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3.6
26 votes

Gimghoul Castle

705 Gimghoul Rd, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514 USA

  • Independent
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“A place shrouded in legend”

Gimghoul castle, which was originally known as Hippol castle, was built in 1924 and took about $50,000 and 4-6 years to build. The appearance of the castle came about through the contruction of 1,300 tons of rough stone that French artisans supposedly cut to build it. The 2.15 acre land is owned by the Order of the Gimghoul, a non-profit organization of men. Rumor has it that the secret society was founded in 1889 and has numerous notable UNC alumni as its members. Today, one must be a noted junior, senior, or faculty male to qualify as a potential member, although it is not open to just anyone. Members are chosen and subsequently invited to be inducted. There are not very many records or traces about the group, which renders it somewhat of a mystery. There are a few legends and stories about the castle, making it an extremely popular topic of conversation. More to come on legends in another group member's post.

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Reviewed by
missytstone

  • 8 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
June 05, 2017
Rated 2.0

Although the castle may be mysterious, it is not worth the visit. In order to be able to see the castle, you have to trespass on private land--yes, there are cameras--for only a short glimpse. If the castle were open to the public or if there were more information about it, then the stop would be more worthwhile.

1 person found this review helpful
  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
July 08, 2014
Rated

visited it today! it is at the end of a dead end road in a very wealthy neighborhood, there were cars there so we didn't get out. it sure was cool to see though!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Michaela

  • 3 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
March 07, 2017
Rated

Couldn't find it. Drove around for twenty minutes before giving up

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Reviewed by
JonahHicks

  • 3 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
August 08, 2016
Rated 3.0

It was a cool thing to see, but you can't go in it or even very near it.

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Reviewed by
FunTimesAhead

  • 7 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
June 11, 2015
Rated 1.0

Was driving through town, looking for it. Couldn't find it via Mapquest and our GPS, so decided to go on our merry way. It will stay a secret to us! LOL!

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Reviewed by
Ricky

  • 10 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
December 11, 2014
Rated 2.0

It looks cool, but you really can't get close enough for it to be worth it.

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Reviewed by
Greg Newkirk

  • Expert
  • 314 Reviews
  • 374 Helpful
September 30, 2014
Rated 3.0

The alleged home of a mysterious secret society, the Gimghoul castle is a neat place to see in person, though don't expect to get in - it's for members only.

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Gimghoul Castle

705 Gimghoul Rd
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
27514 USA
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