Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943 from the executors of Mr. Gillette’s will, Gillette Castle and the adjoining property with its fine woodlands, trails, and vistas are now administered for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
This apparently would have pleased Gillette, since his will gave specific directions to see that the Connecticut River property did not fall into the hands “of some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded.”
Excerpt from http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325204
You know – I need to get over there! I have lived here for 47 years and I have been there ONCE! When I was 7! The pix are awesome and I especially love the berries by the icicles! Jealous I didn't take it!!
OH my Goodness! That is really something. WOW…I have never even heard of it..I would love to see it in person. Hugs-Diana
What an inspiration that he left this grand estate so that it would be preserved. Wonderful grounds, and beautiful pictures
Beautiful pictures, Karen…..nice job.
This is beautiful. Beautiful! Even his wishes at the end. What a place ~ reminds me of Maine.
Karen, what gorgeous shots. I love the one of the horses and the sunset one.
Awesome photo's; the last one is my favorite, you have such an eye, Karen. 🙂
Love the header also. 🙂
Gorgeous estate.
You have a ton of snow there. Is it still coming down or has it finally moved on north of you?
Di
AWESOME! I would love to see inside! Have you been?
Thanks for the gorgeous eye candy 🙂
xo, misha
Wow!!! That is straight out of Europe! Just gorgeous as is your photography! Beautiful!
I just got Elements 9 and am so excited! I actually bought the Elements 9 for Dummies book because it is so confusing, but I will persevere!! Have a great weekend! It's going to be 47 here tomorrow… we are freezing!!! Ha!
Stunning Karen! Simply awesome…especially the one with the icicles and the berries!! We have a similar one here in my town…great place to go and take some pics!!
I know about this estate, but have never been there. I must make that a priority. Wasn't Gillette famous for his role as Sherlock Holmes?
What a simply wondrous place1
xo
Claudia
Totally amazing castle–went there in the 70s–your photos bring back memories!! Stunning photographs, Karen, simply beautiful!
xo Cait
Looks as if you've mastered that new CANON Digital SLR. You should consider finding a publisher, Dear. Seriously,
Kurt
Gorgeous shots Karen. Especially the horses, the sunset and the iced thingy with the berries around. Beautiful!
You made it!!!! So knew that you would just adore the beauty & magic in the winter. 🙂
What beautiful country! It really amazes me to see these photos! Thanks for putting me on your blog roll! How sweet! ♥
I meant to get back to Gillette Castle during the holidays for their holiday special weekends…but life got in the way as they say…Beautiful photos!