Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

ELLINGTON, CT — This week's offering in the Hidden Gems series is actually located on a very busy state route, but is set far enough back from the roadway that is is easy to miss if you're not actively looking for it.

The century-old Aborn Castle, located at 265 Somers Road (Route 83) in Ellington, dates back to 1917, when it was built by Ellington store owner Harry Aborn following a European vacation. Containing three bedrooms and two and a half baths, the castle is situated on seven acres of land featuring gardens, a gazebo and a pond with a fountain.

Visitors may rent the castle and grounds through Airbnb for $175 per night. Some recent reviews included glowing comments, some of which are listed below.

• "If you're searching for a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle, and you enjoy personal touches in a medieval-like setting, you'll really enjoy your stay here."
• "I cannot recommend this castle highly enough. The grounds are perfect for hiking and/or relaxing. There is so much space inside the castle for any guests’ needs."
  
• "Everything is so warm and inviting with just the right lighting, decor and plush bed linens. In one bedroom there is the cutest writing table in which I spent much time at catching up on writing letters and cards to dear friends and family."

(Photos courtesy of Aborn Castle)

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Other columns in this series:

• Heublein Tower
• Birthplace of Jonathan Edwards
• Grave of Revolutionary War Soldier Heman Baker
• Jessica's Garden, Lobster and Ice Cream Shack
• Shade Swamp Sanctuary
• Ken's Corner Breakfast & Lunch
• Tolland Red and White
• The Packing House
• Cold Harbor Seafood
• Nye Holman State Forest/Heron Cove Park
• Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack
• Connecticut Trolley Museum
• Matterhorn Mini Golf
• Wood Memorial Library & Museum
• Hastings Farm
• Liquid Nirvana
• Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
• Academy Hall
• Southington Drive-In
• Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall
• Somersvillage Gifts & Gourmet Baskets
• New England Civil War Museum
• The Pinchot Sycamore
• Stafford Palace Theater
• Mansfield Hollow State Park
• Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
• Hill-Stead Museum
• Mark's Restaurant