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My Stone Castle

CHRISTIE'S CORNER | ENTERTAINING | INTERIOR DESIGN | RECIPES | GARDENING | HOLIDAYS

life in a hundred year old storybook castle

the castle

Just beyond the three sets of gates down a mile-long drive rises the storybook turrets that begin the story of The Castle. This 8,400 square foot stone chateau sits on hundreds of hidden New England acres and is a historic and modern eye treasure.

The Castle was inspired and built in the "story book" vision of architecture made famous by Bavarian King Ludwig II, who built the Neuschwanstein Castle, Schloss Linderhof. Construction on The Castle began in 1921 and took three years to complete. It was built as a country retreat for Charlotte Martin, a New York socialite, and her husband Dr. David Martin.

The Castle is A CENTURY OLD foot stone MASTERPIECE nestled in THE Hills of new england.

continued >

Dr. Martin bought the land, but it was his wife’s inheritance and vision that led to the creation of the estate.

As a young woman, Charlotte Martin was regularly written about in New York society publications and evinced an early love of elaborate architecture. In 1918 she bought a complex of 19 brownstones in New York City called Turtle Bay Gardens. She redesigned the buildings including courtyard-like communal gardens to attract members of New York’s artistic and literary glitterati.

The Castle was referred to as “The Chateau” by Dr. and Mrs. Martin.

The Castle continued

Behind the gates >

behind the gates

At the top of the drive, atop two stone pillars giant carved owls welcome travelers. Flying griffins await around the next bend. The first dwellings are a stone gate house and restored stable. Just beyond is the remnants of a large barn that burned decades ago. The solid stone walls are still intact and the location is perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining.

Once across a wooden bridge that brokers a wide brook and waterfall the first glimpses of The Castle comes into view.... storybook roof lines, stone turrets, ivy covered walls, exquisite iron works, leaded windows, whimsical gargoyles, outdoor fireplaces, and courtyard fountains await.

The grand home and surrounding property is dotted with spectacular and surprising details.

THE SETTING >

the setting

Tucked into Narrow Valley, sometimes called Hidden Valley, it is crisscrossed by brooks, ponds and waterfalls. Across the drive from The Castle is a quaint pool house, with skylights that stream sunshine. The one-bedroom cottage is adjacent to a walled English garden and in-ground stone swimming pool with hot tub.

The Castle is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine forests, rolling pastures and protected land trusts.

Our home inside >

our home inside

The home boasts six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and nine working fireplaces. The south facing home is full morning and afternoon light. It also features a wine cellar to a sauna room too.

The interior of The Castle at Cornwall is welcoming and livable.

THE OLD MEETS NEW >

the old meets new

The formal living room, with double height, 18 foot ceilings, a grand stone fireplace, arched and pillared lead windows, opens on to a stone patio and courtyard, for summer entertaining. The adjoining family room has hand painted beams, Italian brick floors, stone pillars and leaded arched windows.

the past and present are balanced throughout the home with restored and reloved pieces of yesteryears colliding with today's interior design.

the kitchen >

the kitchen

Including a Dacor Refrigerator and Range, and twin dishwashers. The kitchen is adjacent to the walnut paneled formal dining room.

The newly renovated kitchen has dove-white cabinets with leaded glass doors, honed marble counter tops and top-of-the-line appliances.

A STORYBOOK EXTERIOR >

a storybook exterior

Other illustrious owners hosted captains of industry and celebrated stars of stage and screen. The lower slate terrace, edged by a babbling brook and built around a medieval fountain, has direct access to the vaulted wine cellar, a perfect spot for a candle light dinner for 50.

The magnificent exterior of The Castle frames the famous courtyard where Charlotte Bronson Martin, the original builder of The Castle, entertained

THE CASTLE >

Welcome to the unfolding tale that is the chronicle of my life at The Castle at Cornwall. For with this tale comes the story of the castle's history and rebirth and how then and now are melding with the current happenings of our new castle life. From food and entertaining, gardening to rebuilding, nature and community there is page in these chapters for you . We hope to enrich, inspire, and indulge you.

Explore and enjoy friends.