Touring Some Of America's Castles
It might surprise you to learn that America is a gold mine for castle lovers. The romance and beauty of gothic architecture can be found in nearly every state. But if you're planning a visit to the New York area, The Early Show's Julie Chen found out for the series Best Of America, three castles that are sure to capture your imagination.
The first is located in Tarrytown. Lyndhurst Castle was once one of the most magnificent homes on the Hudson. Stroll the grounds, then step into the main house to experience the riches and romance of a bygone era.
In typical 19th century style, the family lived in luxury upstairs while downstairs, the servants prepared meals. Built in 1838, the home was last occupied by the Duchess of Talleyrand.
"One of her grandchildren told me a story of having tea in this room with the duchess. And the thing that he remembers most was that the butler, when he served, would never turn his back on you. He would serve you and then back away from the table," recalls Susanne Pandich, Lyndhurst director.
In contrast to the elegance of Lyndhurst is the eclectic Wing's Castle, located in Millibrook. Owner Peter Wing is an artist who spent twenty-two years creating his castle, piece by piece.
Eighty-five percent of his home is made from recycled materials.
"If you start at it's bottom, it's made with an upside down copper sugar bowl. Three upside down fondue pot legs, two brass balls from a bed off a dump," he says.
Used bricks from buildings and bridges make up the walls, while weathered barn beams support the ceiling. And everywhere you turn, there's a surprise.
Behind a curtain, he keeps a skeleton.
"One of my neighbors," Wing says as he continues the tour heading towards the direction of a fully functioning bathroom.
"The bathtub was a cast iron planter from an estate that got bulldozed," he says. As for the sink, it was made in the 1870s-1880s he explains.
“They used them for bird baths. The tiles are cut out of old plates and saucers,” he explains.
Further north on an island in the St. Lawrence River is the majestic Boldt Castle. Built by George Boldt, manager of New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel, the home was commissioned as a testament of his love for his wife, Louise.
“The construction began in 1900 and lasted nearly four years. And he spent nearly two and a half million dollars,” says Shane Sandford.
The castle includes a playhouse and a yacht house, where Boldt kept his many boats. There's even a servant's tunnel for transporting goods up from the dock. But as the castle neared completion, Louise Boldt died suddenly from heart failure.
"George Boldt sent a telegram from New York City, for all men and the construction of Boldt Castle to cease immediately. Men just literally laid their tools down, walked away from the project and the project was abandoned for nearly 70 years,” explains Sandford.
George Boldt never returned to Heart Island and the castle is still not completed. However, nearly one hundred years later, the tragic love story is part of the appeal.
"This place was all active and then within an hour it was just quiet as a tomb. It's so sad, says tourist Lindsay Chapman.
"They say there are no ghosts. However, I think if you spent a night here you probably would not feel lonely,” adds Bruce Annan, another tourist.
"To walk into a castle is like walking into a fairy tale or walking into a memory. So castles hold the history and also fantasy, I think everybody has," says his wife Ineke Annan.
And if a wedding is in your future, you can arrange to be married under a gazebo on Heart Island. The only cost to use the property is the regular price of admission to Boldt Castle: $4.25 for adults and $2.50 for children. And if the weather threatens to rain on your wedding day, no worries, the wedding can move indoors.
Tour information:
Lyndhurst Castle
It is located approximately one-half mile south of the New York State Thruway (I-87) at the TappenZee Bridge on U.S. 9 in Tarrytown, NY.
It's open to the public for tours.
Lyndhurst Castle
635 South Broadway
Tarrytown, New York 10591
(914) 631-4481
Wing's Castle
Visitors are welcome all summer long, Wednesday - Sunday 12-5:00pm, for a small admission fee.
Wing's Castle
717 Bangall Road
Millbook, NY 12545
(845) 677-9085
Boldt Castle
It is located in Alexandria Bay, NY on Heart Island in the St. Lawrence Seaway. For tour information contact: 1000 Islands International Council at 1-800-8 ISLAND. Visit their Web site at boldtcastle.com or email at info@boldtcastle.com.
Boat tours are available from both Canada and the U.S.
Admission to Boldt Castle is $4.25 for adults, and Children 6-12 $2.50