Boldt Castle – A Vision of Love! – Heart Island, New York

Thousand Islands – Home to Bolt Castle!

Ever since we did the Great Loop boat trip in 2005/06, we have wanted to visit the Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands, in the Saint Lawrence River. We didn’t take that route. Ever since we’ve had it in our minds to return to the area to visit the Thousand Islands and the amazing Boldt Castle.

Millionaire George Boldt, in the late 1800s and into the early 20th century, worked for the wealthy Astor family as the General Manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, in New York City. George’s vision was to build a 120-room castle on Hart Island in Alexandria Bay. They later renamed the island to Heart Island—one of many islands in the Thousand Islands area of the Saint Lawrence River. The project started in 1900, it was a gift of love to his wife Louise. He put plans into motion and construction started on what would be one of the largest private homes in the United States. The enormous undertaking included not only the fairytale castle but a grand yacht house. There are also tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, and a children’s playhouse.

Unfortunately, the Couple Never Occupied the Castle

Tragedy struck when Louise died. Grief-stricken, George never returned to the island and canceled all work on the stone structures. The Castle sat unfinished and unoccupied for 73 years. In 1977 the New York Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought Heart Island for $1.00. The agreement of the sale was that they would work on restoring the buildings and opening the castle to the public.

Today they have repaired the grounds, the Power House, the main and second floors of the castle. All were tailored to George’s original vision, almost 120 years ago, for the Boldt family home. They left the basement and top floors unfinished up to this point. This gives visitors an idea of George’s vision and how much work went into this historic marvel.

We had to pass several islands on our way to Heart Island.

The only way to see the boat castle is to come by boat, either your own vessel or commercial ferry boat.

We arrived early to ensure we would get a spot in the small marina.

Alster Tower and Peristyle, (above & below), was the only new structure completed on Heart Island. The Boldt’s lived here while construction of the castle was underway.

The Peristyle (above) was a 500-by-100-foot man-made lagoon.

The main entrance to the castle is impressive. Lots to explore!

Louise Boldt (above-right).

The upstairs attic and basement are left unfinished. Interesting to see the materials used.

Dovecote and Garden (above and below-left).

The Power House renovation (above and below).

The Power House sits below this beautiful garden.