Hartland’s Castle, an iconic mansion by the sea in Old Saybrook, CT, is on the market for $7,749,000. It comes with a fascinating history.

The 11-bedroom chateau with 15,000 square feet of living space was built in 1908 for an American heiress and her husband.

“It was built for George Watson Beach and his wife, Elizabeth Colt Jarvis Beach, with aspirations to be the equal of the Newport summer cottages,” says listing agent Chuck Haller. “The 40-room home was designed by Alfredo S.G. Taylor in English Tudor Revival style.”

Elizabeth, the niece of gun manufacturer Samuel Colt, and her husband already owned hundreds of acres in the area, as well as a home in Hartford. Their beach house was completed in just two years and was said to include a clock tower that chimed every half-hour to the tune of “Don’t Say Goodbye, Say Au Revoir.”

In 1923, Otto Lindbergh, uncle of aviator Charles Lindbergh, purchased the castle for $75,000 and turned it into a hotel for the rich and famous. Guests included big names like Howard Hughes, Helen Hayes, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, and Doris Day, among others.

Over the years, the property changed hands several times. The current owner, Maria Rand, picked it up in 2007 for just over $2 million.

The property was renovated and turned back into a private residence. Original details include 11 fireplaces; a three-story, hand-carved cherry staircase; and a gentleman’s smoking room.

“The home includes a turret with a sitting area on top, a media room, an infinity-edge pool, and an elevator,” Haller says. “A two-car garage with a one-bedroom apartment was also added.”

The town is a popular summer destination, Haller says. “Old Saybrook is a seashore town. There are beaches, parks, and marinas, and the main street offers unique shopping and dining opportunities.”

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The Connecticut state primary election is Aug. 13, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 5-11. Winners of the primary election will be placed on the general election ballot for Nov. 5.

Connecticut primary elections are for enrolled party members only. Unaffiliated voters (those who are registered to vote, but not enrolled in a political party) must enroll in the party of their choosing prior to the voter registration deadline in order to participate in the primary election.

Candidates who are running unopposed do not participate in the primary election.

Here is what you need to know about the state primary election.

Can I vote in the primary election in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, there is only a primary election if there is a race.

There is a Republican primary in all 169 communities; there is a Democrat primary in only 28 communities.

The following communities have a Democrat primary: Bethany, Bloomfield, Bridgeport, Chaplin, Colchester, Danbury, East Granby, Ellington, Enfield, Granby, Hamden, Hampton, Hartford, Lebanon, Monroe, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk, Scotland, Somers, Stamford, Stratford, Suffield, Trumbull, West Hartford, Windham, Windsor, Windsor Locks.

Want to make your vote count? Our CT voters’ guide helps make your voice heard in 2024

There is a Republican race to be on the ballot for U.S. Senate. Because U.S. Senator is a statewide office, every city and town will have a Republican primary.

The following communities have a Republican primary in addition the U.S. Senate primary: Bridgeport, Bridgewater, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Hebron, Killingly, Mansfield, Monroe, New Canaan, New Milford, Norwalk, Oxford, Pomfret, Putnam, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Scotland, Shelton, Southbury, Stamford, Thompson, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, Wilton, Windham.

Who is on the ballot for my primary election?

There are no primaries for the Democrats in Norwich area communities.

Like all Connecticut communities, there is a Republican primary in all Norwich area communities. In this race, Gerry Smith of Beacon Falls is facing off against Matthew M. Corey of Manchester.

Of the Norwich-area communities, only Killingly will also have a Republican primary for the state Senate seat currently held by Mae Flexer. The district also includes the towns of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Mansfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Thompson and Windham.

In the Republican state Senate race, voters will choose between Chris Reddy of Hampton or Susanne Witkowski of Thompson.

Why is there an asterisk next to some candidates’ names?

The asterisk indicates that the candidate has been endorsed by the state party.

When is early voting?

Early voting starts on Monday, Aug. 5, and is available for seven days, ending on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Early voting locations are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on each day of early voting, except for Tuesday, Aug. 6, and Thursday, Aug. 8, when extended early voting hours are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More: Connecticut elections: Add these 16 important dates to your 2024 calendar

Where do I go for early voting?

Early voting usually takes place at a location different from the election day polling places.

In Norwich, early voting will be at City Hall, 100 Broadway, Norwich.

In Griswold, early voting will be at Town Hall (Meeting Room), 28 Main St., Jewett City.

In Killingly, early voting will be at the Town Hall, Registrars’ Office, 175 Main St., Danielson.

Plainfield has two early voting locations. Voters in district 001-47 and 002-44 will vote at Town Hall, 8 Community Ave., Plainfield. Voters in district 003-44 will vote at Moosup Fire Department, 37 South Main St., Moosup.

Am I registered to vote?

You can check your voter registration status on the CT Secretary of State’s website.

When is the deadline for voter registration for the primary?

While same-day voter registration is available for the general election in November, it is not available for the primary.

To vote in person on election day, new voters (those who have never before registered to vote in Connecticut) and unaffiliated voters (those registered to vote but not enrolled in a political party) must register in person at their Town Clerk or Registrar’s Office by noon on Monday, Aug. 12.

A comprehensive look: What’s going on around the United States ahead of the elections

New voters who wish to participate in early voting must register in person by noon of the business day before the day they wish to vote.

Unaffiliated voters who wish to participate in early voting must register in person by noon on Friday, Aug. 2.

When will results be available?

City and town clerks will begin posting results after all votes are counted. They are not permitted to begin counting votes until after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Aug. 13.