Singer Castle | Thousand Islands

Singer Castle, also known as "The Towers," is a remarkable historic mansion situated on Dark Island in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River, near Chippewa Bay, New York. It is famous for its unique blend of medieval-inspired Gothic Revival architecture, intriguing secret passages, and rich history tied to early 20th-century American industry.

Origins and History

The castle was commissioned by Frederick Gilbert Bourne, who was president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, one of the most successful manufacturing firms of the era. Bourne began construction between 1903 and 1905 as a private family retreat and hunting lodge. Inspired by the romanticism of medieval castles and particularly by Sir Walter Scott’s novel Woodstock—which describes a royal hunting lodge with secret tunnels—the castle was designed to evoke an aura of mystery and grandeur.

Architecture and Design

Designed by the architect Ernest Flagg, Singer Castle stands as a four-story granite structure built by skilled Italian stonemasons. The building features 28 rooms, including a grand Great Hall, an ornate library, a drawing room, dining rooms, and guest quarters. One of the castle’s defining characteristics is its five-story clock tower, which houses the original clock mechanism installed in 1908 and still in operation today.

The design incorporates numerous medieval elements such as turrets, battlements, and gothic arches, giving it a fortress-like appearance. Inside, the castle is filled with antique furnishings, suits of armor, and period décor that reflect the tastes of America’s Gilded Age elite. The castle also contains secret passageways, hidden doors, and a dungeon — the most famous being a hidden panel in the library that opens when a specific book is pulled from the shelf, revealing a secret corridor.

Ownership and Use Over Time

After Bourne's death in 1919, ownership passed to his daughter, Marjorie Bourne Thayer. In 1961, the property was sold to LaSalle Military Academy. A few years later, it was acquired by the Harold Martin Evangelistic Society and renamed “Jorstadt Castle,” serving as a religious retreat.

In 2001, the castle was purchased by Dark Island Tours, Inc., who undertook extensive restoration efforts to return the property to its former glory and opened it to the public in 2003 as a historical attraction.

Visitor Experience

Today, Singer Castle is open to visitors from late April through October. Guided tours allow guests to explore the castle’s grand interiors, learn about its rich history, and discover the secret passageways and hidden rooms that make it unique. Highlights include the Great Hall with its impressive staircase, the atmospheric library with its concealed doors, and the clock tower with its original mechanical clockwork.

The castle also offers a rare overnight experience in its Royal Suite, where guests can enjoy a catered dinner and breakfast, providing an immersive glimpse into how the wealthy Bourne family might have lived in the early 1900s.

Location and Access

Singer Castle is located on Dark Island, just south of the Canada–United States border in the St. Lawrence River. It is accessible only by boat. Visitors typically reach the castle via guided boat tours from Alexandria Bay or Chippewa Bay, New York. The island offers more than 400 feet of dock space, allowing private boats to moor for visitors who wish to explore on their own schedule.

Significance

Singer Castle is an exceptional example of private estate architecture from America’s Gilded Age, combining historical charm with fascinating stories of industrial wealth, family legacy, and architectural ingenuity. Its preservation and restoration have made it a treasured cultural and tourist destination in the Thousand Islands region, drawing visitors eager to experience its mysterious ambiance and historic grandeur.