Gillette Castle State Park

In East Haddam in Southeastern Connecticut, atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, famous for his portrayal of "Sherlock Holmes", 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.

Built of local fieldstone supported by a steel framework, it took twenty men five years (1914-1919) to complete the main structure.


The woodwork within the castle is hand-hewn southern white oak. Of the forty-seven doors within the structure, there are no two exactly the same. Each door has a handsome external latch intricately carved of wood.

Even the Castle's furnishings are indications of Gillette's inspirations. The built-in couches, a movable table on tracks, and light switches of carved wood all point to his creative genius.

Outside on the grounds, Gillette's influence is no less in evidence. The trails often follow, over trestle and through tunnel, the actor's three mile long narrow gauge railroad.

Gillette's own walking paths were constructed with near-vertical steps, stone-arch bridges, and wooded trestles spanning up to forty feet. Other outdoor attractions include a vegetable cellar, the railroad station (Grand Central), and Gillette's goldfish pond.

The flowers around the castle give it a wonderful touch of color on a sunny day!




The pics i have included were taken by my husband on a recent trip to Gillette Castle State Park. The panorama is magnificent. From many points on the castle verandas and at points around the grounds you can see up and down the beautiful Connecticut River.

If you're visiting the area you should definitely plan to spend a day at this historic State Park. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the picnic shelter or grab a bite at the food concession and eat at one of their picnic tables overlooking one of the most gorgeous views you could ever imagine!

A great place for hiking, picnicking, river camping or just enjoying the history of this magnificent castle.


There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds. A per person charge applies for Castle tours.

The Castle is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day. Staff are available to assist with questions about the Castle interior and its history.

You will also want to visit the Visitor Center for some interesting information and displays about William Gillette and this famous historical landmark.

For more information including directions to Gillette Castle State Park visit
State of Connecticut DEP website.