Just discovered the story of Boldt Castle - it's a magnificent place

[SandraM]

Accidentally came across a site yesterday about Boldt Castle, which I'd never heard of before, and have spent HOURS looking through various sites (this: http://ivanoff12.hypermart.net/boldt/ being a pretty good one).

Wow, I could live like that!

Is it a well known place in the US? I lived in NY in the early 80's and never heard anything about it, but then the restoration only started in the late 70's so perhaps it wasn't open to the public then. Have any DISers seen it for real? What did you think?

 

[caitycaity]

i wouldn't say it's well known in the us, but it is well known in upstate new york.

i've been to boldt castle several times (we used to rent a summer house in the thousand islands). it is very beautiful and somewhat creepy. i always got the impression that it was haunted.

 

[princess pooh]

I went to Boldt castle in June when I was visiting the thousand islands. The outside of the castle is stunning and the gardens are beautiful. The interior was kind of sad though. The castle was never finished so the upstairs rooms look kind of like jail cells and they are covered with graffiti . Who would want to vandalize someone elses castle like that????

The story behind the place is so sad but romantic.

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

We go all the time during it's open season. I think it is SO gorgeous! I went last October with friends and it was COLD with the breeze off the water. When we went up to the topmost level (before they have it blocked off for safety) they had some bats flying around. Talk about some women screaming! They also had the fire in the foyer lit and it was nice, and my god, the stained glass in the ceiling above the stairs is amazing!! I love the giant doll house replica showing how it could have looked if finished. I am taking the kids back before school starts next month to see what else they have restored. I heard the elevator was being finished, does anyone know if this is true?

 

[wdwpluto]

Gosh, that brings back some memories! From '90-'94 I used to vacation in 1000 Islands with a friend and her family (I was a teen) and we'd go to the castle every summer to see what progress they'd made with the restoration. It's sad, but beautiful at the same time. Hmm... I may have to drag dh up there next summer!