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
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.