Boldt Castle’s aged beauty reflects the bittersweet romance behind the estate’s origin. 

Top Places in New York

Kings Park, New York

Abandoned Kings Park Psychiatric Center

Beneath the mossy overgrowth covering this once-sprawling campus lies decades of history and the secrets that come with it.

40.8950, -73.2360

Added by Jenna Mistretta

Brooklyn, New York

Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen

Come for the pastrami, stay for the million-dollar art.

40.6157, -73.9181

Added by HJHausman

Brooklyn, New York

Do the Right Thing Way

Spike Lee's provocative film is officially honored right where it was made, the first time a work of art was used as a secondary street name.

40.6893, -73.9333

Added by Michael Inscoe

See more things to do in New York »

Construction on the castle and its grounds began around 1900, commissioned by hotel magnate George C. Boldt. Mirroring 16th century European aesthetics, the palatial estate was built on Heart Island as a devotional work for Boldt’s wife, Louise. In addition to the large mansion they built a medieval-styled power house, and the tall “Alster Tower,” which was to be used for entertaining guests once the mansion was finished. Boldt also had a number of heart-shaped flourishes worked into the design of the grounds. Most of the construction on the architectural love letter was complete when tragedy struck the Boldts.

In 1904, while the family was still living in the Alster Tower, Louise passed away and George was devastated. Boldt immediately ordered work on the mansion to cease, and he took his family away from the island, vowing never to return. After work on the home stopped, the grounds sat empty for over 70 years before the it was decided that the rotting estate might turn a profit if it was revitalized.

By 1977 the mansion was finished by the new owners of the land and now the enchanting castle and its island gardens are used as an event space. Weddings are popular on the Boldt Castle grounds, which is fitting for an estate built on love.