Contents
Who was Adrianne St George?
Adrianne St George was an American author, illustrator, and socialite who lived in a 63-room castle in Savanna, Illinois, with her husband, Alan St George, a sculptor and artist. Adrianne and Alan were married for 31 years and devoted their lives to creating and restoring their home, Havencrest Castle, as a temple of love and art. Adrianne wrote an autobiography, A Very Special Person, and a book of etiquette, Millennial Manners. She also illustrated a series of children’s books and wrote, produced, and starred in a children’s fairytale, The Day the Queen of Cold Got a Facelift. She was the founding member of the Carroll County Humane Society and a hostess of lavish and elegant parties. She was known for her beauty, charm, and grace.
How did Adrianne St George die?
Adrianne St George died on June 1, 2006, at the age of 55, at her home, Havencrest Castle. The cause of her death was not publicly disclosed, but it was reported that she had been suffering from a long illness. Her husband, Alan, was by her side when she passed away. He later said that her death was the most devastating event of his life and that he lost his inspiration for art and creation. He described her as his soulmate, his muse, and his best friend.
What happened to Havencrest Castle after Adrianne St George’s death?
After Adrianne St George’s death, Alan St George continued to live and work in Havencrest Castle, but he did not open it to the public for several years. He said that he wanted to preserve the castle as a tribute to his wife and their love. In 2011, he started to create bronze sculptures and in 2013, he opened the castle for limited public tours, after the encouragement of his friends. In 2018, he began to offer tours on the weekends of May and October, allowing visitors to see the art and architecture of the castle and to hear his voice guiding them through an audio app. He said that he wanted to share the beauty and magic of Havencrest Castle with the world and to honor his wife’s memory.
