Boldt-ing

This weekend My Husband and I went to Gananoque and did a tour of the 1000 Islands. It was our first time in that area. The weather was beautiful and it was a great way to decompress after a particularly stressful week. I can't remember the last time I was on a boat and the sound of the water was comforting.

Cormorants and Osprey nest

I had no idea how hardcore cottage country this area was!! I know....I must be living under a rock. :-) Cottages are perched on the smallest pieces of land out in the middle of the water while others are sprawling summer homes.

I laughed when I saw this. This cottage was right up against the bridge.

The tour we were on took us to Boldt Castle. The history behind Boldt Castle is a rags to riches story that includes love and tragedy. George Boldt was an immigrant and a self-made millionaire. Boldt Castle was to be the summer home of George and his wife Louise. When she suddenly died, all construction stopped and it sat unfinished for decades and decades.

Our destination, Boldt Castle.

Looking up from the front stair case.

Dining room

Ballroom

Front sitting room

The floors amazed me. Each room on the main floor had a different pattern.

The moldings were also different in each room.

Mr. Boldt's bedroom. It opened out on to a balcony overlooking the water.

Mrs. Boldt's bedroom, next door. I believe they shared a balcony. Mrs. Boldt had two huge double closets for her clothing.

Their ensuite. :-)

The guest rooms on the 3rd floor were unfinished. This is a closet in the one of the rooms. Note how tall it is compared to the door on the left - to accommodate long dresses and big hats?? That door led into a little sitting room.

Indoor pool!!

One of the back halls that would have been used by servants. I liked the tile.

Servants quarters on the 4th and 5th floor were small and had very small fireplaces and windows. It was sad to see the graffiti on the walls.

This is the boat/yacht house for Boldt Castle. It has been designated a historical site.

Underneath the castle was really fascinating. There were all sorts of hallways and storage rooms. You could almost hear and feel what it would have been like with staff running around.....

The grounds included an aviary and Alster Tower (used for entertainment), both shaped like castles. Well, what's a horse blog without something about horses! :-) I saw this picture in one of the displays. I wonder what kind of horses they are riding....

I love traveling back in time and seeing how lives were lived a century ago. It was a great weekend getaway and I appreciated the break. :-) You need to have these little breaks every once and a while to refresh yourself. I am looking forward to seeing my handsome boy though and can't wait for lesson on Tuesday!