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A Visit to the Seventh Sister
Connecticut certainly has no shortage of historic residences, unique architecture, and state parks (there are 72 of them!). But, no place in Connecticut embodies elements of all three better than Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam.
Situated at the top of the southern-most hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, Gillette Castle sits in a 204 acre estate along the Connecticut River called the Seventh Sister. Built in 1914 by famous actor William Gillette, who pioneered the role of Sherlock Holmes, the 24 room mansion is built to resemble a medieval castle and boasts some impressive touches designed by Gillette himself, including secret doors, hidden mirrors for surveillance, and 47 intricately designed doors and locks, no two of which are alike. It took twenty men over five years to complete the main building out of local fieldstone, and the result is nothing short of brilliant.
All of the woodwork in the castle is of Southern white oak, including the carved wooden light switches which Gillette designed. The only one of the interior doors that Gillette did not design is one known as the Colt Door. It was a gift from the Colt Manufacturing Company, and the door handle is in the shape of a pistol grip. Other interesting attractions include an outdoor vegetable cellar, the railroad station, a goldfish pond, and the ruins of a stone bridge that Gillette also designed.
The park is open from 8AM until sunset, while the castle opens at 10AM and closes at 4:30PM. There is ample free parking at the Visitor’s Center. After you’ve enjoyed the castle tour (currently $6/person), you may want to go walking on the more than three miles of hiking trails, look for eagles, hawks and other birds of prey along the Connecticut River, or even set up camp for the night at the public camping area, which is accessible by canoe only.
All in all, a visit to the Seventh Sister makes for a great day trip with the family, so pack a picnic lunch and hit the road for East Haddam!
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Here it is Sunday afternoon, just a little after noon. When it comes to blogging it has been said that it is good to post some things personal, not just always business... so here it goes.
I'm sitting here in front of the computer thinking of my day ahead, and just got to the point of pondering, wondering if I am doing the right thing here... This is where you come in. Let me know your thoughts.
Yesterday will be my one month anniversary of getting my left knee totally replaced. Since then I have been moved from the hospital to a rehab facility, and then home 2 days before New Years. I've been using a walker for stability, not only for my left knee, but my right hip that was replaced in September of last year.
I've been working out of the house, and my broker has been wonderful to help step in whenever he could.
Yesterday, I moved from a walker to a cane.... more out of necessity than desire. Why you ask? I picked up a new client and they are looking to purchase a home in the near future. We have been in contact via email, and cell phones. I've sent them properties to drive by to see if they like the neighborhoods. Yesterday they called, excited that they found two they would like to take a look at.
I set up the showings and they are for this afternoon.... and I will be the one showing them the properties. I'm sitting here wondering, I love my job and am dedicated to it... however is it too soon to go out and drive, walk with a cane I just started using yesterday? I'm praying that there isn't any ice/snow on the driveways and steps. I do not want to repeat this surgery again.
Am I a dedicated Realtor, or am I pushing it too soon? What are your thoughts?
FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT
Info about the author:
Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.
For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO
If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market. There is no better time than now to take advantage of these homes while interest rates remain at an all time low. For more information on Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - ValerieOhomes4u@gmail.com
Copyright © 2011 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... ***DEDICATED REALTOR? OR PUSHING IT TOO SOON.....YOU DECIDED***
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Carl Guild provides free real estate information. Search homes for sale, home prices, home values, recently sold homes and mortgage information. To speak with Carl immediately, don't hesitate to call him at 860-539-5373 or email carlguild@prudentialct.com
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Fall is a beautiful time to go for a drive and take in all the fall foliage. While driving in East Haddam, CT you might wish to check out Gillette Castle. The late actor and Connecticut native William Gillette, who protrayed Sherlock Holmes on stage, spent more than one million dollars to build this castle at the turn of the century at the top of Seven Sisters. It was closed for 3 years for maintenance and is now open through Columbus Day from 10am to 4:30pm. This castle boasts 24 medieval style rooms to explore, along with hiking rails, and breathtaking views.
Parking and hiking is free, but there is a nominal fee for touring the castle. Ages 13 and up is $5.00; 6 to 12 is $2.00; ages under 5 years of age are free. To keep the prices down no charges are accepted, only cash.

Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, as well as the surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.635.0387 #2 - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net
Copyright © 2008 By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR, All Rights Reserved...*GILLETTE CASTLE, EAST HADDAM, CT*
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