![]() The Reeder family has owned the property since 1992, expanding the property in 2004 to include a second hotel and second ballroom event space. They’re also responsible for adding one of the current ballroom spaces that overlooks Seneca Lake. The Goldens opened the doors as a hotel in 1984. Robert and Nancy Golden, who bought Belhurst Castle from Red in 1975, converted the residence rooms in the original structure to guest rooms. Dwyer’s “Restaurant in the Castle” laid the groundwork for Edgar’s Fine Dining Restaurant that is in operation today. He closed the casino in 1951 but continued a restaurant operation that ultimately earned him widespread fame. For 18 years, he ran a supper club and gambling casino in Belhurst. A Democrat and Chronicle article from April 21, 1968, described him as “a red-necked, freckle-faced, red-headed Irisher from the wrong side of the tracks.”ĭuring Prohibition, Red got to bootlegging ale and whiskey from Canada. She left the house to her grandson, who sold it to Cornelius J. ![]() And one day, the story goes, that’s exactly what happened-but a wave killed Bucke and the actress, so now they haunt the property.Ĭollins lived in the Romanesque-style Castle until her death in 1926. According to legend, Bucke built underground tunnels connecting the Castle to the shores of Seneca Lake in case he needed to make a quick escape. She also inherited a legend from the previous owner, William Henry Bucke, who had run away from Covent Garden Theatre in London with an actress and the funds he embezzled. She imported many of the materials to build the Castle directly from Europe. Harron has abundant means for its improvement, and we have the opinion that when she declares it finished, it will have become transformed into an almost paradise.”Ĭollins was known for her golden pheasants, which roamed the Belhurst grounds and drew tourists from afar. ![]() An 1888 article on the Belhurst property said that “Mrs. Within a few years, Collins was working on building a lavish private residence. a grand location for an all seasons public resort.” 20 of that year, The Geneva Advertiser called Belhurst “one of the finest residence sites in Western New York. Larger-than-life people like Carrie Harron Collins, who purchased the land known as “Bellehurst” (beautiful forest) and the dilapidated house on it in 1885. “There is no story without the people,” she adds. Osburn’s conclusion: “Belhurst is the stuff of legends.”Īnd it’s the people who bring the buildings and objects alive. Not all of it has been proven true, but the stories have traveled with Belhust Castle for decades.Īnd now, Geneva Historical Society archivist Karen Osburn and the team at the Geneva Historical Society have been able to confirm some of the history by researching the people who lived there. Underground tunnels, hauntings, fugitives hiding from the law, illegal gambling.
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