gillette castle

 

 morgana and greg are in connecticut as morgana has more sturbridge days to work this summer. each year she's supposed to put in fifteen days. so far she's only done five during july, and will now put in ten more. but first . . she and greg visited gillette castle with my mom, dad and sister (our last visit was in 2011). they started out with a picnic.

 william gillette was an american stage actor famous for his portrayal of sherlock holmes in the early 1900's. he bought the property which resides in east haddam and lyme, connecticut, in 1914. it comprises 184 acres and was called "seventh sister" as it was the southernmost hill along a range known as the seven sisters. it has a beautiful view of the connecticut river and the house itself is quirky, warm, and grand at the same time. he designed much of it himself and even had a small train that ferried his visitors around the property. the state of connecticut took it over in 1943, renaming it gillette castle state park, and it now has hiking trails, a picnic area and a museum. it also hosts many theatrical performances. it's a fun place and i always enjoy going. morgana took these pictures of her visit.

 greg in the main living area. i love the stone fireplace!

 the grand poo-bah on the grand soo-fa!

 a perfect place to lounge and read a book!

 the beautiful wooden staircase . . they are celebrating because nana made it to the top!

 so much warm woodwork in the rooms . . 

 a black cat rug which we all loves! these two pictures show gillette's nieces's bedroom.

 william gillette's bedroom . . i guess he played the violin? i like his binoculars.

one of the seven baths . .

 a beautiful painting called "twilight at the sea" which perfectly reflects chanda's dance that she did for her modern dance teacher, ellen robbin's, this past june. her dance took place by the shore and was called "eventide."

 the view from the top!