Perched 200 feet above the Connecticut River, about two hours from Boston, lies a stone castle with a few tricks up its sleeve. Behind its rugged walls, you’ll find secret doors, puzzle locks and hidden mirrors—all part of a home designed by an actor who knew how to make an entrance. Once the retreat of William Gillette, this 14,000-square-foot castle now anchors a scenic state park, complete with woodland trails, picnic spots and sweeping river views.
Gillette Castle State Park
This medieval-style castle was built between 1914 and 1919, using local fieldstone and a steel framework. Gillette called his home Seventh Sister, after its location atop the southernmost hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters. The actor personally designed the 24-room retreat and much of its furniture, filling the interiors with details as theatrical as his performances. Think 47 distinctly designed doors, built-in couches and a movable table on tracks.
Gillette made his name adapting and starring in the 1899 play Sherlock Holmes. Over nearly 33 years, he played the detective approximately 1,300 times, helping establish the character’s familiar image through his deerstalker cap, traveling cloak and curved pipe. At home, his flair for drama continued: strategically placed mirrors let him observe arriving guests and time his entrances for their amusement.
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