When you think about Connecticut, castles aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.
That might be what makes them so great.
Finding out there are actually several castles in America’s third smallest state is quite a treat.
Starting a century ago, castles of all types have started to add mystique to the landscape.
Whether you’re local or new to the state, you’ll want to check out this list.
Below are the most beautiful castles in Connecticut.
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7 Most Beautiful Castles in Connecticut
1. Chrismark Castle, Woodstock
If you didn’t know better, you might think Chrismark Castle was nestled in a valley by the Alps.
It sure has the look of a Gothic castle, which was the idea.
The place even has a moat.
Truthfully, this home was built in 2010.
The owner is Christopher Mark and he is a few generations removed from the steel tycoon who made the money for the family.
Inside, the image of Europe continues with the decorations.
There’s a dungeon, knight armor, and animal sculptures.
Chrismark Castle actually was once home to a private zoo with an assortment of fur friends on the property.
What about modern amenities?
This castle has a slide, hot tub, and marble countertops.
In total, there are almost 20,000 square feet in this castle, which includes nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and three half baths on 75 acres.
If you’re interested in a master bedroom with a fireplace and a full dressing room, Chrismark has been on the market for years.
2. Gillette Castle, East Haddam
Built to the exact specifications of a famous actor from his time, Gillette Castle took five years to complete.
William Gillette was famous for playing Sherlock Holmes and wanted a home that matched his persona.
What he came up with was a dream of a place that looks like it was plucked from medieval Europe.
The actor saw this castle as where he’d hang up his scripts and take it easy.
So, he took immense pride in being part of the construction process.
It was very important to him to get it as castle-like as possible.
Within the 14,000 square feet, there’s a tower, 24 rooms, trick locks, a grand staircase, hand-carved wood, couches on tracks, and Tiffany lamps.
There was also a literal hotbed and room for as many as 17 cats, whom the owner was proud to share it all with.
When Gillette passed away, the government of Connecticut bought the castle and turned it into a state park.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-80s.
Over the years, the site has grown in popularity and there are about 350,000 people who come to see it each year.
Aside from the castle itself, there’s also a visitor center, museum, and hiking trail.
Don’t forget to take a picnic.
There’s plenty of seating outside to take in the faux-medieval views.
3. St. Clements Castle, Portland
If you want a taste of the past by the water, this is the castle for you.
Sitting on 90 acres right by the Connecticut River is St. Clements Castle.
The building looks like architects took blueprints from the Renaissance.
They wouldn’t have been too far off, since the castle was built at the very tip-toe end of the 1800s.
Howard and Gertrude Taylor worked with an architect in New York to bring their vision to reality.
The final plan took inspiration from actual castles and remade them for this one in Connecticut.
A long balcony twins with one in the Inn of William the Conqueror from France.
Another French copy is the art gallery, which originated in Langeais Castle.
The manor house entrance is a French Tudor design.
Let’s not forget the Norman towers.
The construction of St. Clements was by locals who were mostly immigrants from Ireland and Italy.
Almost a full century after being built, the castle had a foundation created in its name.
The non-profit has kept up the property and helped turn it into a venue for special events today.
The foundation ensures the castle will be around for generations to come.
It’s also a place where you can get married, have a holiday party, or even have an awards ceremony.
4. Branford House, Groton
Successful financier, Morton Freeman Plant, was doing quite well in life.
So well, in fact, that he decided it was time to make a lifelong dream come true.
It was then that he bought 22 acres of land in Groton and planned to put up a castle there.
Named after his hometown about 47 miles away, Branford House was completed in 1902.
When construction started on the home, the bank financing it had less than $400,000 in total.
The price tag of the home was a whopping $3 million.
No, that’s not after inflation, it cost that much more than a century ago.
Today, that would be the equivalent of $90 million.
Morton Plant’s wife, Nellie, was in charge of the design.
She had attended higher education in Paris and clearly had a preference for the European touch.
The interior of the home, part of Nellie’s trademark, was to mix several styles.
What the Plants ended up with were Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Classical, and Flemish styles.
Included on the grounds are a greenhouse, a 22,000-square-foot barn, and produce fields.
Morton was so obsessed with the new oasis that he bought a nearby fertilizer business because the smell was displeasing.
He built an orchard to replace it for his family to enjoy.
He only lived in the home for 16 years, parting only in death.
After his son inherited the home in 1918, it was sold two decades later for a paltry $55,000.
After exchanging hands a few times, it landed at the University of Connecticut.
The castle wasn’t renovated until 2001, 17 years after being added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Branford House is now used for events.
5. Hearthstone Castle, Danbury
It took four years to build Hearthstone Castle, making the debut party like it was 1899 because it was.
90 years after the building project began, the castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Once named Sanford Castle, this estate was commissioned by a renowned photographer.
E. Starr Sanford was inspired to build so he would have the greatest gift for his wife on their honeymoon.
The love birds only occupied the residence for five years.
The castle exchanged hands a few times until Irene Parks Jennings was gifted the castle as a wedding present in 1918.
That’s when the name Hearthstone entered the picture.
The estate finally found a keeper! She stayed there until she died 64 years later.
The castle is made entirely of stone that was sourced from the same property.
That is both inspiring and smart.
All the wood, however, was imported from Italy.
In total, there were 17 rooms full of elaborate decoration.
While you can go see it any time during daylight hours, it’s merely a shell of its once glamorous self.
Restoration efforts have yet to be finalized.
6. Bill Miller’s Castle, Branford
Pulling up to Bill Miller’s Castle immediately gives off Tudor vibes.
That’s a long way from the humble horse barn beginnings.
The 1880s barn would have to wait 80 years before someone could see past the hay to something magnificent.
A glow-up created this facility, which is busy all year long with a multitude of events.
Aspects of the castle that stand out are the three-story ceilings, five stone fireplaces, stained glass windows, stonework, and crystal chandeliers.
Bill Miller’s Castle is still family-owned.
In addition to things like weddings and corporate parties, there are holiday dinners offered, too.
7. Sleeping Giant Castle, Hamden
Technically, this isn’t a whole castle, more a piece of a castle that lost the rest of its building.
It does give off that feeling though, being that it was constructed of stone and is a tower.
You can definitely use your imagination to see it atop a sprawling estate overlooking a cliff.
The function of the Sleeping Giant Castle is observation.
Climb to the fourth level and get an excellent view of Sleeping Giant State Park.
Named after a skyline that resembles a man deep in slumber, it is a roundtrip hike of about three miles.
The trail actually leads up to the castle, which is on the peak of Mt. Carmel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the oldest castle in Connecticut?
Gillette Castle.
The landmark was completed in 1919.
The castle was such a big attraction and so well built that it now has an entire state park dedicated to its preservation.
While it is and was one of the most impressive buildings in the state, the castle has gotten a much-needed round of renovations recently.
Gillette Castle is once again in immaculate condition and is open for tourism.
How much does a castle in Connecticut cost?
Well, that really depends on the castle.
You might wait a long time to find one on the market and even then, the prices would fluctuate wildly.
It might be better to build one yourself.
However, there was one on the market recently.
Chrismark Castle was built in 2010 and listed for $35 million.
Which is the biggest castle in Connecticut?
Gillette Castle is not only the oldest but is believed to comprise the most space.
In total, this Connecticut castle comes out to 14,000 square feet for the main building and thousands more across other others.
There were additions to a separate part of the land within a decade of being built.
It really does give the feeling of an ancient castle from the outside.
What is Connecticut famous for?
There are a few notable aspects that are attributed to the state.
Perhaps the most well-known of all is the abundance of foliage in autumn.
If that is your favorite season, you’re likely aware of the scenic images that permeate both pop culture and the media.
Connecticut is also home to Yale University, an Ivy League school that is one of the most competitive in the country.
ESPN is stationed here as well.
The castles in Connecticut are a hidden gem, with Chrismark Castle’s modern amenities and Gothic charm being my personal favorite.