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Madame Sherri’s House, Chesterfield – a Stairway to Nowhere

Madame Sherri’s House, Chesterfield – a Stairway to Nowhere

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Hidden deep within the forested outskirts of Chesterfield, NH, is a mysterious stairway that leads nowhere. At first glance, this quaint structure might stir up wild theories, yet the truth is far more intriguing. Neither aliens nor an ancient civilization are the culprits behind the ruins, but rather a flamboyant lady whose life story was more tumultuous than a roller-coaster ride.

By: Becca Osborne

Date: 20:23 01.11.24

Last Update: 20:23 01.11.24

Abandoned Places Forests Rural New Hampshire United States North America & The Caribbean

Born in Paris in 1878, Antoinette Bramare was an eccentric figure from her very beginning, a lady whose life revolved almost entirely around scandals and fame. Bramare’s journey began as a dancer in Paris’s trendiest clubs. Her life took a significant turn in 1911 when she married Andre Riela, an American silent film actor with a shadowy past.

Shortly after, the couple moved to New York City, where they adopted the name “Sherri” and established the “House of Sherri”, a costume design enterprise that made waves throughout Broadway. Sherri’s visionary designs left an indelible mark, featuring in a series of famous Broadway production, including Ziegfeld Follies girls and Queen Mary.

Tragedy struck in 1924 when Andre, having suffered years of poor health after an accident, passed away. In her grief, Madame Sherri retreated to Chesterfield, New Hampshire, where she fell in love with the tranquil landscape. By 1931, she had begun constructing her quirky “castle”, a three-story mansion in the woods designed for grand parties and dramatic entrances.

The structure, more theatrical than practical, featured a bar framed by living trees, fur-covered floors, and a stone staircase that led to her private quarters. Madame Sherri’s gatherings were legendary, marked by opulence, excess, and her signature cobra-backed throne.

However, the castle’s glory days were brief. With the end of Prohibition and the dwindling fortunes of Madame Sherri, the parties ceased. The once-vibrant home fell into disrepair. In 1959, vandals ransacked the property, and by 1962, a fire destroyed the mansion, leaving behind only its skeletal remains. Madame Sherri, once the queen of Chesterfield’s social scene, died in poverty in 1965.

An arched stone staircase that abruptly ends at a 3-meter fall is now the sole remnant of her once lavish manor. In recent decades, the ruins have become steeped in local legends, attracting occasional wanderers intrigued by the mystery and drama of Madame Sherri’s life.

Today, what remains of her dream lies within the Madame Sherri Forest. Visitors who wish the explore the place can hike along the Ann Stokes Loop trail, which winds through the forest and leads to the lone stairway.