Located on the US/Canadian border in the Thousand Islands region of the Saint Lawrence River, is a 5 acre island welcoming thousands each year. The island we speak of is Heart Island, (formerly Hart Island). On it, you will discover a grand Gilded Age castle fit for a king and queen, and one with a fascinating history.
The castle was commissioned by millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a symbol of his love to his beloved wife, Louise.
George Boldt was a German immigrant who had grown to become a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, and the proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. He is credited for mediating between the feuding millionaire cousins, William Waldorf Astor and John Jacob Astor IV, and under his management, merging their two hotels as the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. He is also credited for bringing Thousand Island dressing to the Waldorf-Astoria and beyond. This salad dressing was a treat that his personal chef would often prepare for him.
Construction of this immense castle began in 1900, and it was intended to be a grand summer dream home for his family and guests to enjoy. The hotelier and self-made millionaire spared no expense in creating a luxurious and elaborate estate.
The construction of Boldt Castle involved a workforce of over 300 stonemasons, carpenters, and artists. The estate's construction commenced with plans for a six-story, 120-room castle surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, terraces, and outbuildings.
The architecture reflected the style of a Rhineland castle, with intricate stonework, turrets, arches, a drawbridge, and it featured heart embellishments all throughout. The plans also incorporated modern amenities of the time, such as an indoor swimming pool, a power plant, a servant tunnel system, a grand ballroom, even a playhouse, complete with a billiard room and a bowling alley.
With plans for a troop of faithful servants, Boldt Castle was to have all of the modern luxuries to be had at the luxury hotels Mr. Boldt ran in New York and Philadelphia.
The construction project was well underway when tragedy struck in January of 1904.
Only weeks before Boldt would present the home as a Valentines gift to Louise, she suddenly passed away.
They think it was heart failure. She was only 42.
Devastated by the loss, Boldt halted construction on the castle and ordered all workers to leave immediately. It is widely believed that his grief was so profound that he could not bear to continue building the castle without his beloved wife.
After all, what was the point? He was meant to enjoy it with her. Not alone.
He refused to ever step foot there ever again, and died a heartbroken man 12 years later.
Heart Island, once a symbol of their love, became a silent witness to the abrupt end of Boldt's dream.
For more than seven decades, Boldt Castle stood abandoned and unfinished, succumbing to the harsh weather, vandals, and neglect.
In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property and embarked on an extensive restoration project. A project funded mainly by tourist dollars and one that still continues well into today.
Today, Boldt Castle is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world with its architectural splendor, unique location, and the story of George Boldt's unfulfilled dream for a perfect summer retreat.
The restoration efforts have brought the castle back to life, allowing visitors to explore its grand halls, beautiful gardens, and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding Thousand Islands. One may even choose to host their wedding ceremony on the premises, or take a shuttle boat over to Wellesley Island to tour George’s yacht house.
Open to the public seasonally, between mid-May and mid-October, and accessible only by boat, the castle offers self-guided tours that provide insight into the life of George and Louise Boldt, as well as the restoration efforts that saved it from further decay.
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