Built in 1914 by William Hooker Gillette, the actor, director, and playwright most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, the ornate, 14,000-square-foot stone fortress sits 200 feet over the Connecticut River atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters and is surrounded by 184-acres of gorgeous Connecticut woodlands. After his passing, the State of Connecticut purchased the castle and adjoining acreage to create a state park. William Gillette gave specific directions in his will that the property did not fall into the hands of some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded.
We visited this castle in July 2021 on a half day trip from Hartford.
Gillette Castle Exterior – From the outside, the home has the appearance of a medieval fortress. Designed in a medieval gothic architectural style, the outer facade of the structure uses local Connecticut field stone. Several beautiful field stone structures also dot the premises, including the Grand Central Station.
Gillette Castle Interior – A man of many talents and full of creative flair, Gillette designed and oversaw the construction of the castle and also created many of the adornments that can be found within. Wooden light switches and door latches, roll-away tables, crafty mirrors, and even secret passageways all designed by Gillette make the home truly into a medieval-style castle from the Old World.
Video of Great Hall and the room next to it with a wishing well and a framed display of international coins collected from the wishing well.