The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, owners of historic Boldt Castle and Yacht House, present these two premier 1000 Islands attractions with their fascinating stories, historic structures, scenic views, beautiful gardens and grounds. Last season saw the official opening of the Alster Tower to the public after several years of stabilization, complete with protective sea walls, new windows, total masonry re-pointing, roofing and landscaping.
During the Authority’s 38 years of ownership of the former Boldt properties on Heart Island and the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island, millions of dollars have been invested in rehabilitation and improvement efforts. At the same time the Boldt Facilities have hosted over 1,000 weddings and have counted over 6.3 million visitors to these historic properties providing incalculable value to the 1000 Islands International Tourism Industry and demonstrating the Authority’s long term commitment to improve and preserve these landmark properties for present and future generations to enjoy.
Boldt Facilities Rehabilitation Projects
The Kitchen:
2015 will see the grand opening of the Boldt Castle Kitchen, as well as the Servant’s and Maid’s Dining Rooms, located adjacent to the Butler’s Pantry. The kitchen is complete with a reproduction antique woodstove, soapstone countertops, porcelain sinks and various pieces of antique kitchenware including: a butter churn, ice cream maker, wine press, coffee press, copperware, pudding molds, and a copper hot water tank. Our talented carpenters have also hand crafted an authentic reproduction soft maple work table, a white oak Ice Box door, and time-period reproduction seasoning and hanging herb racks.
The Butler’s Pantry will now showcase a refurbished antique Laura Lard Ice Box found in the Boldt Yacht House. The Pantry will also have additional mounted mahogany china cabinets installed to match the current cabinetry, which will signify the final completion of the original plans for the Butler’s Pantry.
Alster Tower:
The first phase of interior restoration of the Alster Tower will also begin this season, and will last approximately four to five years. First on the list will be the Tower’s Billiard Room; a hardwood white oak floor will be installed, along with a new fireplace mantel, firebrick and ceramic tile. Once finished, the room will reflect a turn-of-the-century gentleman’s retreat, fully equipped with popular games of the era, such as chess, cards, billiards or bagatelle.
Visitors to Boldt Castle this season will also witness continued construction on the Castle’s Cistern Tower, which will be marked by scaffolding. Continued rehabilitation work is applied to the tower’s roofing, windows and terra cotta appointments, which stand nearly seven stories above ground.
Boldt Yacht House:
Located directly across the water from Boldt Castle on Wellesley Island is the magnificent Boldt Yacht House. First opened to the public in 1996 by the Authority, the Boldt Yacht House is the last and largest remaining Yacht House on the St. Lawrence River. The Boldt Yacht House contains a number of antique boats, some of which were originally owned by George C. Boldt. 2009 witnessed the arrival of the steam yacht Kestrel, built in 1892 and donated to the Boldt Yacht House by Mr. John Luhrs of Luhrs Marine. The Kestrel is 63’ long with a 12 ½’ beam and typifies the steam yachts of George Boldt’s era. The first floor living quarters of the Boldt Yacht House are also open for viewing providing visitors with an exceptional experience as they tour this very special river landmark. The Boldt Yacht House contains antique boats, many displays, signs and pictures of boating and yachting on the St. Lawrence River. The Boldt Facilities work closely with the Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, NY to exhibit and showcase a collection of antique boats representing a grand era of boating on the St. Lawrence River. Due to its increasing popularity the Boldt Yacht House will now remain open for Boldt Castle’s entire operating season.
With the near completion of the Boldt Castle Kitchen and the previously completed Butler’s Pantry, Boldt Castle Theater, Library, Ballroom, Billiards Room, Reception Room, Dining Room, Grand Staircase, Stain Glass Dome, Elevator, Boldt Family Bedroom Suites, marble flooring, ornate plaster treatments and period furnishings the Authority has accomplished never before finishes to historic Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House.
Please call 315-482-2501 for more information about Boldt Castle, admission rates, weddings, events and links to scenic cruise operators offering stops at the Castle. For general 1000 Islands tourism information, including lodging, call 800-847-5263 or log onto www.visit1000islands.com.
For information regarding the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority please call 315-482-2501 or visit our website at www.tibridge.com.
