Boldt Castle, Part II

Here are some more photos from Heart Island. This is the dovecote

Manicured gardens contrasted to the natural shores of the adjacent island

When Mr. Boldt built the house, his objective was to create a full-sized Rhineland castle. It was inspired by his childhood home in Germany with a dash of whimsy. So if it feels like you're at Disney, that's because Disney's castle shared architectural inspiration. Also, it will feel like Disney because there are people everywhere! This is a busy place.

A devoted family man, Mr. Boldt had this modest playhouse constructed for his children which includes a theater and bowling alley. Truly, it was a favorite space with unique mouldings and lovingly fantastical designs.

What is that you ask? The yacht house, of course. Also, it is located on adjacent Wellesley Island which is accessible by car but once served as a place of agriculture and duck hunting to provide for not only Heart Island, by Mr. Boldt's hotels from what I understand.

Boldt Castle, Part I

Did I mention I've been taking a ton of travel architecture snapshots over the past couple years? Well here are some from Boldt Castle. And if you've never heard of it, you might have heard of the dressing that this man made popular. Thousand Islands? Really its just Russian dressing rebranded for your reuben sandwiches, as I understand it, by George C. Boldt for offering in his hotel, the Waldorf Astoria. Also, note the Waldorf Salad which I've never really been a fan of. Just not my cup of tea. But if you have the chance to visit the Thousand Islands, please do! Not only will you be glad to know the origin of the namesake dressing but truly the St. Lawrence River is one of the most naturally breathtaking places I've ever seen. Also, this house. Sorry the photos aren't great - I didn't bring full camera equipment with me on this trip.

Now my daughter is a HUGE fan of this house because it is on Heart Island and has hearts... everywhere.

Yet sadly, it was intended as a love token for his wife, Louise, who passed only weeks before Valentines Day when he intended to present it to her. So at the time, they ceased work on the house and it was never finished.... until relatively recently by the local community. You will see that evidence of unfinished work throughout, including the top floor where they've stabilized it to show the character of how it was found.

More of the beautiful grounds and other buildings to come!