Looking for a nice place to spend a little quiet time with your prince or princess? Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Shawnee National Forest in a section of the Boston Mountain Range sits an architectural treasure known as the Goff Duncan Castle. Built as a home in 1965 at the request of the SIUC professor Hugh Duncan, and his wife, Mina, by innovative and ground-breaking architect Bruce Goff, the structure now serves as a bed and breakfast just outside of Cobden, Illinois.
Not initially intended to be a castle, the home was built to utilize the natural surroundings and resources in the area. It blends into the countryside and offers a glimpse of southern Illinois many natives of the region often don’t see. The structure includes not only natural stone from the surrounding area but relies on arches and towers to give it grandeur. A novel aspect is the use of glass ashtrays called “cutlets” throughout the structure that allow sunlight to dance with prism-like effect on walls and floors.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway or a place to relax in tune with nature, The Goff Duncan Castle B&Bis just the spot. Room rates begin at $110 per night Monday through Thursday and $135 per night Friday through Sunday. You can make reservations or contact the owners for more information here. To learn more about the castle, its past, its construction and the current owners, watch the video to the left.
If the romantic getaway includes a wedding, there is always the Bedford stone-built Goddard Chapel in Marion Illinois. Built in 1913, the chapel sits on the grounds of the Rose Hill Cemetery. The interior, which can set 200, is decorated with art glass windows, pressed brick and Flemish oak woodwork. Throughout the chapel, the motif of the Easter lily can be seen, particularly in the paneled ceiling, the pulpit and leaded art glass windows .
For those with a real penchant for castles, you can always visit Castle Park in nearby Carbondale. Officially named the Rochman Memorial Park, the park is privately owned and operated but open to the public. It is a loving memorial to Jeremy "Boo" Rochman, an avid fan of the role playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, who was killed in 1993 automobile accident near the site. The centerpiece is a large castle play set for kids of all ages and grounds are adorned with dragons, wizards and a variety of fantasy creatures. Admission is free but parking is limited.
Let your imagination sweep you away to a fairytale land right here in southern Illinois.
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