Located in Barker, this castle is adjacent to Massachusetts Street and within a 5-minute walk of Theatre Lawrence. Guestrooms at this castle include kitchens, fireplaces, and refrigerators.
Haskell Indian Nations University - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
Allen Fieldhouse - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
Getting around
Lawrence Station - 5 min drive
Topeka, KS (FOE-Forbes Field) - 47 min drive
Restaurants
Bullwinkle's Bar - 9 min walk
Red Lyon Tavern - 16 min walk
Haskell Diner - 3 min drive
Hawk Food Stop at Watson Library - 14 min walk
Maceli's Banquet Hall & Catering - 15 min walk
About this property
Castle 1601: 4BR Historic Family Haven w/ Sauna, Games and More - Near Mass St
Welcome to Castle 1601—a reimagined historic estate blending modern boutique luxury with one-of-a-kind entertainment. Whether you’re gathering for a KU alumni weekend, hosting a family celebration, or escaping for a relaxing group retreat, Castle 1601 offers an unforgettable backdrop designed for shared memories and total comfort.
4 Private Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 6 Beds | Sleeps up to 12
The Grand Gathering Hall: Cozy fireplace, oversized sectional seating, 75" Smart TV, and a handcrafted banquet dining table built for shared feasts.
Game & Entertainment Lounge: 2 poker tables, Foosball, dual 10,000-game arcade stations, and a wet bar.
Chef’s Kitchen: Fully equipped with stainless appliances, expansive counters, quality cookware, and a dedicated morning coffee bar.
Unbeatable Location: Historic, tree-lined neighborhood just minutes from Massachusetts Street dining, Allen Fieldhouse, and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
The Space & Amenities
The Grand Gathering Hall & Dining
The heart of Castle 1601 is crafted for togetherness. Settle into the massive living room sectional to catch the game on the 75" Smart TV or unwind by the ambient fireplace. Just adjacent, the custom handmade wooden banquet table anchors the room—offering ample space for morning coffee, catered dinners, or late-night board games.
The Chef's Kitchen & Coffee Bar
Fully stocked to handle large groups with ease:
Stainless steel appliances: range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and large refrigerator/freezer.
Stocked with quality pots, pans, chef knives, glassware, dinnerware, and serveware.
Dedicated morning coffee bar stocked with essentials for early risers.
The Entertainment Lounge & Library Nook
Game Lounge: Host friendly tournaments across 2 poker tables, foosball, or classic favorites on dual arcade machines loaded with over 10,000 games.
Library Nook: Tucked just off the main living area, this quiet nook features curated book titles and comfortable seating for reading or remote work.
Private Wellness Retreat
Dry-Heat Sauna: Melt away travel fatigue or warm up after a crisp fall game in your private indoor sauna.
Executive Massage Chair: Targeted, full-body relief for quiet mornings or winding down after dinner.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Every bedroom features premium mattresses, crisp hotel-grade linens, smart tv's, and quiet, restorative comfort for up to 12 guests:
Bedroom 1 (Primary Suite): King bed, ambient electric fireplace, generous closet space, and private en-suite bathroom.
Bedroom 2: Two Queen beds with soft layered lighting.
Bedroom 3: Two Queen beds offering a quiet retreat.
Bedroom 4: King bed with generous natural light.
3.5 Bathrooms: Modern fixtures, plush towels, salon-quality hair dryers, and complimentary starter toiletries for unhurried morning routines.
Prime Lawrence Location
5 Minutes to Mass St: Breweries, historic brick storefronts, boutiques, and award-winning dining.
Minutes to KU Campus: Easy drive to Allen Fieldhouse, David Booth Memorial Stadium, and campus tours.
Parks & Trails: Close proximity to Clinton Lake recreation and local riverfront paths.
Guest Access & Practical Details
Exclusive Living Space: Guests have 100% private, keypad-locked access to the entire 4-bedroom Castle residence, kitchen, gathering hall, wellness amenities, and game lounge.
Seamless Entry: The front door opens into an enclosed architectural foyer with dedicated, secure doors. Off the foyer are locked doors to a quiet long-term resident’s apartment and host supply storage. Once through your private interior door, your entire residence is completely independent and accessible only by your group.
A Few Helpful Notes for Your Stay:
➼ Parking: Plentiful, free street parking is available directly along the property on New Hampshire St and 16th St. We simply ask guests to keep neighbor driveways and the alley clear.
➼ Evening Vibes: Outdoor quiet hours begin at 9:00 PM. The Castle’s indoor gathering hall and living spaces are fully insulated for games, movies, and late-night laughs, so please bring the festivities inside after hours.
➼ Good Neighbor & City Compliance: We operate under City of Lawrence Short-Term Rental License STR-003529-2026S. To satisfy local zoning code, reservations follow city residential guidelines (standard families/related groups up to our full capacity; non-family groups subject to standard single-family residential limits).
➼ Safety & Peace of Mind: For your peace of mind and home security, exterior-only perimeter cameras are active on the grounds. The property also utilizes privacy-safe decibel monitors (common smart home sensors that measure volume levels only and are 100% incapable of recording audio or conversations) to protect neighborhood harmony. There are strictly no cameras or recording devices inside the home.
Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a kitchen, a washing machine, and 3.5 bathrooms.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Property Registration Number STR-003529-2026
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do within easy reach of this castle?
This castle is situated in Barker, just steps from Massachusetts Street and Theatre Lawrence. You'll also find Lawrence Arts Center and Spencer Museum of Art less than a mile away.
How much does it cost to stay at Castle 1601: 4BR Historic Family Haven w/ Sauna, Games and More - Near Mass St?
As of Oct 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Castle 1601: 4BR Historic Family Haven w/ Sauna, Games and More - Near Mass St on Oct 19, 2026 start from $781, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is this castle adjacent to a casino?
No, this castle is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this castle?
No, there is no indoor pool at this castle.
Does this castle offer breakfast?
No, this castle doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this castle allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this castle.
How far is the airport from this castle?
The closest major airport to this castle is Topeka, KS (FOE-Forbes Field), which is about 23.7 mi away.
Castle 1601: 4BR Historic Family Haven w/ Sauna, Games and More - Near Mass St Reviews