The Saville Dam Gatehouse in Barkhamsted, Connecticut looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. With its gray stone turret and large wooden doors, many visitors compare it to something from Harry Potter. You can find this charming structure perched atop the Saville Dam, which creates the Barkhamsted Reservoir – Hartford’s main water source.
When you visit the Saville Dam Gatehouse, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape that change beautifully with the seasons. The dam itself is impressive too – standing 135 feet tall and stretching 1,950 feet across. There’s a convenient parking area where you can stop to take photos and enjoy a short walk around this picturesque Connecticut landmark.
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Saville Dam Parking
Saville Dam offers a convenient parking area for visitors looking to experience this beautiful Connecticut landmark. You’ll find the parking lot easily accessible and well-maintained, perfect for starting your adventure at the dam.
When you arrive at the parking area, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The parking lot is situated in a location that gives you immediate access to the best viewpoints of the Saville Dam and its iconic gatehouse.
The parking area is free to use and typically has enough space for visitors, even during popular seasons. You’ll appreciate how the parking lot is designed to blend with the natural surroundings, maintaining the scenic beauty of the Barkhamsted area.
From the parking area, you can take a short walk to see the impressive dam structure up close. This makes it an ideal starting point for your exploration of one of Connecticut’s most picturesque water control structures.
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Location: W25W+RJ, Barkhamsted, CT 06063
Historical Significance of Saville Dam Gatehouse
The picturesque Saville Dam Gatehouse represents not just an architectural gem but a crucial part of Connecticut’s infrastructure history. This iconic structure has played a vital role in supplying water to Hartford while becoming a beloved landmark in the region.
Origins and Construction
The Saville Dam Gatehouse was completed in 1940 as part of an ambitious water project. Named after Caleb Mills Saville, the chief engineer who oversaw the entire project, the dam was built to create the Barkhamsted Reservoir.
The construction was a major engineering feat for its time. The main dam stretches an impressive 1,950 feet long and stands 135 feet tall. The gatehouse itself was designed with remarkable attention to detail, featuring beautiful masonry work that makes it look like something from a storybook.
When you visit, you’ll notice how the gatehouse blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Its stone construction and thoughtful design have made it a favorite spot for photographers and history buffs alike.
Role in Connecticut’s Water Supply
The Saville Dam Gatehouse serves a critical function beyond its charming appearance. It helps control the water flow from the Barkhamsted Reservoir, which has been Hartford’s primary water source since its creation.
This 8-mile long reservoir, formed by damming the eastern branch of the Farmington River, remains vital to Connecticut’s infrastructure. The gatehouse regulates the water that thousands of residents rely on daily.
When you stand near the gatehouse, you’re witnessing both beautiful architecture and practical engineering. The dam includes an uncontrolled spillway on its western portion that prevents flooding – a clever design element that’s both functional and visually striking when water cascades over it.
The gatehouse continues to be maintained as an essential part of Connecticut’s water system, making it both historically significant and practically important today.
Architectural Features
The Saville Dam Gatehouse showcases remarkable architectural design that blends functionality with aesthetic beauty. Its distinctive medieval castle-like appearance makes it a standout landmark in Connecticut’s landscape.
Unique Design Elements
The gatehouse features a striking medieval revival style that resembles a fairytale castle rising from the water. You’ll notice its most distinctive element – a stone tower with crenellated parapets that give it that fortress-like appearance.
The structure includes arched windows and doorways that enhance its old-world charm. When you visit, look for the decorative stonework around these openings that adds intricate detail to the facade.
Materials and Construction Techniques
The gatehouse was built using native Connecticut granite, carefully cut and placed to create solid, impressive walls. This locally-sourced material helps the structure blend with its natural surroundings while providing durability.
Master stonemasons employed traditional techniques during its construction between 1936 and 1940. You can see their craftsmanship in the precise fitting of stone blocks and detailed masonry work throughout.
The building techniques combine old-world methods with modern engineering principles of the 1930s. The result is a structure that has maintained its integrity for over 80 years while standing in water.
The interior features exposed beams and functional control equipment, balancing utility with architectural beauty. When touring, you’ll appreciate how form and function merge seamlessly in this remarkable piece of infrastructure.
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