For years, travelers along Route 6 in Swansea, Massachusetts, have watched as a medieval fortress slowly emerged from the landscape—a project that seemed at times as if it would never be completed. Now, after a journey marked by setbacks, anticipation, and a fair bit of local legend, Silver Stone Castle & Family Entertainment is finally ready to open its gates to the public. The grand opening is officially set for Thursday, November 20, 2025, marking a new chapter for both the SouthCoast region and local entrepreneur Joe Estrela, the driving force behind the $20 million venture.
The story of Silver Stone Castle began back in April 2019, when Estrela acquired the 358 Grand Army Highway (Route 6) property, previously known as the Coles River Family Fun Center. The original vision was ambitious: an 87,000-square-foot medieval-themed entertainment complex that would become a landmark for the region. The initial target opening date was July 2020, but, as Estrela candidly admitted in a recent Facebook post, the project was plagued by “setback after setback.” Delays in permits and approvals, labor shortages, and the unpredictable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic all conspired to push back the opening—sometimes to the frustration of a community that had been watching the castle rise, stone by stone, for more than six years. According to the Fall River Reporter, construction officially began in 2021, but the hurdles kept coming.
Despite the challenges, Estrela and his team pressed on, buoyed by the support of the community and a steady stream of social media excitement. “The journey has definitely been a long and arduous one, but we are here today with cause to celebrate!” read Silver Stone’s Facebook post on September 5, 2025, announcing the long-awaited opening date. Estrela himself expressed deep gratitude for the patience and encouragement shown by locals: “We can’t begin to thank each and every one of you enough who have kept faith in us and believed in our journey and purpose. This certainly has been no easy task. To the townspeople, applicants and those of our neighboring communities that have shared in our excitement all along, your unwavering support is what has kept us going through it all!”
So, what awaits visitors behind the castle’s stone walls? According to Fall River Reporter and The Herald News, Silver Stone Castle offers a dizzying array of attractions designed to appeal to all ages and tastes. The centerpiece is a two-story indoor go-kart track, equipped with video-game-style boosts that promise a racing experience unlike any other in the region. For those seeking adventure, there’s a resort-style indoor pool with elaborate grottoes and stonework, a giant arcade, virtual reality games, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, a ropes course, and a selection of amusement rides. There’s even a dedicated area for younger children, ensuring the fun is truly family-friendly.
The entertainment doesn’t stop there. The castle boasts a billiard room and two stages for live performances, hinting at a future filled with music and theatrical shows. The virtual reality room, still in progress as of September 2025, promises to add another layer of immersive entertainment once completed. For families looking to celebrate special occasions, the facility offers six party rooms, including two specialty-themed spaces—The Swordsman and The Throne Room—perfect for birthdays or group events. An outdoor deck overlooks the scenic Coles River, providing a picturesque backdrop for gatherings.
Of course, no medieval castle would be complete without hearty fare. Silver Stone features a tavern-style restaurant and a fine-dining area, both serving a menu inspired by American and Portuguese cuisine, with dishes ranging from steaks and burgers to indulgent desserts. The full-service bar is ready to cater to adults, while the decor—highlighted by a 40-foot dragon sculpture and a 20-foot knight statue—immerses diners in a world of fantasy. The dining area has an occupancy limit of 280, ensuring plenty of space for guests to enjoy the unique ambiance.
The complex also includes a ballroom that can be divided into smaller sections for weddings, corporate events, or community gatherings, as well as multiple party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations. For those who purchased Silver Stone gift cards last year—perhaps wondering if they’d ever get to use them—there’s good news: gift cards can finally be redeemed starting November 20, 2025.
Staffing such an ambitious facility is no small feat. According to Fall River Reporter, hiring began in earnest in August 2024, with a job fair held the following month. The goal: to assemble a team of up to 120 employees, from ride operators and restaurant staff to event coordinators and technical specialists. As of early September 2025, another round of hiring was underway, and Silver Stone’s management assured applicants that they would be contacted within the next few weeks if they hadn’t heard back yet.
Estrela’s inspiration for the castle’s theme reportedly came from a vacation to a former castle in Ireland, a detail that adds a personal touch to the project’s origin story. But the entrepreneur’s decision to build in Swansea, his hometown, was driven by a desire to create a true landmark for the SouthCoast region. “I wanted to give back to the community and create something special right here at home,” Estrela has said in previous interviews. That sentiment appears to have resonated with local residents, many of whom have followed the project’s progress on social media, purchased gift cards in anticipation, and even applied for jobs at the new facility.
For Swansea and the surrounding area, the opening of Silver Stone Castle represents more than just a new place to play—it’s a symbol of perseverance, community spirit, and the power of dreaming big. After years of waiting, the SouthCoast finally gets its castle—not in some distant fairy tale, but right here on Route 6, ready to welcome families, thrill-seekers, and curious visitors alike.
With the grand opening just around the corner, Silver Stone Castle is poised to become a regional destination, offering “a bit of something for everyone,” as its owners promise. And for those who doubted the project would ever reach completion, Estrela’s team has a simple message: let the fun commence.
