By Susan Breslow Sardone
Honeymoons & Romantic Travel Expert, about.com
Sail to Boldt Castle in New York's 1000 Islands region, and you'll hear a tragic story of lost love.
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George
Boldt, a German immigrant who worked his way up from dishwasher to
proprietor of New York's Waldorf=Astoria hotel, first visited the 1000
Islands with his beloved wife Louise more than a century ago. It was
there that he saw and became enchanted with the romantically
named, five-acre Heart Island in the St. Lawrence River.
Boldt
vowed to return to the lush, heart-shaped isle. After several trips he
decided to commission an architectural firm to create a full-size castle
as a tribute to their love. He envisioned it a replica of the majestic
ones along the Rhine River he had seen as a boy .
Big Plans for Boldt Castle and Beyond
Boldt
instructed the engineers he hired to reshape the island so that it
resembled a heart shape even more closely. As his enthusiasm for the
project grew and time passed, the plans expanded beyond the castle to an
entire colony consisting of eleven additional structures that would
surround the castle like a lover's embrace.
Soon the finest materials began making their way from faraway
destinations around the world to this out-of-the-way island: marble from
Italy, fine silks and tapestries from France, rugs from the Orient.
Guest rooms in the six-story, 129-room castle were to be warmed by
fireplaces, and massive crystal chandeliers arrived to illuminate the
hallways and ballroom. Some say the budget for Boldt Castle ballooned to
three million dollars as more lavish touches — including a tower just
children to play in, Italian gardens, a landscaped promenade — were
added to the original design.
The Heart-Breaking Tragedy of Boldt Castle
Just
as Boldt Castle was nearing completion, on January 12, 1904 its workmen
were notified by telegram to "stop all construction" immediately:
Louise Boldt had died suddenly. No longer could this be a tribute to a
living love, but a shrine to a deceased one. Not another tapestry was
hung nor another nail hammered. The heartbroken Boldt never returned to
the island. His romantic castle built for love and the surrounding
structures were abandoned and vandalized in subsequent years.
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In
1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took over responsibility for
Boldt Castle and began to fund its restoration, reimagining it as a
unique tourism resource to enhance the area.
Visiting Boldt Castle
Although Boldt Castle
never achieved its intended glory, the shell and grounds now are open
to day visitors who pay the admission charge. The facilities are also
available for outdoor wedding ceremonies. Receptions must be held
elsewhere, and the Riveredge Resort across the bay is a popular venue.
Early May through mid-October, Boldt Castle can be reached by water taxi, private boat, or tour boat. Uncle Sam Boat Tours ply the 1000 Islands, make a stop at the Castle, and allow passengers to alight and explore the property.
Onsite visitors can take self-guided tours of:
- Boldt Castle
- Power House & Clock Tower
- Alster Tower
- Hennery
- The Arch
- Stone Gazebo
There
are exhibits inside the structures and a 15-minute video illuminates
the lives of George and Louise Boldt. There is a food and beverage
concession on the island, and romantics will find scenic vistas galore
and benches for picknicking.
Can You Stay in Boldt Castle Overnight?
Boldt Castle is only open to the public during the day; there are no facilities for overnight accommodations.
Fortunately,
the nearby town of Alexandria Bay features a number of lodgings as well
as restaurants serving guests to the Thousand Islands region. You won't
find anything of Four Seasons/Ritz-Carlton quality in this part of New
York state, but you will find affordable rates and multiple motels with
retro decor to choose from.
