Carolands

CAROLANDS FOUNDATION is pleased to open its doors for small curator-led tours of the Château and gardens. Tours focus on Carolands’ rich historical background and classical architectural traditions. Guests glimpse both the “Upstairs and Downstairs” experiences of those residing in one of the last of the Gilded Age mansions.

Because of the extraordinary number of requests and our limited guest capacity, a lottery system is used for granting reservations. Reservation requests will be limited to two visitors.

Names will be selected at random from the full pool of applications. Submitting your name multiple times for the same date will not increase your chances of selection, but you may apply for more than one date.

Tours are complimentary and conducted ONLY on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. by reservation only. Tours vary in length, but please allow for 2 ½ hours. Tours involve as many as 100 steps, both up and down, and include a considerable amount of standing. Guests may not self-tour, and audio tours are not available.

We thank you for your patience as it may take several months to secure a reservation.

Reservations

Applications for tours for 1-2 visitors must be made on carolands.org. Please submit all names when you apply. Submitting an application does not guarantee a reservation. Successful lottery entrants will be notified via email within five business days of the application deadline. Other than student tours, guests must be 16 years of age. Minors 16 to 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Guests are limited to one visit per year.

Visitors without a printed reservation confirmation and picture ID will not be admitted onto Carolands’ grounds. Reservations are not transferable. Guests are asked to arrive at 12:45 p.m. for check-in.

Cancellations

Guests are urged to cancel reservations within 48 hours when they are not able to attend so that others may have an opportunity to tour. To cancel your reservation please email tours@carolands.org. Reservations that are not cancelled within 48 hours count as a visit.

Accessibility

Guests who need wheelchair access are asked to contact the Foundation to arrange for special accommodations. Inquiries may be sent through [email protected].

Student Tours

Inquiries about student educational programs may be sent to tours@carolands.org.

Guest Rules

In order to ensure the enjoyment and safety of guests and to provide for the preservation of the historic building and grounds, the following rules apply:

PARKING

To preserve neighborhood privacy and to ensure guest safety, Carolands Foundation requires that all vehicles park inside the Carolands gates. Guests may not park on Hillsborough streets.

SMOKE-FREE POLICY

Carolands Château and grounds are smoke-free.

MOBILE PHONES

Cell phones must be turned off while on tour.

DRESS

For safety and protection of antique floors, guests are asked to wear flat shoes. The interiors of the Château may be cold in the winter and warm during the summer, and guests are asked to dress accordingly. Backpacks are not allowed.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is not permitted inside the Château. Photography is permitted outside the Château for personal use only. Commercial photography or filming is not permitted.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Carolands Foundation does not assume responsibility for personal items. Valuables should be secured in guests’ cars. Art supplies are not permitted without prior approval of the Foundation.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

Food and beverages may not be brought onto Château property. Bottled water is provided to guests during the tour.

PETS

The only animals allowed on the property are service animals.

FOUNTAINS, POOLS AND STATUARY

Guests are not permitted to wade or make other contact with water features, nor are they allowed to climb statuary.

Apply HereEnter Tour Lottery

Entry for tours in January and February will be available through December 30th with notifications to be sent via email the following week.

We look forward to welcoming you to Carolands
for our Wednesday tours.