to the Tarrywile Park Authority.

While Option 2 would be the preferred option in a perfect world, significant community effort will be required to overcome major financial obstacles. The advanced deterioration of the interior structure of the castle will require a very costly total preservation and renovation effort. Initial estimates in excess of one-million dollars have been suggested. In addition, significant exterior site infrastructure improvements must also be made, including site access and provision of public water and sewer to the castle site. Option 1 was proposed to provide a less costly means of stabilizing the castle and making use of the unique advantages offered by the site. Whatever strategy is adopted, the imperative challenge is to stabilize the castle structure immediately to prevent it from deteriorating beyond the point of no return.

The Friends of Tarrywile Park is committed to working with the Tarrywile Park Authority and the City of Danbury to preserve the Hearthstone Castle and ensure that the castle area is responsibly enhanced to its fullest potential. If you are interested in joining the effort to improve the castle and implement the Tarrywile Park Master Plan please consider becoming a member of Friends of Tarrywile, patronizing our events or making a contribution or bequest to the endowment fund used to finance improvements to Tarrywile Park.

Please click here Become a Member of the Friends to find out more about becoming a member of Friends of Tarrywile Park and help us Save the Castle.