Beckett's Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Beckett's Castle
|
|
 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Singles Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000156 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1974 |
Beckett's Castle is a historic summer house in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It is a cool two-story stone building with a tall three-story tower. This unique house was built between 1871 and 1874.
The castle was built by Sylvester Beckett. He was a lawyer from Portland and a big part of the city's writing scene. Beckett's Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It was recognized for its connection to Beckett and its special Gothic style.
Contents
What Makes Beckett's Castle Special?
Beckett's Castle faces Casco Bay on the east side of Cape Elizabeth. You can find it at the end of Singles Road, a private lane off Shore Road.
The Castle's Design
The building is made of local gray fieldstone. These stones are laid in a unique, uneven pattern. A square three-story tower sticks out from the southeast corner.
The roof has steep, pointed gables. These gables are on the ends and the front of the house. The main door is on the south side of the tower. To the left of the door, there is a window with three parts.
The Tower's Look
The tower has three sections, and each one is a little smaller than the one below it. There's a decorative band of stone at the top of each section. At the very top, there's a small observation area. This area is covered by a hip roof. Inside the castle, the wooden details are simple and elegant.
Who Was Sylvester Beckett?
Sylvester Beckett was born in Portland. His parents were immigrants from England. He became a lawyer, but he also worked as a journalist and writer. Beckett was also very interested in ornithology, which is the study of birds.
Beckett's Social Life
Beckett was an important person in Portland's writing community. He often hosted social gatherings at his castle. These parties included big dinners cooked in a rustic fireplace.
