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Oheka Castle Tour Review: Gatsby’s Mansion

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Oheka Castle is a must visit for any die hard fan of the 20s or The Great Gatsby! I wrote an Oheka Castle tour review for anyone thinking of visiting the beautiful Long Island hotel, which is one of the inspirations for Gatsby’s mansion.

Entering and Leaving the 20’s.

On New Year’s Eve, I anticipated the imminent spectacle of the New York City ball drop in the time capsule of Soviet culture that is my in law’s Brooklyn apartment. In Russian, my father-in-law gave a speech about the exciting moments to come in the new year. I looked apprehensively at the shot of vodka in my hand.  I’d had enough olivier and caviar to choke a horse. And yet, my mother in law insisted on walloping heaps of mayonnaise-slathered (albeit delicious) helpings of cuisine onto my gold and white china plate.

I was in a stupor from over indulging in the Russian spread, combined with the inhumane lack of sleep from being a new mom. It left me nearly forgetting that New York, and the entire world, would be welcoming a brand new era at the stroke of midnight. It had seemed, at least according to my Instagram feed, that Americans were beguiled by the possibility of another “roaring 20’s.” My mind conjured up images from The Great Gatsby, a novel I’ve taught dozens of times as an English teacher. 

Champagne, jazz music, flappers, tuxedos, and Gilded Age mansions for housing the aforementioned three. There is a scene where the novel’s narrator, Nick Carraway, forgets about his own birthday. As the ball began to drop and those around me began to count, it dawned on me that as society was ready to welcome the “20’s,” I was days away from preparing to leave my own 20’s behind me. This would be my final year to secure a foundation in life before turning 30, when the “building” of an “adult” life allegedly begins. “Thirty – the promise of a decade of loneliness” is how Nick Carraway describes the impending development of the big 3-0. 

As I prepared to enter the last year of my 20’s, I meditated on Nick Carraway’s feelings towards turning 30.

In many ways, of course, I was not lonely. I noted that I had my husband, both parents, a son, and a small, core group of friends. However, I could not help but reflect on every other birthday celebration of my 20’s. A memory of my 24th birthday in particular stood out. Twenty or more of my friends and I stayed over at the luxurious Standard Hotel. The place boasts floor to ceiling windows – presumably for those with voyeuristic fetishes in mind – housed in Manhattan’s exclusive meatpacking district.

We danced and imbibed in New York City’s hottest night clubs, transported via a behemoth of a party bus. I remember the night as an endless barrage of flower bouquets, free drinks, and a $2,000 bill for dinner, which upon its arrival, I didn’t blink an eye at. What was I to care? It wasn’t me who was paying. I felt like a celebrity that evening. In my mind, I always assumed the throngs of friends I celebrated with would attend every birthday celebration of mine my whole life.

Much like F. Scott Fitzgerald, I found myself unable to cope (even if I only admitted this to myself) that my roaring decade of popularity and evenings out in New York City – the “golden shimmering mirage” – had ended.

As I turned 29, and with 30 looming on the horizon, I made the disheartening realization that I have nowhere near as many friends as I once had a few years ago. Even among the friends that remained close there was no time to celebrate something as trivial as my birthday. My core group of friends were pregnant, closing on houses, moving out of New York, working 16 hour days, and – feeling their own “hot whips of panic” upon nearing 30 – were desperately navigating the dating scene. 

Bleary eyed, in the early morning hours sitting at the school where I teach, I scrolled through Groupon looking for a way to celebrate my special day. Something that did not involve a Bacchanalian evening and the torture of wearing black stiletto heels. It was a half hearted endeavor, I scrolled absent-mindedly just knowing I’d settle for some minor off Broadway performance.

Suddenly my finger abandoned the mouse. My fingers found their way to the dry patches of skin on my lips, as they often do when I’m deep in thought. “Oheka Castle” I mused. An overnight stay at Long Island’s only castle-cum-luxury hotel, one of the inspirations for Gatsby’s mansion. The groupon was my own personal green light on the end of a dock. A signal to “go for it.” My finger hit “purchase.” In a minute or less, I had booked my trip to Oheka Castle.

Why would someone in my position have an interest in staying at Oheka Castle?

As stated in the aforementioned paragraphs, I am a book nerd and English instructor. As such, it is my duty to fawn ceaselessly over writers of the “lost generation.”  This is a labor of love, for I passionately and intensely love the writers of this era as if I know them personally. The first time I saw Baz Luhrman’s rendition of Gatsby at the movies, I sobbed.

The beauty and grandeur of the era belonged to those of the past, and I would never experience it for myself. Oheka Castle was in large part a source of inspiration for The Great Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald visited the chateau with Zelda while living on that “riotous slender island.” In its heyday of the 1920s, Oheka Castle hosted lavish cocktail parties, the kind Fitzgerald sought inspiration in for his great American classic. The place was the muse for Jay Gatsby’s mansion.

Otto Herman Kahn was the original owner of the home. He was a banker and philanthropist, as well as a contemporary and competitor of JP Morgan. In addition, he was the inspiration for the Monopoly man (as if his resume was not impressive enough) at least according to the lovely tour guides at the estate. The castle stands on a 443 acre plot in Cold Spring Hills neighborhood of Huntington, NY; its construction cost over 100 million dollars in today’s currency.

Needless to say, Kahn possessed an unfathomable type of wealth.

It’s not possible to overstate the gargantuan size of the estate. In fact, the 109,000 square foot estate was twice the size of the White House. Unlike the White House, Kahn and his family did not live in the 127 room home full time. Oheka Castle, the second largest private residence in all of the United States, was merely Kahn’s summer residence. It happened to host a number of royal figures, politicians, and celebrities at its glamorous parties in the 1920’s. Chaplin, Gershwin, and the Folly girls all indulged in the opportunities for fun provided at the estate, such as ballroom dancing and swimming.

Just a few short years after the stock market crash, Kahn died of a heart attack in 1934. Not wanting to maintain the upkeep of the property, his widow sold the estate to none other than the New York City Mayor at the time, Fiorella La Guardia. Under his care, it became a retreat for sanitation workers and their families who were only expected to pay $1.00 per day of retreat. 

The building came into the hands of the Merchant Marines during World War Two for radio operating school afterwards. Then, it became a military training school. Due to the resistance of the Vietnam War, enrollment plummeted at the school, and so it was closed.

Oheka Castle remained entirely abandoned and fell to the whims and delights of local vandals and thieves.

Gary Melius, a developer and contractor, was undoubtedly inspired by those with an interest in preserving the castle’s history. He bought the property and the 23 acres surrounding it.

In The Great Gatsby , Gatsby sincerely believes that his love from five years ago (Daisy) will abandon her high society husband (Tom) for a man she hasn’t seen nor loved for five years (Gatsby) after reuniting at Nick Carraway’s house. The consensus is largely that he is delusional. When seeing photographs of Oheka Castle after years of vandalism, arson, and theft there were undoubtedly throngs of skeptics who wondered if Melius plans for restoration were not entirely as delusional as Gatsby’s own dream.

The post apocalyptic edifice would have been better suited as a shooting location for The Walking Dead. However, both Gatsby and Melius carried “infinite hope” and saw the boundless possibilities of a dream that seemed to many to be utterly unattainable. However, Melius was also equipped with something that Gatsby never had, yet desperately needed: a plan and professional help.

Melius and his team of historians and researchers used photographs, salvageable relics from the mansion, and original architectural drawings to bring Oheka Castle to its former splendor and to maintain its historical authenticity.

Today, Oheka functions as a wedding venue (notably, one of the Jonas brother’s choice of location.)

A plethora of movies (such as Citizen Kane) and television shows have been filmed at the estate, including HBO’s new thriller Succession . A dizzying list of celebrities have visited the castle and filmed music videos on its premises, including Taylor Swift for her Blank Space shoot. Beyond all of this Oheka Castle is a luxury destination for anyone looking to fulfill their dreams of living like the Buchanons.

The long driveway to the castle is lined with an impressive array of sizeable and perfectly trimmed trees which seem to brush against the sky. This is where most visitors start to gain awareness that this is not merely a “hotel.” However, the first view of Oheka Castle undoubtedly casts a feeling of awe and surprise on any first time guest’s spirit – this is where the transformation to another time period entirely really begins.

On first thought, it would not at all be outlandish for one to rub their eyes and wonder if they were actually on a trip to France’s Loire Valley and not, in fact, on a weekend getaway to Long Island, New York.

Guests should prepare to become an instant VIP upon their immediate arrival to Oheka Castle. Instantaneously, uniformed staff begin radioing of one’s arrival to each other quickly. I was surprised to have my car door opened for me and my luggage immediately being taken off my hands and transported to my quarters.

I teetered unsteadily in a smart pair of pumps across the gray cobble stones and took a moment to look at the many windows and chateau style peaks which top the castle. The style of Oheka Castle’s roof helps give the castle a fairy tale look. When undergoing renovation, Melius and his team used the exact company that Kahn’s crew had used when building the roof. After marveling at the exterior architecture, prepare to step back in time. 

The magnitude of the foyer’s grandeur is so lavish, that one nearly feels a small level of paralyzing chagrin. I was met with a grand horseshoe shaped marble staircase. It swept out from both sides of a large door adorned on either side by statues of women doing their best to hold large candelabra over their heads. From the door, both sides of the staircase sweep down toward a landing where a marble bench is placed. Past the landing, the sweeping of the staircase continues onto the main floor. The artistic railing which lines the stairs is entirely wrought iron.

The inspiration for this staircase came from the famed Fontainebleu of France.

The entrance door swung shut behind us. It sent a rippling echo of sound up to the church-like high ceilings. The ceilings hold some impressive pieces of artwork, two windows the size of mattresses on either side of the staircase, and an ornate and prodigious chandelier over the staircase, which looks like it would be able to crush an entire group of guests should it fall.  If there is any traveler who has ever wanted to step into Gatsby’s mansion or any F Scott Fitzgerald novel – this is the place.  

Our chateau category room at Oheka Castle came equipped with the most comfortable bed known to humankind. The ceilings were gold plated, and the fireplace gave an aesthetically rustic and historic feel to the room. Our son slept in bed with us all night (go ahead – judge me.) The next morning, I came to regret that decision.

Allow me to briefly jump ahead to the following morning. Henry lay playing on the floor with my husband early in the morning. As I lay in bed, I got the feeling that I was not alone – that something had gone terribly amiss. I felt terrified. I knew there was something in my bed and it took a ton of courage to finally look. And then – I had a real life Goodfella’s moment.

I lifted up the comforter and screamed bloody murder.

Not a horse’s head, something worse. Baby shit. Everywhere. No idea how it happened. I can still smell it as I write this. I had to scrub every single inch of it out of the sheets and the mattress topper. Honestly, my biggest fear was that the hotel would see the stains and assume it was my grown ass husband and I who committed the crime. That is something that I SIMPLY COULD NOT ALLOW TO HAPPEN. AND, I can’t believe I’m writing all of this for people to read. But, (butt HA) it’s the truth, and I must share it. I am forever traumatized. I used my bare hands guys. I’m like Lady Macbeth…but with baby crap. (Want more cringe-worthy embarrassing tales? Try looking here).

For dinner we were seated in the quirky “Chaplin room.”

An upscale room, where intimate conversations took place among couples and a family celebrating an anniversary. The room is painted entirely in red and has no less than DOZENS of photographs and posters of Charlie Chaplin from all around the world. Khan was a fan of the silent picture star, and he even visited the mansion. Thus, when the chateau was resurrected, it was decided that one of the dining rooms would be named after the 1920’s star.

I just had to talk about the restaurant’s amazing food in my Oheka Castle tour review. I ordered the Long Island specialty of duck breast in fig and port wine sauce, with a side of the creamiest wild mushroom risotto. It was well worth the price tag and then some. A side of a few glasses of rose’ didn’t hurt either. When dining at the castle, everyone is treated to bread with a side of gorgonzola cheese sauce for dipping. Move over fondue, you have met a far more decadent and elevated match!

After dinner, we moved onto cocktails in the library.

The library features one of the three remaining original fireplaces in the mansion, and all of the remaining details are authentic to original plans. Having had a prior residence destroyed by fire, Kahn sought to have his entire mansion made as fireproof as possible. The “wooden” walls are actually not wooden at all – but drawn to look like wood with a fire safe material underneath!

The morning after we indulged in a feast.

Oheka offers the best continental breakfast that I’ve ever seen included at a hotel stay. Pastries, fruit, Greek yogurt, and bagels were all up for the taking. The tea bar offered a dizzying array of variety and I found my new favorite brand – Stash tea! It is beyond my creative limits to try and imagine what it might be like to eat breakfast in such a regal setting. I’m sure, however, that I could get used to being waited on hand and foot every day.

The part of the trip which makes my soul burst with joy – I found the hidden indoor pool. The pool is hidden in the basement behind a heavy black door and would not have been easy to find.

Paranormal investigators did a stake out in the room a few weeks prior to our visit, and it’s no wonder why.

I still feel chills looking at these photographs. Despite being the only person in the room I truly could feel as though the spirits within Gatsby’s mansion, all of his roaring 20’s party guests, were all around me. I had the thought that one might accidentally push me in. It was the eeriest, most awe inspiring moment of my life. 

Guests visiting the Long Island mansion have the option for taking a tour without staying over.

However, staying overnight at the hotel gives guests a free guided tour the next morning. We were able to learn an extensive amount of history about both the original owner, the new owner, and all of the history in between. 

I am NOT one of those people who believes it’s adorable when kids misbehave. Henry was incredibly well behaved. However, at one point he giggled while our tour guide was speaking. She remarked, “if it gets to be too much for us, I’ll let you know.” I personally didn’t think his transgression was disturbing, but considering the comment, I took him out of the room while my husband took notes. 

Oheka Castle Tour Review

What is perhaps most surprising about Oheka is that given its vastness and sprawling design, it feels cozy and intimate. It is not too difficult to get the feel of one’s (albeit extraordinarily large) home, rather than a frigid, marble slabbed mausoleum. I think it is entirely possible that Gatsby felt totally fine living in his mansion alone before Daisy.

The staff are professional, but approachable. By Sunday morning, we already knew many of the workers. Many who would call my son, Henry, by name, play with him, and even offered to rock him to sleep. In his mission statement, Gary Melius hopes to impart a familial and welcoming feeling to each of his guests. He has undoubtedly succeeded. So often a luxury setting can be anything but relaxing. One constantly has to consider if they are behaving, speaking, and eating in a way that exudes class and conveys a sense of deserving to be staying at a five star establishment. Oheka combines old world luxury with the added benefit of genuinely allowing visitors to let their shoulders down.

The 2020’s will very certainly not be anything like the 1920’s – sorry to disappoint.

My 30’s will more than likely not be anything like my 20’s. Change is inevitable and we should welcome it as warmly as Gary and his staff welcome their travelers. After all, we do not want to be entirely like Gatsby, retreating ceaselessly into the past, clinging to dreams that have long since fleeted, and being unable to move forward. There is much to look forward to…

In the words, once more, of Nick Carraway “tomorrow we will run faster [and] stretch our arms out farther…”  Enjoyed reading my Oheka Castle tour review and ready to see the place for yourself? Book your own tour or overnight stay here.

• February 1, 2020
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Stephanie Amb

Stephanie is a writer of travel, fiction, and New York lifestyle. She currently lives in Brooklyn and teaches full time in Queens. She is a wife and mother to one son. Stephanie is a co-founder at Tawk of New Yawk and her work has been featured in Your Life is a Trip, Teaching Traveling, and Literary Traveler.

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Looks like a really good birthday stay, aside from the poop and rude tour guide! And it's good that you are trying to embrace the change of moving into your 30s. It certainly isn't the same as being in your 20s but that's a good thing. With age comes wisdom, and while friends may change, I have found that it's been a good thing!

I would definitely include this on my bucket list. Thanks for the learning.

Wow. Just wow. The grandeur, the sheer size of Oheka Castle, the fact that you can stay there... it's blowing my mind a little. My own experience with "the 30s" is that I still feel like I'm in my 20s, and I'm more than halfway through the next "decade". Being a grown up adult is overrated anyway ;) A very happy birthday to you!

Bucket list material! It looks like a memorable stay. Thank you for sharing!

That staircase!!!!

"The inhumane lack of sleep from being a new mom." Oh, girl! My first were twins. And even though they're now adults, that exhaustion STILL haunts me! So glad you got to enjoy such an amazing place!

First, don't worry about your 30s, they are going to be the best decade of your life. Second, I could not agree more with you, it does seem like you flew to France in a second to go visit Oheka. And loved the storytelling behind your visit and your link with so many films and videos. It does seem like one of these places that you have seen many times and have gotten to know but you never know where it is exactly. Thanks for sharing!

Don't put tooooo much pressure on yourself to achieve everything before you turn 30. I'm sure you'll be fine. :)

Great post! I have always wanted to stay in a castle and always thought that I would have to go to europe. I had no idea that there was one in New York.

Such an amazing way to spend your birthday, minus the surprise in the bed... which I would not have cleaned up! It's hard to believe this property was once abandoned

Wow! What an incredible experience. I had no idea this castle existed and in the US! Your photos are incredible. I'm a lit nerd as well, so I appreciate this post and your experience (and am quite jealous). PS- I've read Z and loved it! I hope you enjoyed it as well.

I love to stay at historic places which has some interesting stories behind their past. I never knew about Oheka castle and its association with many historic activities like a school after WWII, a military training school and when it was closed, it became destination of vandals and thieves. Also the fireproof walls though looking wooden makes the library very cozy and with full of warmth.

I live the story that you told while writing this piece. We try to stay in historical places anytime we can and you just have us another to add to our list!

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Oheka Castle: Everything You Need to Know About the Long Island Mansion

By Megan Johnson

If lush formal gardens and Gilded Age glamour are your idea of a good time, Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate might be the mansion getaway of your dreams. The second largest private home in America, the Long Island castle is tucked away on the famed Gold Coast between New York City and The Hamptons in the peaceful town of Huntington. One of the most famous Gold Coast mansions, Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY, is a beacon of both historic preservation and luxury style. The perfect spot for history buffs and high-end travelers, it is now a member of Historic Hotels of America and welcomes guests to enjoy the historic site, whether as a wedding venue or a mansion tour.

So what exactly makes Oheka Castle so special? Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the grandeur of the New York estate is informed by endless unique features. “There are several factors that lend to the castle’s popularity,” says Nancy Melius, director of marketing and interior design at Oheka Castle, who mentions the property’s rich history and thriving existence in the present day. “It underwent one of the most expensive restorations in the country and is the second largest private residence in the country. The estate is palatial and awe-inspiring and it’s unusual to find a historic castle of this size and beauty in America.”

The fascinating history of Oheka Castle is a story that has carried on throughout the ages. Financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn first purchased 443 acres in Cold Spring Harbor, which is part of the town of Huntington, New York, in 1914 for $1 million. After two years of construction atop a hill, making it the highest point on Long Island, the French-style château served as the private summer home for the Kahn family. It became known for its luxurious private events and celebrations, a prime example of 1920s Gilded Age glamour. The Kahns welcomed some of the biggest names of the era, from Hollywood legends to politicians, to the sprawling mansion for lively parties.

However, things began to fall apart after 1934, when Otto Kahn died of a heart attack. The property was bought and sold several times, serving as everything from a retreat for New York sanitation workers to a government training school for Merchant Marine radio operators. In 1948, the Eastern Military Academy purchased Oheka Castle. After removing the lush gardens, subdividing the rooms, and changing the interior, the school went bankrupt in the 1980s. It was at that point that the property fell into dilapidation, with numerous fires set inside in just five years. Abandoned for more than 10 years, the estate suffered from significant neglect. Developer Gary Melius purchased it for $1.5 million in 1984, investing $40 million into restoring the palatial estate to its former glory.

Architecture and design influences

One of the reflecting pools on the grounds of the property.

Measuring upwards of 115,000 square feet, Oheka Castle was the ultimate vacation home for the Kahn family. Otto Kahn, who spent $11 million on the construction, had the building created out of steel and concrete, largely out of his hopes to make a fireproof structure. From the faux bois walls in the library and the plaster moldings in the grand ballroom to the secret passageway from a bookcase and the 39 working fireplaces throughout the castle, there were endless fascinating tidbits of Oheka’s story ingrained in every square foot. When Melius restored the property in the traditional French château style, he made sure every aspect of the castle was cared for with precision. The roof was restored with slate tiles sourced from the same Vermont quarry that Kahn used for the originals, and more than 222 windows and doors were replaced. Since then, a variety of Italian windows and doors have been installed throughout the estate. It has been expanded since its original construction too: Currently measuring 115,000 square feet, Oheka features 117 diverse rooms and 50 bathrooms.

Notable moments in pop culture

From a starring role in 1941’s Citizen Kane to its appearance in an episode of Gossip Girl, Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate has played an important role in pop culture history. Thanks to its European style and location that’s a short drive from New York City, Oheka Castle is highly sought-after as a location for films, television, and other productions. One of the most famous scenes of HBO’s acclaimed drama Succession was filmed at Oheka. Titled “Hunting,” the episode, which followed the Waystar Royco senior staff while they headed to Hungary for a corporate retreat, ultimately became known for the famed “Boar on the Floor” scene. During the scene, media titan Logan Roy berates his staff during a game that takes a dark turn. While the episode was meant to take place in Hungary, it was actually filmed in New York State at Oheka.

But perhaps the most famous onscreen appearance of Oheka may be when it was used in Taylor Swift’s 2014 “Black Space” video . Several pivotal exterior scenes for the video were shot at Oheka, including scenes where Swift and her boyfriend trot around on white horses through the castle’s rear façade and enjoy a picnic on the rolling grounds. But it’s the scene where she smashes her lover’s luxury convertible with a golf club in front of Oheka that’s ingrained in the minds of Swifties everywhere.

Notable elements of the castle and its grounds

Guests attend an event at the castle.

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From the handcrafted wrought iron railing of Oheka’s grand staircase, which was inspired by the exterior staircase at the Château de Fontainebleau in France, to the eight reflecting pools that dot its grounds, there are endless unique features throughout the estate. The rolling grounds received the same extensive renovation as the building in recent decades using the original drawing created by the Olmstead Brothers, the sons of legendary landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted. In addition to the reflecting pools, three elegant fountains were installed. Across the vast acreage, you’ll find 44 London plane trees in the formal gardens, and 2,505 boxwoods around the reflecting pools. Along the drive leading to the courtyard, 500 red cedars serve as the ultimate welcome. In the present day, 85% of the estate and gardens are restored, with the same precise attention to detail as its palatial interior.

The castle is also known for its role in delighting guests as the ultimate vacation destination. The 34 guest rooms and suites feature beautiful views of the estate, as well as coveted amenities like an in-room massage menu and Molton Brown bath products. Oheka’s culinary program also allows guests to soak up the property’s European ambiance all while enjoying a delectable meal at Ohk Bar & Restaurant , the estate’s fine-dining restaurant. Mansion tours, which are available by appointment only, are led by experienced docents who can speak at length about the stories of Oheka’s history.

Special notes and interesting facts

Though the Kahn family no longer owns Oheka, their role in its creation and influence on American history can’t be forgotten. The name Oheka was given as an acronym for Mr. Kahn’s name: Otto HErmann KAhn. As a titan of industry, legend has it that Otto Kahn was used as the inspiration for the character Mr. Monopoly. The family lived in the lap of luxury, employing 126 full-time servants at the estate, despite only living there during summers and weekends. Otto Kahn’s daughter, Maud, was the first bride to wed at the luxurious space in 1919.

Today, Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate is a highly coveted location for weddings and private events. The venue performs an average of 200 weddings per year, starting in 1987. That said, there is a strict rule the estate adheres to: There can be only one wedding held each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oheka is a highly coveted destination for weddings, with stars of music, film, and athletics celebrating their nuptials on location. Joey Fatone, Brian McKnight, Kevin Jonas, football star Curtis Martin, basketball player Tobias Harris, Megyn Kelly, and Anthony Weiner and Huma Abedin (whose wedding was officiated by then President Bill Clinton) have said “I do” at Oheka.

Oheka Castle is best known for its dramatic architectural grandeur, and its role in some of the most popular moments of musical, television, and commercial history.

In addition to famed moments like Swift’s “Blank Space” video and the “Boar on the Floor” scene of Succession, shows ranging from Madam Secretary to The Americans have been filmed on-site, as have commercial and editorial shoots for brands like Audi and Victoria’s Secret.

Oheka is one of the endless mansions that dotted the North Shore of Long Island during the 1920s. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in the area, and went to many of the lavish parties at the mansions. Those palatial spreads were the collective inspiration for Fitzgerald’s most famous tome, The Great Gatsby. These days, if guests are eager to embrace a Gatsby vibe, they can spend the night in one of the Gatsby Suites, which are inspired by the decadent days the book detailed.

The Kahn family called Oheka Castle their vacation home until selling it to the Welfare Fund of the Sanitation Workers in 1939. Renamed Sanita, it then became a retirement home for the sanitation workers of New York City.

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By Charlotte Collins

By Katie Schultz

By Michelle Duncan

See inside Oheka Castle, the 127-room Long Island estate that inspired 'The Great Gatsby'

• I took a tour of Long Island's Oheka Castle, an hour east of Manhattan. 
• It's the second-largest private home in the US and was built in 1919.
• It's now a residence, hotel, restaurant, and events venue.

If you've ever read or seen "The Great Gatsby," you know 1920s New York was home to extravagant mansions with owners who hosted lavish parties.

One of those owners was financier Otto Hermann Kahn, who built Oheka Castle — named after its owner (Oh-He-Ka) — on Long Island in 1919.

Kahn's wife used to call the home "Otto's zoo," and that seemed to be an accurate description. A-listers of the time used to party at the 109,000-square-foot home, with Kahn as a Gatsby-like figure entertaining all his guests.

But Oheka's journey didn't end there. After Kahn's death in 1934, the property changed hands numerous times until it was abandoned in the '80s. Fires, vandalism, and theft devastated it.

According to Oheka Castle , land developer Gary Melius then purchased the estate and spent $40 million restoring it to its former glory.

Today, it's the second-largest private home in the US, behind only Biltmore House in North Carolina. It's a popular venue for weddings, a restaurant, and a hotel, and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and music videos. Taylor Swift even filmed the "Blank Space" video there.

You can also tour the grounds for $30.

I took the tour and was astonished by the beauty of Oheka Castle. Here's what it was like to visit.

Oheka Castle was built in 1919 by German-American financier Otto Hermann Kahn.

He paid approximately $11 million, or over $158 million in today's currency, for 443 acres of land in West Hills, New York.

Oheka Castle has been through a lot in its 100-plus years of history, and for anyone who wants to learn more, there are tours offered twice daily.

So, I decided to visit. All I knew about Oheka was that Kevin Jonas got married there and Taylor Swift filmed the "Blank Space" music video there.

But Oheka has a rich history. I learned all about it on a beautiful April afternoon.

When you drive to the entryway, it's a bit intimidating. There's someone working the gate who must let you in.

Then comes a long driveway. I felt like I was going back in time to the Gilded Age.

My first look at the main house was astounding — and yes, I mean house. Oheka Castle is the second-largest private residence in the US.

It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added in September 2004.

When Kahn built this house, he had three requirements: He wanted to be high up, he wanted a view of the water, and he needed the house to be fireproof.

His previous house in New Jersey had burned down in a fire. Oheka, in contrast, is built entirely out of stone.

I went inside and waited in front of a grand staircase with the rest of my group for our tour to begin.

When it began, we saw photos of what the house looked like before it was restored by its current owner. We'd learn more about this later.

The first room we entered was this beautiful entryway with a mural of the sky on the ceiling.

The house itself is 109,000 square feet and has 127 rooms.

Many of the rooms are dedicated to showing off the home's history, like the Chaplin Room.

Charlie Chaplin was just one of the many '20s A-listers who hung out at Oheka. This photo shows Chaplin (right) with Kahn (center) and actor Douglas Fairbanks (left).

In fact, according to my tour guide, Jay Gatsby's wild parties in "The Great Gatsby" were inspired by what was going down at Oheka in the '20s.

This was Kahn's wife Adelaide's favorite room. Adelaide wasn't as big of an entertainer as her husband, but this sunny room was perfect for guests.

This ballroom is the only room that's not original to Kahn's time inside Oheka today.

But as you can see from the ballroom's windows, Oheka met Kahn's requirement for a view of the water. He used to dock his yacht there.

Kahn, who was Jewish, also built a golf course on his property — country clubs at the time wouldn't admit Jewish people or allow them to play.

After Kahn's death in 1934, the property was shuffled between owners. From 1948 to 1979, it was the Eastern Military Academy.

During those days, what is now the breakfast room was used as a gym.

From that room, we made our way to this huge library.

A portrait of Kahn hung above the fireplace.

Our final stop on the first floor was this room, which also houses a bar. Press clippings about Oheka adorned the walls.

Among the displayed articles was Danielle and Kevin Jonas' wedding spread in People. They got married at the estate in 2009.

Then we went upstairs to check out the hotel and bridal suite.

The bridal suite, which is on the fourth floor, opens with this mural-covered entryway.

A beautiful open room with windows allows wedding parties to take in the view of Oheka's well-manicured grounds.

The gardens at Oheka are breathtaking from above.

Here's the main bedroom of the bridal suite.

The primary bathroom has a bathtub and shower.

Then it was time to check out the gardens — and to learn what happened to Oheka.

When the Eastern Military Academy went bankrupt and vacated its premises in 1979, Oheka was left abandoned.

Residents who lived nearby were concerned about vandalism. One neighbor even took this statue for safekeeping and returned it when Oheka was restored in the '80s.

Land developer Gary Melius purchased Oheka in 1984 and spent $40 million restoring it to its former glory.

The gardens were originally designed by the Olmsted Brothers, best known for helping with Central Park.

Melius used those original sketches to restore Oheka.

These statues were tracked down at an auction and are thought to date back to the Renaissance.

Now, it's a beautiful wedding venue, hotel, restaurant, and home — Melius keeps an apartment on the third floor.

As I left the grounds, I got one more look at the restaurant and its courtyard.

I would highly recommend taking a tour of Oheka. As I viewed its stunning surroundings and learned about its unique history, I felt like I was traveling back in time.

• Main content

Oheka Castle

• Experience luxury and history at one of Long Island's few remaining Gold Coast estates
• Indulge in delicious food while dining in a beautiful setting with attentive staff
• Explore the meticulously manicured gardens and picturesque surroundings for weddings or leisurely strolls

Menu and popular items

Highlighted reviews.

• Make reservations well in advance for dining or tours as they fill up quickly
• Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds from events like weddings
• If planning a wedding or event at Oheka Castle, book early due to high demand for this fairy tale venue
• For quieter meals, opt for lunch over dinner to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere on the grounds

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10 ways to get the most out of your trip to petra, the roxbury motel: imaginations unleashed in the catskills.

Oheka Castle: Stomping Ground of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Taylor Swift

In the summer of 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald sat every day in the sun-dappled studio above the garage of his and Zelda’s Long Island house and laid down the foundations of his novel, The Great Gatsby . He was drawing on life as he saw it around him, in those enclaves on Long Island Sound where the richest people in the world built the biggest mansions they could imagine in which to flout Prohibition. During their time living in Great Neck (West Egg in Gatsby ), the Fitzgeralds seldom let a millionaire’s party go on without them.

Speculation continues to this day over which of the thousand or so mansions that once stood on Long Island’s “Gold Coast” served as the model for Gatsby’s . The answer, probably, is that Gatsby’s “factual imitation of some Hôtel de Ville in Normandy” was an amalgam of several of the more ostentatious homes that Fitzgerald frequented. But Oheka Castle , perched grandly on a slope that makes its way down to the water, is always in that mix.

Built originally in 1919 as the weekend home of the financier Otto Kahn, Oheka was at the time the second largest private residence in the United States. After Kahn’s death in 1934, the property changed hands a few times and by 1978 stood abandoned. Today, Oheka has been restored as a marvelous hotel. (I’m speaking only of the public areas, as I haven’t stayed in the rooms.) The place exudes an airiness that makes drifting from elegant room to elegant room all the more enjoyable. From what I understand, these days the hotel does a brisk business in hosting the only truly lavish parties we seem to throw anymore: weddings.

A friend, her stepdaughter and I made the trip out to Long Island and Oheka Castle almost by accident, and certainly on a whim, having wiled away the early part of a perfect summer afternoon in my Brooklyn backyard, not feeling like getting up to much of anything else. But as the hours passed, we three decided this kind of beautiful day called for at least a little adventure. A few desultory Google searches later, we had our destination.

Before entering the grounds, we drove as any visitor must through a well-kept suburban neighborhood, through a golf course that was once part of Oheka’s grounds, following the subtle signs for Oheka Castle all the way. Inside the gate, the approach is a gravel drive flanked on each side by impressive hedge. Drive on through an imposing archway and you come to a stop in an immense cobblestone courtyard.

We didn’t know what kind of situation lay beyond that, whether the proprietors of so fancy a setting would allow us interlopers to feel welcome. But welcome we were, left blissfully to ourselves. We sank into the atmosphere effortlessly, and got promptly down to the business of finding all the spots that feature in Taylor Swift’s video for her song, “Blank Space ,” the entirety of which was filmed in Oheka Castle and on its grounds.

Just inside the front door, the elaborate staircases that Swift descends in the video will be the first thing most visitors take in. If you have access to the company of a 13-year-old girl, I advise taking her along. The one I spent that afternoon with has yet to discover The Great Gatsby but knows all about Taylor Swift videos, and yes we did recreate more than a couple of the scenes in a series of Instagram stories that have long since expired.

Provided you have a car, Oheka Castle is easy to visit. I suspect that Sunday afternoons are optimal. The wedding parties had dissolved into their myriad hungover trips home. The empty ballrooms let in just a smidgen of sun, enough to highlight their serenity without overpowering it. Every room begged to be explored. The grounds, immaculate, reminiscent of so many places but not of America, stood close to empty, almost like we owned the place.

Additional highlights include the ballrooms, the library, and the truly magnificent formal gardens, with their pools, statues, and gazebo. We ate a very early dinner at an outdoor table of the restaurant. The food is fine—it’s just the kind of food you expect at a place where no one is there for the food. The bloody mary, on the other hand, was great. A place that nursed the hangovers of the Jazz Age should not have it any other way.

Oheka Castle 135 W Gate Drive Huntington, NY website

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Getting There:  With typical traffic, the drive from Manhattan to Oheka Castle takes about an hour. There is no public transportation available.

Getting In: Oheka Castle’s common rooms and grounds are open to the public. A restaurant and at least one bar should be open during your visit. Be aware that weddings take place here virtually every weekend, at which times access may be more limited.

The Hidden New York Castle, Oheka Castle, Makes You Feel Like You're In A Fairy Tale

Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: [email protected]

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A place that will have you double-checking to make sure you’re still actually in the Empire State, this hidden castle out on Long Island is what dreams are made of. Whether you’re looking for a wedding location that will wow your guests or want to simply take a tour of this piece of the Gold Coast’s history, Oheka Castle needs to be a part of your New York bucket list. It might just be the best castle in New York, and certainly worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Let’s take a closer look.

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Have you visited Oheka Castle, what many consider to be the best castle in New York? We’d love to hear about your experience. Also, learn more about the hotel, restaurant, tours, and more by visiting the castle’s website .

There are so many beautiful castles hiding throughout our state that have an incredible history. If you want to learn more about these historic structures in New York try reading about The Story Behind This One Castle That Will Completely Fascinate You!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best castle in new york.

Can you spend the night in a castle in New York?

There are actually several castles that would love to host you for an evening or two. One of the most enchanting castles you can spend the night in is the Singer Castle. Located on Dark Island in the St. Lawrence Seaway region, this castle was built in the early 1900s and features 28 rooms set a top a beautiful hill on a private island that overlooks the St. Lawrence Seaway in Upstate New York. For an even more luxurious adventure, book a reservation at the Castle Hotel in Tarrytown New York. Just 30 minutes outside of Manhattan, this mesmerizing castle overlooks the historic Hudson River and features over 31 guest rooms, a fitness center, jogging paths, a seasonal swimming pool, a spa and a delicious restaurant, so you never have to leave the property if you don’t want to. Any of these would make for a wonderful castle getaway in New York.

Are there any abandoned castles in New York?

There are many abandoned places in New York that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming, and Bannerman Castle is one of them. Located on Pollepel Island, there are tours you can take, as well as kayak tours to the island to get a closer look. Just remember to never trespass on private property and always use caution when exploring abandoned places.

What is the largest castle in New York?

New York is peppered with castles both large and small. Located in Huntington, New York, the Oheka Castle is not only the largest castle in New York, but it’s the second largest private home in the United States. Built in the early 1900s and boasting over 120 rooms, today the castle is a hotel with over 30 rooms available to rent to make for a magical weekend getaway.

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Oheka Castle Review: Why I’ll Never Stay Here Again

• Here's why I didn't love the Oheka Castle, despite its fabulous photoshoot location.

 Oheka Castle Review: Why I’ll Never Stay Here Again

This review of Oheka Castle was based on my stay there, out of pocket. In essence, it’s pretty in photographs but this place lacks next-level hospitality and a pulse. 

The first time I saw a picture of Oheka Castle I immediately wanted to go. I haven’t done too much traveling in the United States but this looked like the next best thing to Europe. It’s not far from NYC so I made it happen.

Beautiful palace grounds, gardens, and even access to a golf course, what’s not to love? Oheka Castle is also famous for being the setting for a number of different movies and music videos.

Arriving at Oheka, the entrance was pretty nice as you drive through the gravel road and park in front of the castle grounds. Yet instead of a castle, it had a vibe of just a really large mansion that some billionaire decided to build and then seclude himself with. That’s fine, but it’s a slightly different vibe than the castle/garden/fantasy vibe I was hoping for.

Upon arriving, I was surprised to find that there isn’t really a concierge but instead simply a regular office room where you check-in, filled with workers and computers. Not the best vibe for a castle-stay. I wasn’t really impressed, especially when they told me that the golf course was closed when it said it was open on their website. I was planning on playing for one of the days.

This place just had a really dark, low energy vibe, perhaps because it wasn’t wedding season I later figured out. After checking in, I walked around the property and noticed that all the lights were off to save electricity.

I explored a lot of the rooms and began to realize that the Oheka Castle feels exactly like the country club I worked at when I was 16 years old. It’s pretty on the outside, but the service was terrible and it primarily played host to a lot of weddings and events which over time, felt a bit stale in a repetitive cookie-cutter kind of way.

I dreaded having one of those pre-planned weddings in a venue where a hundred others had gone through the same exact charade. And yet, this hotel feels like that. And despite their efforts to keep the history of the property alive, it has the feel of a dated country club that’s keeping up appearances for the sake of hosting events. I couldn’t believe the price of this place considering the lack of corresponding five-star hospitality.

A water leak also sprang in my bedroom and I had to change rooms. I also went on one of the house tours and looked at the “honeymoon” suite. The room felt dark and dated and lacked a next-level touch of luxury one would expect from a high-caliber property. I also received the worst service ever from a waitress in the restaurant who had no idea what gluten-free meant and took twenty minutes to return the bill.

I simply couldn’t enjoy myself here with that nagging awful feeling you get when you pay for something that’s just vastly overpriced. But with all the issues I had here though, the manager did give me a free night in the future, but I likely won’t be using it.

I think living in Japan has totally ruined me but exposed me to high-level expectations. I’m used to Japanese hospitality where if you’re going to charge $400 a night, a place needs to have next-level hospitality and touches that reflect this. Instead, this place charged a ton of money to stay at the here but everything else was pretty bare minimum.

I left after two days thanking myself that I didn’t stay any longer. I can’t recall a place I’ve disliked so much in terms of hospitality.

With that said, it does make for pretty photos which is why people rent it out for weddings and for photoshoots. The property is beautiful and worth seeing and obviously serves its purpose well as a set. I just don’t recommend staying there unless you don’t mind spending a lot of money on faux-luxury.

A beautiful setting

Excellent photoshoot location

A empty and stale feeling

WAY over-priced

Not even close to 5-star luxury

What's Your Reaction?

There’s nothing worse than paying for luxury accommodation and getting service that’s worse than a $10 youth hostel!

Yea not a cool feeling!

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VIRTUALLY WALK THROUGH GOLD COAST HISTORY VIRTUAL TOURS

Walk through OHEKA's Historic Mansion estate and gardens like never before through a virtual tour.

OHEKA CASTLE EXTERIOR

West gate dr entrance, formal garden, oheka castle interior, addie kahn room & library, grand ballroom, terrace room (ballroom 2), original dining room, ohk bar & restaurant, ohk bar and restaurant, ohk - charlie chaplin room, ohk - outdoor terrace, hotel guestrooms and suites, chateau room, whitney room, olmsted suite.

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