Don't just take the word of the Sorting Hat — see what fellow witches and wizards are saying!
★★★★★ 4.9 out of 5 average rating across 255 verified Airbnb reviews for The Castle, Forbidden Hut & Dark Manor (Aug 2026)
Absolutely amazing!!! This place exceeded expectations with all the incredible attention to detail. Clearly setting up this place was a labor of love for all things Harry Potter. The ambiance in this old house is unmatched. Nate was very responsive to all messages and was committed to us enjoying the space. We stayed here with our five (grown) kids and their spouses and kids (aged 5 months to 9 years). Everyone had an absolute blast! The pool for us was key for hours of fun in the hot Maryland summer. The inside was cool and comfortable, with the rooms all decorated in unique Hogwarts style and everything was clean. We utilized the fire pit, the pool table and other games, as well as did the scavenger hunt (a favorite!) and one of the escape rooms - which was very cool. Love this place! Our family members are all asking when we can come back again. Thank you, Nate!
Our group of 11 had an amazing four-night stay split between Wizards Escape and Hagrid’s Hut (Hut specific review on Hut’s page). The house itself is a true work of art, beautifully decorated with impeccable Harry Potter-themed details that delighted all, regardless of age. There was plenty of space for our group, with comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, and a well-stocked kitchen. Dining together in the Great Hall was a special experience and allowed everyone to share stories of what they had done. Wizard’s Escape themed escape rooms were challenging, creative, and expertly designed. The scavenger hunt, Wizard Golf, firepit, and huge in-ground pool added even more fun and kept everyone engaged. We were impressed by the attention to detail and how well everything was maintained and updated. Nate is the perfect host and went above and beyond, providing helpful instructions and support before and during our stay, ensuring a smooth and memorable visit. Highly recommend Wizard's Escape!!!!
This is a review for both the Wizard's and the Hut. We had family coming in from out of town for a large gathering at my home. We rented these 2 homes that Nate offers that are side-by-side. The convenience was the main reason we choose this location. However, our family wants to come back just to stay in these homes and enjoy all of the amenities. There are so many games and activities! The homes had so much space we weren't crowded even when everyone was in at once. The decorations appealed to the young and old among our group. The beds and linens were comfortable and fresh. There were so many cabinets and equipment in the kitchens that it did take awhile to find what we needed, but mostly everything was eventually on hand. These home are absolutely amazing and so much fun!
Hagrid’s Hut was nothing short of an amazing experience for my wife’s birthday. A group of 6 of us came down from PA & enjoyed every moment of our weekend. Whether it was doing the scavenger hunt & escape rooms, or just hanging by the fire pit or game room, there was always something to do to keep us busy. We even took time to explore around town & found spots recommended by Nate to enhance our Harry Potter experience. We definitely will be back in the future we all agreed. 10/10 recommend this stay for anyone wondering!
Wow! The Wizard’s Escape property was incredible. The attention to detail in the theming was magical and completely immersive! My personal favorite room is the potions classroom! While the description of the property was accurate, it really didn’t prepare us for just how amazing this property is. The space is beautiful the whole HP aesthetic is spot-on. There is so much to do! There are two escape rooms, a scavenger hunt that leads to a secret room and lots of games to play. The kitchen is well-appointed and has tons of whimsical extras to make you feel like you are really in the story. I cannot recommend this property enthusiastically enough!
We booked very last minute after needing to evacuate the outerbanks during hurricane erin. We were a group of 9 adults and 5 kids. Nate was as accommodating as possible given the short notice and was extremely responsive. The escape room was very well done and the kids loved all the themed rooms. The great hall was perfect for everyone to hang out in, as was the basement with the massive projector screen tv. We had a hibachi chef come one night and do outdoor hibachi next to the fire pit. Harpers Ferry, WV and Frederick, MD are both a short drive away and both had really great restaurants and bars to spend the afternoon.
“Hogwarts is my home.” Right when we walked in, I gasped at the decor. It exceeded expectations in every way. It wasn’t just the decor, but the feeling! So much care and thought was put into creating inviting, exciting, and playful areas to gather with family or friends. I can’t share the surprises, but my oh my was my inner child gleeful! My favorite room was the Weasley’s kitchen. It was the perfect place to gather for late night conversations, and I felt like Mrs. Weasley with prepping food for hungry teens at all hours. I can’t begin to express the joy and excitement in working through the escape rooms (designed by a Ravenclaw for sure). They were quite a challenge but there were helpful clues along the way and Nate was responsive when I needed help in our scavenger hunt throughout the house. The whole stay was pure magic! My whole family can’t wait to come back to this house and to rent the other places nearby (Hagrid’s Hut and Malfoy Manor). Til next time, mischief managed.
This is the first getaway we've taken with (almost) all of our kids and grandkids. We loved the fun magical Harry Potter theme. The rooms were fun to explore and there was lots of awesome photo opportunities. Everyone loved the pool. It was very clean and well maintained. We found all but five of the scavenger hunt items so we didn't win anything, but it was still fun to search. We also weren't able to get through either of the escape rooms - truthfully, I think everyone was just distracted with other things to do and getting to spend time with so many family members. There was adequate sleeping space for everyone. The neighborhood was very peaceful. We had a few minor issues, but nothing that prevented us from having a fantastic time. The owner was usually very responsive. There was no one booked the night before so he was kind enough to let us check in a little early. The check in process was quick and easy. I can't wait to see the new place he's creating!
Our family of five had an amazing time at the Wizard's Escape castle. As a family who loves HP and Escape Rooms, it was a perfect way to spend 36 hours of family bonding. The scavenger hunt was fun to do together as a family, and we thoroughly enjoyed both Escape Rooms. We purposely planned to go during the summer so we could enjoy the pool, too. The details throughout the house were thoughtful and made wonderful photography ops that the kids enjoyed. Thank you for creating such a fun space for our family to enjoy some fun without screens.
Our stay at Dark Manor was amazing! The house was huge, beautifully furnished, and every detail made us feel completely immersed in the theme from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere was fun, unique, and incredibly well done. There was plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves, and the décor really made the experience memorable. We had a fantastic time and would absolutely stay again! The host was incredibly accommodating, quick to respond to any questions, and made the entire experience seamless from start to finish.
I've never read a word of a Harry Potter book, and I haven't watched a single frame of the movie franchise, so I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy my stay. But it was immediately clear that you don't have to be a Harry Potter fan to appreciate the details and imagination that went into this experience. So many little Easter Eggs and surprises to keep you and your group entertained. The self-guided escape rooms are a truly unique touch. I especially enjoyed unwinding with a drink at night in the Potion Room. There really is something for everyone here and I can't recommend it enough.
I was extremely fortunate to win a night in the Forbidden Hut, and it was incredible! The attention to detail in the decor and the built in escape rooms and scavenger hunt made the entire experience magical. We traveled with 4 adults and 5 kids and fit comfortably in the house with room to spare. Each room was unique and fit the theme perfectly. Our group particularly enjoyed the living room escape room, and the kids were able to participate and help solve clues. The logistics of the stay were wonderful - clear instructions, responsive host, all expectations met, if not exceeded.
We had a wonderful stay at Wizard’s Escape - Forbidden Hut for my grandson's 13th birthday. The design was completely on point and truly magical! The two escape rooms and the scavenger hunt kept everyone thoroughly entertained. The Three Broomsticks pub area was also incredibly cool, big, and spacious, and the kids loved the air hockey table. Nate was very helpful when I reached out to him with questions. Easy check-in. My grandson enjoyed it so much he already wants to book their other properties! Overall, well worth 5 stars. Thank you for an unforgettable birthday adventure.
Awesome place for family to have fun together. Our group consisted of family ages 17 to 79 and we all had a great time. The wizardly ambience was felt throughout the main house and the three other buildings included in the stay. A terrific venue for a teen weekend sleepover, and perfect for a mom's getaway trip too! Nate's description of the property is on point.
Simply AMAZING 😍 I’ve had the opportunity to stay at all three of Nathan’s houses, and every single one of them is absolutely incredible, magical, and beautifully themed. They’re packed with games and fun activities, each one has its own Escape Room, and there’s even a treasure hunt with a prize at the end! If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can’t go wrong staying at any of Nathan’s properties. You will not regret it!!
What a magical weekend! We stayed in the Dark Manor house for 2 nights and celebrated both a 40th birthday and an 11th birthday. The kids had a BLAST exploring all the details in the house, especially the trap doors and secret passageways. They were obsessed with the vanishing cabinet in the basement. My 3 kids were incredibly sad when we got back home. They could have lived there forever.
We went as a group of 7 people. My family has always been huge Harry Potter fans, and this was simply the best experience we’ve ever had! The castle is incredible, magical, full of decorations, and truly makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Hogwarts. There’s a treasure hunt that unlocks one of the rooms in the house, an escape room, a pool, a pool table, several Harry Potter games, and TVs. There’s never a dull moment!
Our stay at Wizards Escape felt like stepping through a hidden portal tucked behind a crooked bookshelf. From the moment our group of 12 arrived, every detail radiated creativity, comfort, and pure enchantment. The home was incredibly spacious, which made it perfect for our Harry Potter-inspired murder mystery event. It wasn’t just a place to stay, it became the setting for one of the most memorable visits we’ve ever had.
WOW! better then advertised. The attention to details, the challenging escape rooms, the scavenger hunt (make sure you double and triple check ALL rooms) and frisbee quidditch made this a memorable birthday celebration!
Best stay and experience ever! Had a group of 15 which included adults and children. There was a lot to do for everyone and a lot of space. The attention to detail was incredible. Whether you’re a HP fan or not, you will really enjoy it. 10/10 experience, coolest airbnb I’ve ever stayed in.
We definitely enjoyed our stay, between the pool, escape rooms, scavenger hunt and all the fun things to look at our family was busy for hours! The hosts were very responsive and the place was exactly as described!
Our group absolutely loved our visit. The house and outbuildings are impressively themed with many thoughtful details. It’s easy to host a large group and everyone will find so much to enjoy during their time here.
We had a magical stay at hagrids hut!! The escape challenges and all the attention to detail was so fun. We loved opening the front door and having the Harry Potter playlist greet us. Made even entering the house special!
Pictures weren’t nearly enough to describe how beautiful this place was. My group ranged from toddlers to elderly. All enjoyed the decor and activities and most of all, they were all Harry Potter fans. Some even said they were happy to live out their fantasy inspired by this adventure.
Honestly, the photos don’t do this house justice. Every detail is thoughtful and well done. We were a three-generation family visiting for one of the kid’s birthdays, and we all had an excellent time. The kids loved the awesome play room - the slide was amazing. Overall, we had a great stay and would highly recommend!!
Hosted our company retreat here and my staff loved this place!
Our group had a fantastic weekend stay at the Dark Manor! Nate did a terrific job answering any questions we had concerning the house and surrounding area. The rooms were decorated incredibly well and there was plenty of room to spread out and enjoy things. Anyone looking for a fun getaway this is a great place to visit! You will not be disappointed.
See why guests book for a wizard-themed weekend, an escape room getaway, a birthday weekend, a bachelorette party, a corporate retreat, or a large group getaway. Adamstown is also close to things to do near Frederick, MD. Planning a multi-generational trip? See our family reunion guide.