The Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam is the famed mansion built by actor, director and playwright William Gillette.

The ‘Sherlock Holmes’ actor designed the large 24-room mansion overlooking the Connecticut River despite not being an architect or engineer.

After construction was completed in 1919, the castle would go on to become an iconic landmark for the state.

“He entertained people like Charlie Chaplin, Helen Hayes. Albert Einstein was here,” said interpretive tour guide Doug Decarli. “It's our history, and William Gillette was a native son."

The castle is open for November through December on the weekends. There are also special events scheduled for the holidays.