An unexpected win has become the most poetic ending to a magical chapter.

Thirteen years ago, when I entered Barnaby Castle for the first time, I had no idea the path my life was about to take. I often drove by the empty building, fantasizing about what I would do to save her, should I ever have the opportunity.

Then, one day, I see a man next to a van by the door and boldness took over. I knew I was going inside.

As I stood on the entry porch—hand on the doorknob—looking at the man on the street, I asked, “Did you buy this?” He looked at me quizzically and answered “yes.”

But, before he could even answer, the knob turned, and I took my first step inside. “Can I see it,” I asked.

And that’s how I met the owner. Warm and welcoming, he showed me around the place. In short, it was hoarder’s dream storage unit; it was full to the brim.

From there, we would keep in touch and occasionally I would stop by to see the progress. During one of those check ins, I was there when the artist in residence discovered another hand-painted mural.

That day the owner shared his plan for the building with me. He wanted to do something like what they did in the 80’s with the Lippitt House on the East Side. House tours on the first floors, apartments on the second and third. As my eyes widened, I offered to help. Having a degree in interior architecture and experience with preservation and raising funds for such projects, I was happy to lend my skills.

Then it happened. He told me he wants me to run it. Live at the castle and help save her though community events, tours, etc. A dream. My dream was being offered to me. In that dusty staircase on Broadway.

To aid in the restoration of the building, events and engagements were booked and the proceeds were used to fund the work. And then came the Halloween party—the event for which this recognition comes.

I first held Halloween at the Castle in 2017. All other events that were hosted there were limited to the use of the first floor. For special events, I would sometimes open my apartment on the second level for VIP overflow. Halloween, however, was a special beast. It took me 6 months of planning and a full month to build out. It was the only event where guests were permitted on all three floors, which meant extra planning. I would personally pack up and move out as my apartment became part of the event space. It also required working with tenants to get them on board and on the same page. Everything was done with volunteers (the real rockstars) and donations (thank you, thank you, thank you!) all while working other jobs, promoting and selling tickets.

Over the course of six years there were five parties and one movie (thanks COVID), resulting in a total of $150,000 raised.

Halloween at the Castle saved seven Tiffany-stained glass windows of the solarium and the windows below them. The funds helped with the exterior painting, shored up the tower and helped mend the roof.

Not too shabby for a rag tag of misfits with no money just looking to do good.

As we know, everything has a season. The season of the Queen of the Castle with her bubble machines and fanciful events has ended. After years of wild ideas, laughter, tears, disappointment and pure beauty, my time there has ended. I found and purchased my OWN castle just last December. It was time.

For years we all knew that Halloween at the Castle was the best event experience in town, but now it is official. Imagine my delight when I received my invitation to attend the Rhode Island Monthly, Best of RI awards for Barnaby Castle.

Thank you to all who helped me create this magical world.

Barnaby Castle. Editors’ Pick. Best Halloween Party.

*PLEASE NOTE* ALL events at Barnaby Castle have come to an end. we thank all who volunteered, attended, and held their special moments with us. Since Kaitlyn took the helm, we welcomed over 20,000 guests through the doors. Thanks for the memories.