Visit to Boldt Castle on Heart Island

Boldt Castle was built in 1900 by George Boldt, (proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC), for his wife. When she died during the construction of the castle he stopped all work and left. It sat for over 70 years, abandoned and open to the elements and vandals. Restoration began on the property in 1977 and continues today. Only the first floor of the 4 story castle is complete, (which is a lot more than when Lee and I saw it back in 2001).

Entry water gate.

Waiting for the ferry.

Here comes the ferry!

Grace found a little cubby hole on the outside of the "playhouse".

Playhouse for family hangout. (The 120 room caslte wasn't big enough, I guess.) It supposedly had a bowling alley in it. Unfortunately it wasn't open for us to see inside.

There are hearts all over this island. Even the island itself supposedly was 'reshaped' to look like a heart.

Princess Madeline at the castle.

Tunnel from basement to grounds.

Beautiful staircase.

Heart on castle gable.

Ballroom dancing.

Boathouse...I think the family lived in part of it while the caslte was being built. The doors are huge so that the boat masts wouldn't have to be dropped to park it.

Boldt Castle view from shuttle ferry.

Waiting for the boat.

Historic architecture in the town of Alexandria Bay. The business here provides riparian afternoon tea tours. Sounded fun to me but not so much to the kids...