Boldt Castle. Breathtaking Crown Jewel of the 1000 Islands. (in 4K)
Ep130. We motor 4 hrs down the St Lawrence River through the 1000 Islands to explore Boldt Castle. This is the Breathtaking Crown Jewel of the 1000 Islands.
This Castle is just baffling at it's size and Opulence. George Boldt and his family were very wealthy and use to summer here on Heart Island and he decided to build a massive Castle and other interesting supporting buildings to show his Love to his wife, Louise. He even had the outline of the Island changed so that it made the shape of a heart.
Sadly, in 1904, Louise died suddenly and George was so heartbroken that he ordered a stop to the construction of the Castle, even though it was almost completed. George Boldt never returned to the Island. The Castle remained empty for many decades. It went though a few owners over the years but most could not afford the upkeep on this 127 room Castle, so it became derelict and soon it had no roof and local inhabitants were coming to the Island and doing damage to the property by scratching their names in the walls and taking pieces as mementoes.
Eventually in 1977, the 1000 Island Bridge Authority decided to buy it and turn it into a tourist attractions, where all of the proceeds from entance fees would be poured back in to pay for the restoration of the castle and the supporting buildings. Restoration is not complete, but the work they have done has just been incredible. The Castle is so beautiful and every year you return to visit the Castle, there will be new areas open to the public as more and more of the rooms get restored.
This truly is one of the most breathtaking structures we have ever seen and it is a testament to the love George was trying to show to his wife but also indicates the absolutely mind blowing wealth that the early industrialists had. Keep in mind this massive Castle with 127 rooms and many other supporting buildings, was not a full time home but a Summer Cottage for his family to visit. The Boldts had 6 other houses and owned 60 boats including the Duchess that was a huge 2 storey houseboat that they would tow around to various anchorages in the area by a Large Tugboat, which they also owned.
Hopefully you enjoyed this episode. If so, please give the video a thumbs up, share the video with your friends and family and subscribe to the channel for more interesting sailing, sights and sounds captured in the beautiful 1000 Islands.
Thanks,
Craig and Janice.
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Пікірлер: 198
That place is a national treasure. Incredible, with such a sad story behind it.
Thank you for your time to film this beautiful piece of history. I toured the Castle in 1967 (which meant you had a finite amount of time to free roam the island and buildings) while coming back from Expo 67 in Montreal. The changes are fantastic in the 50+ years since I first saw it. I'm retired now and will make it back to tour the Castle again. Many thanks to you.
I was there when it first opened and it was so sad to see all of the graffiti everywhere. What a beautiful job they have done restoring this amazing place. Another great video that has made me want to go visit this beautiful castle again, thank you.
Simply elegant and enchanting. Boldt castle is truely a breathtaking treasure and master piece. Love the beautiful stone work on the castle and through out. The grounds are just so gorgeous,and what a beautiful man to have this magic place built for his wife. Really so sad that she passed and his broken heart never had the castle finished. This is truely heartbreaking.
I remember one summer, a few years ago, me and my family actually went to Boldt Castle. Got a tour inside as well. It was pretty amazing.
Just came back from there, spent hours on the island and in the castle….no words can describe how beautiful it is. While a sad story, the legacy left behind its beautiful and timelessly romantic, it was all for love ❤️
Amazing! You guys are awesome, nothing spectacular, just a couple visiting and happy for what you see. I loved your visit and you made me absolutely sure that I must visit this place. Thank you.
Thanks for such a thorough video of Boldt Castle. It’s amazing, I’ll watch more than once. You hit all the major highlights and more, I don’t usually comment on videos but this was exceptional.
We visited in 1985 on our honeymoon. Was sad to see it unfinished. Wow, it's so beautiful now. Thank you for sharing this video and Kudos to those restoring a beautiful historic place.
Iam very fond of to visit 1000 Island the video made me thrilled.ıt was awesome
I have never heard of Boldt Castle before, I will have to put it on my list. Absolutely gorgeous. In California we have Hearst Castle, similar opulence and another great story to tell.
Just came back from a vacation trip there for the 6th summer now. Even still, just getting on a Uncle Sam's boat and heading over to the castle chokes me up. Then you go in that room in the castle to watch the documentary and that's when I start to cry every time. Such a beautiful place to visit and one of the greatest love stories.
I loved the tour. Thank you so much for making the video. Well done, good job.
My grandparents lived in A - Bay so my sisters and i grew up taking rides on the river. My grandpa and uncle gave tours on the river boats telling about the river and sneaking us in to the castle back in the 60's. She has changed a lot and hoped some day they would bring her back to what she was intended to be . Thank you for showing this . most people do not know that it is there !!! Some locals call them selves River Rats. My mom ( went to a baby sitter and girl scouts i think she said at the boat house when she was little ) has pasted but she called her shelve a River Rat !!! You do not know how good you made me fell seeing the castle , and seeing how fine she is now and the river !!! Thank you .
Very good job capturing the beauty of this castle. I went twice in the mid & late 80’s. Amazing to see how much have been restored. So much was off limits that you have the ability to capture now. Love it. Now I’m ready to go back.
My wife passed away 8 years ago at 52. I, unfortunately, know first hand exactly why Mr. Boldt stopped building.
Thanks for showing. We lived in Watertown ‘68-‘69, rode along the shore and saw this at a distance several times. It’s so beautiful.
I read the story before I came. When I walked into the castle, I saw George photo on the left and Louise photo on the right. I felt like watching the movie "Somewhere in Time". It was a sad story. Great architect. Will come back again.
Mitt familje arv så tack för turen / family crest so Thanx for this tour. 💘
i live about an hour away from alex bay, and loved going here as a kid. i took my daughter for the first time today and she had a blast! the finished parts of the castle, the view, the story are all so beautiful. such a great little gem in new york state. ❤️