Within a 40-mile stretch of the St. Lawrence River, 1872 islands dot the deep velvet blue waters, nestling like gemstones richly set in a necklace hand-crafted by God.

The crowned jewel in this Mille Isles - as the French named it - is Boldt Castle.  Conceived and commissioned by George C. Boldt at the turn of the century as a love gift to his beloved wife, Louise, this grand and elegant edifice is the romantic keystone.

This northern slice of island paradise is being re-discovered yet again.  Those who truly appreciate beauty and serenity favor the pristine river as a natural playground not yet scarred by mass commercial development.  With fine fishing and sweet-clean air, the ancient beauty of these islands is one of the treasured gardens on Planet Earth.

Elizer Hart, a newspaper man and New York State senator, constructed a grand river cottage on his Hart Island.  Located directly across from Alexandria Bay, it was a perfect location to enjoy the promenade of boats on the St. Lawrence River.  For twenty years, until his death in 1892, family and friends of this privileged man cherished their summers here.

George Boldt purchased the island from the Hart estate and renamed it Heart Island.  He also had it reshaped into a heart.  His romantic instincts could not be denied.  His deep desire was to build a castle like those he had seen as a boy along the Danube.

He would build a grand castle for his wife.  Sad to say, she passed away when it was about 80% finished.  George wired that all work cease.  He never returned to the castle or the island.

Until the 1000 Island Bridge Authority purchased Boldt Castle from the E. J. Noble Foundation for one dollar in the 1970's, no further work was done.  Today, it shines with new life.  Millions of dollars have been spent; the work is on-going and exciting!

The renowned Hart House Inn was a major addition to that first river cottage on Heart Island.  It was moved across the frozen St. Lawrence at the turn of the century, expanded and re-designed as the 1000 Island Golf club, and served that function for many years. 

History books tell us that it cost $100,000 to join this exclusive club plus $10,000 in yearly dues.  Many rich and famous persons have relaxed on this wrap-around porch.  Eventually a new club house was constructed across the road and Hart House was shuttered down.

The Golf Club House ~ 1994

Hart House Inn - 2001

Ten-thousand square feet of luxury:  exquisite guest rooms with fireplaces, whirlpools, canopy beds, decorator sheeting, fine antiques.  Pristine in every way and whisper-quiet. 

The gardens are another place to be peaceful.  Island roads to explore.  Deer, turkey, fox, geese, black squirrels, blue heron.  It's nestled between the third tee of the Thousand Island Golf Club and the River Watch Marina with a panoramic view of ships on the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Away from everything, yet close to it all.