Connecticut Has its Very Own Castle
@BelleStarr (61047)
United States
June 16, 2019 10:38am CST
Gillette's Castle really is a castle. It was built by actor/playwright William Gillette on the line between the towns of East Haddam and Lyme. It is on a hillside overlooking the Connecticut River.
It took five years for the mansion to be constructed (1914-1919) and after his death, it was purchased by the state of Connecticut. The interior of the house can be visited on a tour. The hiking trails, as well as the extensive grounds, are a popular tourist attraction. There is a snack bar and picnic tables if you want to dine.
This is a great day trip, the views are beautiful and the trails challenging. At Christmas time the house is decorated and we have visited it several times. It is very festive and there is usally music playing and drinks and cookies to be had.
Parking and hiking here are free, only the house tour cost money.
22 people like this
20 responses
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Castle in the Clouds? I have heard of it but I have never been there. I did look it up however and it looks interesting.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Well see, you learn something new every day. It is no Windsor Castle that is for sure but it is a very interesting place to visit.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54189)
• Louisville, Kentucky
18 Jun 19
@BelleStarr yes, I do learn something new every day and that's just one of the many things I love about mylot.
@snowy22315 (169966)
• United States
16 Jun 19
Nice, there is a castle here in VA. I was there last year. I was lucky enough to have dinner there.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Really, where is it? I have traveled all over the state and never come across it, maybe next year when I am passing through I can make an effort to go there.
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It was during the Christmas period when we visited, I couldn't find my other non-Christmas pictures.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It is a special place, we are a lucky state!! Have you taken the Hadlyme ferry?
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246838)
• United States
17 Jun 19
@BelleStarr We are very lucky women in so many ways. I don't remember if that was the name of the ferry.
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
16 Jun 19
I would love to see this castle.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
I am sure you would enjoy it, it is a very picturesque spot.
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
17 Jun 19
Must be very special to have a Castle there and nice photo.
There are Castles everywhere here in most villages at least the ruins still remain.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
17 Jun 19
@BelleStarr
They are all different sizes and sometimes they had a chapel or a monastery to go with it.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Yes and I am sure they are larger than this one but it is impressive none the less.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
18 Jun 19
It is a pretty place to visit at any time of the year. In the winter after Christmas, the house is closed but the grounds are always available.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (48958)
• United States
18 Jun 19
@BelleStarr I've never visited Connecticut. I hope to one day.
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
16 Jun 19
i'm glad such 'twas preserved 'n now shared with all who wish to visit. i'd love to go hikin' there'n the autumn :)
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It is gorgeous at that time of year and they have miles of hiking trails.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
@crazyhorseladycx That would be the most fun ever.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
17 Jun 19
@BelleStarr oh, jest keep talkin' 'n writin' 'f such coz ya know i'd be gettin' better 'n might jest show'n yer doorstep one day'n 's take a lil road trip, lol.
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14351)
• West Haven, Connecticut
18 Jun 19
I had no idea, I was in CT recently too
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
18 Jun 19
Well if you ever return, it is something to consider visiting There is a ferry that runs from Chester to Hadlyme seasonally that is a nice attraction as well.
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14351)
• West Haven, Connecticut
24 Jun 19
@BelleStarr Il keep that in mind, il be back in CT sometime in August
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Thank you, it is from our visit at Christmas time.
1 person likes this
@just4him (306237)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
17 Jun 19
@BelleStarr It's got me thinking Christmas. 
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It is, it is a history lesson but also the hiking trails are amazing.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Awesome … it sounds like an amazing place
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It certainly is unique and one of a kind.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54411)
• United States
17 Jun 19
I remember going to the castle built near Cincinnati ohio (Loveland). Always fun to visit a castle!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Yes, it is. I looked that castle up and that is certainly an interesting one.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54411)
• United States
17 Jun 19
@BelleStarr It was literally built by one person by hand. I love castles!
@yanzalong (18984)
• Indonesia
17 Jun 19
That made me want to have a trip there.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
16 Jun 19
So does Florida--in Disneyworld!! 
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
lol Yes, of course, you are right, Cinderellas Castle lol
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It was built in the early 1900s, I think the Mainers might have objected!! lol Now New Yorkers is another thing altogether. But the river goes to Vermont, Maine is a little too far east.
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Its true there are soma y wonderful things and places to visit.
@whiteream (8567)
• United States
17 Jun 19
Sounds like a lovely place to visit.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It is nice especially at Christmas but the rest of the year it is very good for hiking.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
17 Jun 19
It is always so pretty there. They really decorate the house up in grand style.
