For my birthday, Tom and Alexa surprised me with a trip to Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands (NY). One of the things we did was take a boat cruise to Millionaire's Row where there are amazing houses, each on their own island. One of the islands, Heart Island, is home to Boldt Castle. The story behind it is so sad. George Boldt, a self-born millionaire and hotel magnate (the Waldorf-Astoria among them), built this castle for his wife, Louise. He loved her so much that he designed it to have hearts everywhere (in the metal work, in the cement, in the stained glass, etc.) Unfortunately she died during the building of the castle so Boldt halted construction and never returned. The castle fell into disrepair and fell prey to vandals. It wasn't until 1977 that restoration projects started taking place. It was a beautiful place to visit, but I sure wouldn't want to have to keep up with a house and property of this proportion. LOL!
what a great trip!! Love the Lo and the story!!!!
ReplyDeletewhat a great surprise trip! your layout is great and i love all the photos!!
ReplyDeleteoh what a nice surprise! and -as always- your layout is adorable! love love love all the layers of embellishments.. great work!
ReplyDeleteSylvia xx
Awesome surprise. Glad you had fun and your page is perfect!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Wow - that would be a fantastic surprise, sounds like a great trip! Wonderful layout and a touching story.
ReplyDeleteJasmine
alittledabofglue.blogspot
Fabulous layout and photos!
ReplyDeleteInteresting story.
TFS!
Great story (if a little sad) behind the castle!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a nice surprise for your birthday!
Love the photo strip idea!!
this looks like such an interesting place, fun story too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip. I had a similar weekend--took visiting family to Newport, RI and a tour of several mansions.
ReplyDeleteLovely collection! Matches your pictures as if it were made for your pictures! Well done.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that story before from another blogger and it's just so bittersweet! I loveeeeeeeeeeee that they took you there as a surprise!!!!! GORGEOUS lo!! LOVING all the browns and the little flags!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat story to go with the layout! This is fantastic!
ReplyDeletevery cool! love how you added the flags on there :)
ReplyDelete