Boldt Castle. Breathtaking Crown Jewel of the 1000 Islands. (in 4K)

Ep130. We motor 4 hrs down the St Lawrence River through the 1000 Islands to explore Boldt Castle. This is the Breathtaking Crown Jewel of the 1000 Islands.

This Castle is just baffling at it's size and Opulence. George Boldt and his family were very wealthy and use to summer here on Heart Island and he decided to build a massive Castle and other interesting supporting buildings to show his Love to his wife, Louise. He even had the outline of the Island changed so that it made the shape of a heart.

Sadly, in 1904, Louise died suddenly and George was so heartbroken that he ordered a stop to the construction of the Castle, even though it was almost completed. George Boldt never returned to the Island. The Castle remained empty for many decades. It went though a few owners over the years but most could not afford the upkeep on this 127 room Castle, so it became derelict and soon it had no roof and local inhabitants were coming to the Island and doing damage to the property by scratching their names in the walls and taking pieces as mementoes.

Eventually in 1977, the 1000 Island Bridge Authority decided to buy it and turn it into a tourist attractions, where all of the proceeds from entance fees would be poured back in to pay for the restoration of the castle and the supporting buildings. Restoration is not complete, but the work they have done has just been incredible. The Castle is so beautiful and every year you return to visit the Castle, there will be new areas open to the public as more and more of the rooms get restored.

This truly is one of the most breathtaking structures we have ever seen and it is a testament to the love George was trying to show to his wife but also indicates the absolutely mind blowing wealth that the early industrialists had. Keep in mind this massive Castle with 127 rooms and many other supporting buildings, was not a full time home but a Summer Cottage for his family to visit. The Boldts had 6 other houses and owned 60 boats including the Duchess that was a huge 2 storey houseboat that they would tow around to various anchorages in the area by a Large Tugboat, which they also owned.

Hopefully you enjoyed this episode. If so, please give the video a thumbs up, share the video with your friends and family and subscribe to the channel for more interesting sailing, sights and sounds captured in the beautiful 1000 Islands.

Thanks,
Craig and Janice.

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