Frequently Asked Questions

Castle Tours

Can I tour of the castle?

Guided tours of Preston Castle are offered every first and third Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information on tours including special group tours, visit Tours.

Facts About the Castle

When was the castle built?

The castle was built between 1890 and 1894.  For more information on the history of Preston Castle, visit History .

What is the size of the castle?

The total square footage of the castle is 46,000 square feet which includes the basement and four floors as well as an annex with a basement.

Who owns the Preston Castle?

The Preston Castle is currently owned by the State of California. The Preston Castle Foundation currently has a 55-year lease of the castle from the state.  The Preston Castle Foundation is currently working to transfer ownership of the castle to the city of Ione to allow for local, community management of the facility.

When was the castle used as a correctional institute for minors?

Wards attended the Preston School of Industry at Preston Castle from 1894 until 1960 when new facilities for the school were completed. For more information on the history of Preston Castle, visit History.

Is the castle a historic landmark?

The Preston Castle is a California State Historical Landmark – #867 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – NPS-75000422.

Why should the castle be restored?

Being over 100 years old, the Preston Castle overflows with craftsmanship both inside and out that is rarely, if ever, seen in buildings of today. Preservation of the castle means saving a historically significant California landmark. The speed at which the Preston Castle can be recovered also depends upon the support of its members and volunteers, and the longer the Castle goes without repair, the more history California loses forever.

How much will the repairs of the Preston Castle cost?

A structural analysis of the castle is underway to determine the full extent of the repairs necessary to restore and preserve the Preston Castle. The full cost is unknown at this time. Review the renovations page for more information.

What are the future plans for use of the Preston Castle?

The specific plans for the future use of the Preston Castle are under development.  Possible uses that are being researched include a Senior Center, restaurant, theater, museum, retail shops and office space.

The Preston Castle Foundation

Who is the Preston Castle Foundation?

The Preston Castle Foundation is made of a Board of Directors and members. For more information on the Board of Directors, visit Meet the Board.

What is the mission of the Preston Castle Foundation?

The mission and purpose of the Preston Castle Foundation is to promote the stewardship of the Preston Castle through restoration, preservation and community utilization.

What are the goals of the Preston Castle Foundation?

The Preston Castle Foundation’s goals:

• Securing adequate funding through various sources to restore and preserve the castle.

• Creating on-going awareness, recognition and support of the restoration and preservation projects and the Preston Castle Foundation through planned events and public relations activities.

Supporting the Castle

How do I become a member of the Preston Castle Foundation?

To become a member of the Preston Castle Foundation, visit Membership.  Your membership donation is tax deductible.

What type of support does the Preston Castle Foundation need?

There are several ways in which you can help support the Preston Castle Foundation's mission of restoring this important piece of Californian culture. Aside from becoming a member, the Foundation is thankful for the many generous donations of funds, physical labor, skills and equipment contributions. Learn more about donations or volunteering online.

If you know of a way in which you or someone you know could help the Foundation, please send us an email to info@prestoncastle.com or call us at (209) 256-3623. Your donations are tax deductible.