| Issue #39, December 22, 2006 |
EVENTS
A Castle Fit For A King
by Victoria L. Cooper
Many people come to the Hamptons for its resort-like atmosphere and the variety of things to do and see in the tiny villages that line the eastern part of Montauk highway. Yet to find a modern-day castle and romantic getaway, you will need to head west of the Hamptons to Oheka Castle. Located on the Gold Coast of Long Island and built in the style and classicism of the French chááteaux in the Loire valley, Oheka castle offers stunning gardens, elegant rooms, intuitive service and luxurious accommodations. It is one of New York’s finest wedding venues and hosts a range of exciting and unforgettable events that you simply can’t miss.
Oheka Castle has a fascinating history. It was built between 1914 and 1919 for Otto Herman Kahn, a philanthropist and multimillionaire. Kahn purchased the 443-acre property in Cold Spring Hills to build his dream weekend home. His intention was to build a castle on the highest point on Long Island, so that he could overlook the beautiful rolling hills and harbor. Yet when he realized that the location was not the highest point, he solved the problem by constructing a man-made hill on which the castle (and second-largest private home in America) rests.
On site, Kahn built his 130-room mansion, an 18-hole golf course, formal gardens, reflecting pools, horse stables, greenhouses, a working farm, private airstrip, tennis courts, an indoor pool and numerous gatehouses along the property entrance. It took 126 servants to tend to the enormous estate and to entertain and impress his notable guests, the likes of which included Fanny Brice, Helen Hayes, George Gershwin and Charlie Chaplin. The castle soon became a destination for many rich and famous people and Kahn even had the railroad company build a railway closeby so that his guests could travel there in comfort. Unfortunately, Kahn died a mere twenty years after the construction was completed and the property was sold. Oheka Castle began to deteriorate.
In 1939, Oheka Castle it became a retreat for workers from the New York City Sanitation Department. The members referred to it as “Sanita.” This did not last long, as the town of Huntington found the resort to be in violation of zoning laws and soon it shut down. For the next few years, the building hosted almost five hundred students as they trained to become radio operators for the Merchant Marines. Finally in 1948, it changed hands for a thirty-year stint known as the Eastern Military Academy. The Eastern Military Academy is responsible for ruining many of the castle’s original features, such as filling in the formal gardens to make a parade ground and covering the paneling with blue, yellow and red paint. The school went bankrupt in 1978 and the estate was abandoned, except for vandals, who frequented the grounds and furthered the destruction of this rare gem.
It was not until 1983 that Gary Melius, a man with a unique vision and desire not only restore the building, but revive the classic lifestyle it was built to support, came into the picture. As an experienced property developer, Melius realized that, even though he had never before restored anything of that caliber, he would undertake the colossal project and for a remarkable one and one half million dollars, he purchased the property and embarked on his mission to recreate Oheka as it was during Kahn’s lifetime.
Today, Oheka is a stunning sight. From its gorgeous grand staircase, wide, barrel-vaulted corridor and magnificent ballroom to its historical décor, it is magical. Throughout the year, Oheka offers many events to the public, including a tour of the estate and gardens, where one can learn about the history of Oheka through rare photographs and film footage. There is also a Long Island vineyards’ wine tasting tour package where guests are given overnight accommodations, seven-hours of chauffeured limousine service, a picnic lunch and a continental breakfast the following morning. In February, Oheka is hosting a Mon Amour cocktail party with an open house tour, open bar, Gatsby-style light fare, carving stations and music. Also in February, is Oheka’s romantic Valentine’s Dinner with champagne. In March, Oheka’s Bridal Showcase brings in some of the most renowned professional bridal vendors on the East Coast. There is a bridal fashion show with magnificent gowns and sharp tuxedos. All that attend are automatically entered in a raffle to win a wedding cake designed by Oheka’s executive pastry chef. You can dine in the café at Oheka and shop at their specialty boutique during any of their open house events throughout February. Oheka also offers special services such as massage therapy and a complete in-room spa service menu.
Oheka has been the destination for many celebrities, including local Hamptonites Alec Baldwin, Christie Brinkley, P-Diddy and Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee. It has also been featured in a few films, most notably, Citizen Kane. If you are looking for elegant events and a trip back in time where you can ascend the grand staircase in style, Oheka Castle is that destination.
Oheka Castle is located at 135 West Gate Drive in Huntington. For directions and more information on upcoming events, call 631-659-1400 or visit their website at www.oheka.com.
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