GILLETTE CASTLE STATE PARK

'Gillette Castle State Park' is located in East Haddam, Connecticut in the United States. One of the notable features of the view from the Connecticut River, the castle was originally a private residence commissioned and designed by William Gillette, an American actor who is most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage.
After Gillette died, with no wife or children, his will appointed to preclude for his castle any "blithering sap-head who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded". In 1943, Connecticut's government took the property, re-baptizing it ''Gillette's Castle'' and ''Gillette Castle State Park''.
Located in 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, it was reopened in 2002. After a four years of restoration, costing 11 million dollars, it now includes a museum, park, and many theatrical celebrations. It receives 100,000 annual visitors, who can hike or picnic there.
The park consists of both the castle and the grounds around the castle. There are a number of oddities in the castle personally designed by Gillette, such as unusual doorknobs and locks, and a system of hidden mirrors for surveillance of the public rooms from the master bedroom; contrary to popular belief there are no secret passages.
The grounds used to have a railroad track with a working steam engine that visitors could ride on, also designed by Gillette. Some of the track was purchased by Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut and is in use to transport guests around the lake. The remaining track was pulled up and converted into walking trails. There is also a picnic area. From the castle's garden one can see the Connecticut River.

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External links

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External links

★ Connecticut State Park Website

★ Friends of Gillette Castle State Park

★ another Web page about Gillette Castle State Park