Massachusetts Has 2 of America’s Most Beautiful Castles

Did you know that you don't have to travel far to see some of the most stunning castles? There are plenty right here in the U.S. For example, Boldt Castle in New York and Scotty’s Castle in California. Castles aren't just faraway dreams. They're closer to home than you might think.

House Beautiful, an interior decorating magazine, compiled a list of the most beautiful castles in the nation. This compilation was created with input from their editors, creative personnel, and a network of interior designers. It also incorporated information from various sources to establish the selection of featured properties.

They did note that all of their choices are not technically castles but that their selections offer what most castles do, which they said is "majestic glory."

On the list of the most beautiful castles is the Boston University Castle. It sits at the Bay State Road and Granby Street intersection and is within the Back Bay West Historic District of Boston. According to the university's website, the estate spans 15,371 square feet and was designed by Chapman & Frazer. Athelhampton Hall, a historic home in Dorsetshire, England, inspired it. The Tudor Revival-style mansion was built in 1915 and was originally owned by William Lindsey Jr., a businessman, playwright, and poet.

Another castle in Massachusetts they mentioned is in Gloucester, which is Hammond Castle. This castle stands out for its blend of art, architecture, and culture and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Hammon Castle Museum website, it was constructed in the late 1920s by John Hays Hammond, Jr., a renowned scientist, inventor, and art lover.

See their list of stunning homes, ranging from a secret gem nestled in Central Park to an 800-year-old cliffside dwelling in Arizona and the location where Kevin Jonas tied the knot with his wife Danille, and Taylor Swift filmed her "Blank Space" music video. Take a look at the complete list of the most beautiful houses here.

In New England, it's confusing enough to know when you pronounce a "R" in a name and when you don't. Luckily, in these unique Massachusetts town names you won't have that problem. They are all straightforward in their spelling, and result in a chuckle.

Many of these locations are spread in rural parts of the state. Even those born and raised here may have never known they existed. The common thread between them results in two questions. Why? And, who got to select this name?

Whether we are talking about a two-state description or a 700 household community nuzzled into a larger town, there is no shortage of creativity here. Massachusetts is well-known for its wide array of Universities. In addition, we experience all four seasons to the fullest. The state is filled with passionate sports fans that stand behind five professional teams. Furthermore, there is deep history tied to very formative years of the country. From Pilgrims to Mayflowers to Rocks. Yet, none of those elements seem to factor into the naming of these municipalities.

The Bay State is certainly filled with culture. There are islands (including Five Pound Island). A Cape Cod town that combines Barn and Stable. Not to be forgotten is a coastal hamlet called Cow Yard While it was hard to pass by Second Cliff, Third Cliff and Fourth Cliff (all individual areas), here are five of the most unique Massachusetts town names.

Located in the northern corner of Berkshire County, Florida this is the highest point of the Mohawk trail. It has one school that serves Kindergarten through eighth grade. It is one of the smallest towns in the state, 337th out of 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.

Technically, Weweantic is census-designated place within Wareham in Plymouth, County. However, residents typically say they live in "Weweantic". The 730 households consist of a population around 1,500 people. There's also the Weweantic River, which claims to mean a crooked or wandering stream.

Located in Hampden County, Dingley Dell is only about 15 miles from Northern Connecticut. It's south central Massachusetts. There is a large conservation area and waterfall nearby. History books have shown there was a country resort in the early years of the twentieth century in Dingley Dell.

The City of Wyoming is located in Middlesex County and often referred to as part of the larger Melrose community. There is a MBTA Commuter Rail station in Wyoming Square. The name "Wyoming" can be traced back to being affiliated with big plains or prairie land. Fun fact - there is also a Wyoming in Kent County, Michigan that holds a population of roughly 76,000 people.

Although Braintree is known as a town, it is technically considered a city. It is located within the eastern portion of Norfolk County. It is named after the Essex county town of Braintree in Eastern England. It is the largest of the unique names covering 14.6 square miles. There are six elementary schools, two middles schools, and a high school in Braintree.