An Island Castle

One of the most remarkable sights in the Thousand Islands is a large European-style castle on one of the islands. Boldt Castle, was begun in 1900. This opulent summer home was a gift from George Boldt to his wife. The wealthy owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City had arrived in the USA a penniless immigrant, but through hard work and brilliance in the hotel industry, had risen from rags to riches.














The castle was constructed on "Heart Island" ...














(or is it "Hart Island"?... Statues of deer or hart stand atop the arched entrance, an intentional play on words...)


















The castle is made of stone cut from the rock on another nearby island.














But family tragedy struck in 1904, just when the castle was nearing completion: George Boldt's wife died suddenly - at the age of 45 - and he immediately stopped work on his masterpiece.














The castle lay unfinished for over 70 years, until 1977, when its restoration began. Millions of dollars have been spent restoring and completing it to its planned splendor, to be used as a museum. Weddings are also held on the grounds around the castle.














The restoration is not yet complete, though some rooms are... like this sitting room...














...bedroom...














...bathroom...














... and grand staircase, which have been restored...














Here is the skylight above the staircase...














... and the view from the third floor...














Other parts of the building - like these covered porches (some with outdoor fireplaces)...














and verandas - hint at the lavish house parties anticipated here.














A pipe organ now sits in the music room...














There is even a playhouse - for theater events...


















The restoration of the site is a slow and costly venture...














Wandering through the castle...














...or around the grounds...














...one can only imagine the opulent lifestyle of the rich and famous - before the great war and the great depression ushered in a new era.














An ironic twist: Though the castle was never completed in George Boldt's lifetime, he and his family - his children and grandchildren - continued to spent summers in the Thousand Islands, where they had other properties.














Here, on a nearby island, is the boathouse that housed his yachts. It too ranks as a historical building.

I wonder - when he returned here every summer - what his thoughts were when he stared across the water at his unfinished castle...