The castles of the Rhine Valley inspired the design of this bizarre stone castle built in 1919 by actor William Gillette, who drew up the plans for the castle and decorated each of the 24 rooms himself. Furniture that slides on metal tracks and other devices were developed by Gillette, who had a fascination for gadgetry. The 190-acre estate offers splendid vistas of the Connecticut River and the valley below. On the grounds you'll find picnic areas and hiking trails.