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
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.