Gillette Castle

Yesterday Andrew and I went out to  East Haddam to see Gillette Castle.  The castle was owned by William Gillette, the actor who played Sherlock Holmes.  He modeled the castle after a castle he saw and liked in upstate New York.  He designed all of the furniture, doors, windows, and light switches.  They are very unique, as is evidenced by the pictures below.  We spent the afternoon touring the castle and seeing the grounds.  The views are amazing.  The castle was fascinating as well.  The furniture is built in.  We also learned that William Gillette was quite the jokester, and that he did not like people to "just drop by."  It was a very enjoyable afternoon and I would definitely recommend seeing the castle and taking the tour.

us in front of the Castle

nice view

there is a mama deer and her fawn that you can barely see

the mama deer and her fawn

Gillette Castle

Gillette Castle

Gillette Castle

Grand Central Station

view of the river

view of the river

Gillette Castle

light switch

door to secret passageway

the Great Room

fireplace in the Great Room

fountain in the Conservatory

kitchen

kitchen sink

fireplace in the lounge

door with intricate latch system

desk in the study - chair is on a track system

window with latch system designed by William Gillette

bar in the lounge designed by William Gillette

view out the window

latch system for window

fire extinguishing system

door

"Aunt Polly" was the name of his houseboat

light switch

the Green Room

dresser and mirror in the green room

light switch for light over Gillette's bed

bureau designed by Gillette in his bedroom

Gillette's things on his bed

beautiful light in the stairway

the Library

the library

nook on the third floor

Gillette Castle

gorgeous view

gorgeous view

top of Gillette Castle

Top of Gillette Castle