Visit These Fascinating Castle Ruins In New Hampshire

Of all the fun ways to spend a day in New Hampshire, we love the ones that include a romp through the woods! Even better is when that romp leads to some pretty cool local history. The simple hike leading to the remains of a once glamorous house will give you plenty of time to imagine what life might have been like way back in the 1920s!

One of the most magical places to get lost in is Madame Sherri Forest at Wantastiquet Mountain The area offers about 513 acres of beautiful landscape, but history buffs will appreciate that it’s also home to the unexpected ruins of Madame Sheri’s Castle.

Kevin Oskow / Google

It’s also the location of former New York socialite and costume designer, Madame Antoinette Sherri.

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Sherri was born in Paris in 1878. And her life was nothing short of fascinating. She moved to the United States with a fugitive man by her side. After his death, Madame Sherri visited a friend in Chesterfield and quickly loved it.

Michelle Thomas / Google

She built her home here in the 1920s and it became a social hub. She often hosted grand parties for friends locally and from her former home of New York City where she was a costume designer.

Michael Bowers / Google

The three-story home was used almost exclusively for entertainment. She actually spent most of her time living in a nearby farmhouse.

Amber Everin / Google

But the roaring ’20s came and went leaving quite a few people penniless. Madame Sherri was one of them and her home was left to ruin.

Timothy Albert / Google

In the 1960s what was left of it caught on fire, creating an even more dramatically abandoned look and feel.

MrMoreMoe / Google

When Madame Sherri visited the home one last time she was reportedly devastated by what it had become. She passed a few years later.

Michelle Mackey / Google

Today, a short hike leads through the forest to the home. Visitors will even find some educational information to highlight their visit and provide additional insight into just who Madame Sherri was.

Dave Felice / Google

You can learn more about Madame Sheri’s Castle by visiting the Chesterfield Historical Society’s website. And if you’re up for a little more exploring check out alltrails.com to see some of the best trails in the Madame Sherri Forest.