Sad Love Story

So while we were on our Fall vacation, one of the attractions we visited was Boldt Castle in Alexandra Bay, NY.  

It was one of the most beautiful spaces that I have ever seen not only because of the architectural but the history behind it as well.  I thought I would share the saddest love story before showing you my pics.

From Boldt Castle's website

Beginning in 1900, the Boldt family spent summers in the 1000 Islands at the Boldt Families Wellesley House near Mr. Boldt’s Wellesley Island Farms while 300 workers including stonemasons, carpenters, and artists fashioned the six story, 120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, alster tower (children’s playhouse) and a dove cote. Not a single detail or expense was spared.

In January 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to immediately “stop all construction.” Louise had died suddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love.

For 73 years, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, it was decided that through the use of all net revenues from the castle operation it would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring and improving the Heart Island structures.

This pic is from 1000 Island visitor page.

Before I posted pics I wanted you to appreciate it's size.

Here are my pics....

{from the boat ride over}

{the Yacht House}

built for the children ~ mad playhouse?

The entry arch

He incorporated hearts everywhere!

It's often referred to as Heart Castle.

The amount of restoration going on is AMAZING!

It seems like they focused outside before inside.

The inside is still being renovated.  They have one floor complete.

You wouldn't believe the amount of graffiti on the inside!  

It goes back like 100 years!

Here's my one pic from the inside...

This glass dome is breath taking!

Stay tuned for my next post...let's just call them outtakes!

I took like 100 pics that day and some of them are hilarious.

Although it was sad that the house was never lived in 

and never even completely finished by Boldt,

you can see that this place keeps the love alive.

Ah isn't it romantic!