Boldt Castle, Heart Island
Boldt Castle is landmark tourist attraction on Heart Island, so named because of its heart-like shape, in the Thousand Islands region of New York State, USA.
Construction began in 1900, as part of the millionaire George Boldt's plan to give a six-storey stone castle to his wife on Valentine’s Day 1905.
Among the architectural features of the island are; the Yacht House, a huge playhouse, the Power House, and a 120-room ‘fairytale’ castle which was modelled on Rhineland Castle.
However, construction came to an abrupt halt in 1904 when Boldt’s wife, Louise, died. Unable to face returning to the island, Boldt decided to leave the structures as a monument to his love.
The buildings were left in their unfinished state for 73 years, gradually falling victim to harsh weather and vandalism, until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased the island in 1977 for $1. They spent around $15 million restoring the masonry structures to the condition they were in when the original construction was halted. They also completed the stained glass dome, marble floor and grand staircase woodwork.
Since its redevelopment, the island has become a popular tourist attraction, and has a continuing romantic appeal for the many couples who choose it as a wedding destination.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.