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
What celebrities have been married at Oheka Castle?
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.
Why is Oheka Castle famous?
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.
What was filmed at Oheka Castle?
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.
Is Oheka in The Great Gatsby?
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.
Who originally lived in Oheka Castle?
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.