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Tour the modern medieval stone castle, hike the wooded grounds along the former bed of a miniature train, revel in the spectacular river views, or pitch a tent in one of the few river camping spots in Connecticut, and discover why so many are drawn to the stunning park.
Gillette Castle State Park straddles the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut in the United States, sitting high above the Connecticut River. The castle was designed and built by William Gillette (1853–1937), an American actor most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage.
Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Wooden light switches, 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. Designed in a medieval gothic architectural style, the outer facade of the structure uses local Connecticut field stone.
The historic home of William Gillette features many incredible things to do. The Visitor's Center is perched atop a bluff that overlooks the river. Inside, see the fully restored train engine that Gillette would use to bring guests around the estate.
It's the castle of William Gillette, who is most known for playing Sherlock Holmes. The 184 acre grounds includes a railroad station, vegetable cellar, and fish pond. There's a big paved parking lot with handicapped spaces in front.
Named the Seventh Sister by Gillette, the property’s focal point is a 24-room stone mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle. William Gillette was born in 1853 in Hartford, Connecticut. His father, Francis, was a Yale-educated lawyer, farmer and prominent politician who served a term in the U.S. Senate.
Gillette Castle State Park is situated at 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423 and is part of the Connecticut state park system managed by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Visit our Directions page to get information on scenic routes to the Castle.
Dec 5, 2010 · Discover Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut: Quirky castle designed by the American actor best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage.
Gillette Castle is the former home of William Gillette, most famous for his acting role portraying Sherlock Holmes. The public river camping sites are on the grounds of his 24 room mansion, reminiscent of a medieval castle. Book Now.
