Alexandria Bay, N.Y. — Pink light bathed the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River in the early morning as our skiff boat glided along the glassy waters to the growing spires before us. Many grand homes over the past two centuries have sprouted on these tiny islands, but none more arresting and tragic than Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
George Boldt crafted the Rhineland medieval castle as the ultimate testament to his love for his wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. He set out in 1900 to establish a fantasy escape that would epitomize regal living in the Empire State.
Boldt, a Prussian immigrant, rose up in the kitchens of New York City where he met his future father-in-law, William Kehrer. He molded Boldt who eventually became the proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Boldt, Louise and their growing family frequented the 1000 Islands and their weekend home on Wellesley Island. There, Louise set her eyes on the 5-acre Hart Island just a stone’s throw away, according to the 1000 Islands Bridge Authority that now runs the castle.
The Boldt Family purchased the island, and George proceeded to reshape the land into a heart, eventually renaming it - more fittingly - to Heart Island.
Construction of the castle began in 1900 and cost an estimated $2.5 million. That’s $65 Million in 2020 adjusted dollars, according to the US Inflation Calculator. The castle had six levels - including a servant level tunnel system and pool - and boasted 120 rooms, including 30 bathrooms and 35 fireplaces.
The grand concept also included a separate building called the Power House for two steam-powered generators which were considered cutting edge at the time; the Dove Cote, which housed his prized exotic bird collection; an archway complete with a drawbridge; Italian Renaissance-inspired gardens and the Alster Tower, a 90-foot tall playhouse meant to conjure fairytale fantasies for Boldt’s guests and grandchildren alike.
Sadly, the ambitious dream was shattered. Louise Boldt unexpectedly died of heart failure in January of 1904, just over a month before construction was to be completed. He had hoped to finish on Valentine’s Day.
Overcome with grief, Boldt immediately stopped construction on the castle and never set foot on the island again. His family later sold Heart Island and the castle, which fell into disrepair for decades before the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought and restored it to it’s intended glory.
Guests can now visit the island and tour the castle starting from the Boat and Yacht House on Wellesley Island.
IF YOU GO
- Boldt Castle is open 7 days a week through Labor Day from 10:30am to 6:30pm.
- The Yacht House will close one hour prior to the Castle.
- Masks will be required for entry.
- For more information visit Boldt Castle on the web.
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