Overcast skies carry a chill that feels perfect this early June morning as we stand to look up at this charismatic structure. Passing through the gates of Castle Green, 1940s swing music caresses our ears with a sweet, sultry voice.
We look at one another, smiling — Goosebumps cascade down my back as we pick up the vibe and walk-in the footsteps of the past.
The gardens welcome us with open arms while kindly asking us to sit and swap stories for the afternoon, like an old friend.
The main veranda calls out, drawing our attention to wander lazily underneath the red-tiled roofline and take in the scene behind its slender columns.
Then the main entrance gently grabs our shoulders to guide us inside.
The History of Castle Green
The Webster Hotel was the original building and constructed on the eastern side of Raymond Avenue in 1888.
Castle Green as you see it today was built in 1898 as the Central Annex, by architect Frederick Roehrig. The second of three buildings in the famous Hotel Green complex owned by Col. George G. Green. Opening in 1899 it is a seven-story Moorish Colonial, Spanish and Victorian-style building.
At the time it boasted as being the first-ever fireproof building in Pasadena, because of the steel structure, brick walls and concrete floors.
When the annexe first opened, exterior lights illuminated the two cylindrical towers and the roofline. There was even a glass-roofed garden in the Penthouse.
Outdoor gardens once included what is now Pasadena’s Central Park. In those days there were rose gardens, fountains, paths, a zoo which housed a lion, alligators and ostrich farms.
There was once a pedestrian bridge known as Promenade Hall which connected the Central Annex to Hotel Green. Unfortunately, most of it was demolished along with the central Hotel Green.
An exciting rumour we heard is that a tunnel runs under Raymond Avenue and connects the old wooden Hotel Green to the earliest portion of the hotel and apartments. Although to our knowledge, nobody has come forward to finding it.
The hotel was divided into three parts in 1924 after the resort era. The Central Annex was sold separately and divided into 50 individual apartments. Later it became known as Castle Green.
Earthquakes and Fires
In the 1920s a fire broke out in the earlier built hotel caused by a guest falling asleep with a lit cigar. The fire blazed, and several people died. That part of the hotel sat derelict until the Long Beach Earthquake brought more of it down in 1935.
The main building fell into neglect and was destroyed by the end of the 1950s. The north building was gutted and is now retirement housing. Steel bulkhead with thick bars referred to as the “Frankenstein doors” close the hallways which once connected the two wings.
The Remains
Castle Green is all that remains of the lavish resort, which played host to wealthy business tycoons, the elite and even Presidents. A lavish home away from home for easterners escaping the winters and those suffering from tuberculosis. Some of whom never checked out!
Once upon a time, it was the headquarters for the Tournament of Roses. Now those headquarters are based at the Wrigley Mansion.
Castle Green is on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the oldest standing historic landmarks in LA County.
It maintains many of its original features such as the oldest wrought iron 24-hour man-operated elevator.
The plaster, mouldings, hand-carved fireplace mantles, grills, wood mouldings and unique lighting have been carefully restored in every detail, including the extensive grounds with a lily pond, arched walkways, and verandas.
The Hauntings of Castle Green
Unit 607 is in real estate disclaimers because of its hauntings. Apparently, during the night, the water faucets in the kitchen would turn on, and door handles would jiggle.
A woman in a white cotton Victorian nightgown wanders the hallways. Disembodied voices and rattling chains are heard, along with the pungent smell of perfume.
On the 6th floor, a gentleman appears wearing a top hat and set coat.
A servant boy met his untimely end in the laundry room apparatus, and whispers while you press your clean garments.
A new laundry room sits on the site of the original, but the appliance which killed the child remains. People also report the sensation of being touched by unseen hands in this room.
There are also three coffins in the basement, but they are old movie props.
Our Visit
Four years ago, we parked next to Central Park and walked past Castle Green. We thought it was a magnificent building and desperately wanted to go inside.
We headed to the downtown area and spent the day wandering the streets and window shopping. Eventually, Pasadena grew smaller in our rearview mirror, and we left those thoughts behind, as we were on our journey to Chicago via Route 66. We had no idea we would be back.
Seeing the place again brought back those memories, and this time we were able to go inside! We booked tickets online for the four-hour self-guided tour.
Our eyes didn’t know where to look first. The marble staircase, the dimly lit sconces, the detail in the crown moulding, fireplace, hallway, ballroom.
This place holds an eccentric ambience within its walls. We love it! Maybe a few glimpses of The Shining pops in mind while you look around, but what’s wrong with that?
Hospitable Hosts
Twice each year Castle Green opens its doors to the public, and you can meander through some of the apartments and meet the occupants.
The residence we spoke to were just lovely and even asked us when we would be moving in!
There is also a Ballroom which can accommodate 200 people, a Dining room, a Gentleman’s Smoking Room, a Ladies Salon and a Parlour.
The residents can use all these rooms if there are no events or weddings taking place.
Hollywood and Castle Green
A variety of movies and TV shows have featured Castle Green. The Sting (1973) Sneakers (1992) The Last Samurai (2003) Buffy the Vampire Slayer, NCIS, CSI, X-Files, to name a few. It remains a popular filming location today.
Epilogue
Scattered throughout the world, are places that reach deep into your psyche and grasp your consciousness. You become entangled in a provocative dance with its presence. The energy draws you in and holds your attention, making you feel safe and whole. It whispers to you softly, keeping you mystified.
You become obsessed. If you could only go back in time and walk with the spirits that once roamed the grounds, feel what they must have felt and think what they must have been thinking!
Maybe that is what happens here at Castle Green. You are somehow tapping into paranormal energy that wishes to stay. Once you set eyes on this impressive piece of history, you don’t want to leave.
Perhaps old souls remain outside its gates waiting to hitch a ride back inside, just one more time.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Address: – 99 S Raymond Avenue, Pasadena
- Open to the public twice a year in June and December
- Self-guided tours
- Book in advance for discounted tickets.
- There are several hour-long talks about Castle Green and its colourful history during opening hours
Location map of castle green
- For more historical houses, gardens and places of interest, click the link below.
- To read more posts on forgotten, abandoned and haunted places, click the link below.
The Castle Green used to house an occult store called the Stonehenge Shop on the corner of Green and Fair Oaks … I used to frequent it quite regularly while I was in 9th And 10th Grades … the two old wiccan women who ran it were very kind and interesting. I bought a silver pentagram necklace there and wore it for a while. I also still have tiny drams of patchouli and while musk oil purchased there … funny thing, they are actually prize possessions now that the store and it’s memory are quickly fading into the mists of time. Cheers, enjoyed this post. : )