Gillette Castle State Park was one of the places I had been wanting to visit. Unfortunately I didn't realize that once school starts, the tours end. Bummer. It was still fun checking it out from the outside.
This home was designed by the owner, William Gillette, an actor best known for his on-stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. He lived here from 1919-1937.
Gillette was apparently quite eccentric. He included 47 unique doors with locks- some require solving a puzzle to open, a series of mirrors so he could spy on guests from his bedroom, secret passageways and rooms. At one point he shared his home with 17 cats. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Gillette passed away without heirs, and his will excluded any "blithering sap-head who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded. So in 1943 the 183 acre property was acquired by the State of Connecticut and renamed Gillette Castle State Park. Now many people can come visit and appreciate this incredible building and land. Just try to come on a weekend during the summer, when you can tour the inside.
No comments:
Post a Comment