Boldt Castle

You never know what is just around the corner.  We have heard of 1000 lakes area of NY, but knew nothing about the area.  Another pleasant surprise.  The area between Canada and the US has not 1000 lakes, but 1800+ islands intertwined among the St Lawrence Seaway east of Lake Ontario.  The #1 thing to do is to take a boat cruise along millionaire’s row and to see Boldt Castle.
Surprise the day was sunny and bright – delightful day for a cruise.  Uncle Sam’s Boat Tour took us past many beautiful – amazing homes.  There seems to be much pride in owning your own island at incredible prices of course.  From the RVer’s perspective – their waste products needs to pumped out – no waste into the flowing waters.  So they have ‘honey wagons’ coming regularly. 
Below is the paddle wheel boat for cruising.  The bridge is on the Canadian side of the seaway.  And a few samples of magnificent homes and even some small ones too!  
    
Yes, this qualifies as an island.  It is above the water and it has a tree growing on it. 

After a 2 hr cruise – both US and Canadian sides, we were introduced to the bi-country bridge – The house is in Canada.  The bridge connects to the 2nd island in the US.
And on to Boldt Castle – Mr. Boldt was a millionaire at the turn of the century (1900’s) who designed this beautiful castle for the love of his life – his wife Louise on Heart Island. The family enjoyed 4 lovely summers while workers fashioned the 6 story 120 room castle.  But just a month before he was to present the house to her on Valentine’s Day, she died.  He stopped construction and the building was left to decay until 1977 when the 1000 Island Bridge Authority took possession of the property for $1.00.  They have since done much restoration, but more to be done. 
The Boat House is very impressive…. style of the Gilded Age.  Inside a collection of wooden boats.  Racing was very popular.

 
Back to Boldt Castle – Rising 6 stories with 127 rooms it is very impressive from any side.
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The Underground Passage is actually below the beautiful gardens.  Everywhere are hearts in floral designs and thru the house.
 
1st Floor has many grand rooms including a spectacular staircase open to the 3rd floor.
A Huge dining room.

Reception Room
2nd Floor bedrooms is mostly restored: Mr. Boldt’s Bedroom
Mrs. Boldt’s Bedroom: The 3rd & 4th floors in need of completion.

The Power House was intended to electrify the house.  The Clock Tower could be seen easily from the river.
The PlayhouseThe entrance.  Absolutely magical Castle and day (more rain late afternoon).