From the handcrafted wrought-iron railing of Oheka’s grand staircase, which was inspired by the exterior staircase at Fontainebleau Castle in France, to the eight reflecting pools that dot its grounds, there are endless unique features throughout the estate. The rolling terrain has received the same extensive renovation as the building in recent decades using the original design created by the Olmstead brothers, sons of legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. In addition to the reflecting pools, three elegant fountains have been installed. Across the vast grounds, you’ll find 44 London plane trees in the formal gardens and 2,505 boxwoods around the reflecting pools. Along the path leading to the patio, 500 red cedars serve as the ultimate welcome. Currently, 85% of the estate and gardens have been restored, with the same attention to detail as its palatial interior.
The castle is also known for its role in delighting guests as the ultimate holiday destination. All 34 rooms and suites have beautiful views of the estate, as well as coveted amenities such as an in-room massage menu and Molton Brown bath products. Oheka’s culinary program also allows guests to enjoy the property’s European ambiance while enjoying a delicious meal at Ohk Bar & Restaurant, the property’s elegant restaurant. Mansion tours, which are available by appointment only, are led by experienced docents who can talk a lot about the stories of Oheka’s history.
Special notes and interesting facts
Although the Kahn family no longer owns Oheka, their role in its creation and influence on American history cannot 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 inspiration for the character Mr. Monopoly. The family lived in the lap of luxury, employing 126 full-time staff on the estate, despite only living there during the summers and weekends. Otto Kahn’s daughter Maud was the first bride to be married in the luxurious space in 1919.
Today, Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate is a highly sought after venue for weddings and private events. The venue hosts an average of 200 weddings a year, starting in 1987. That said, there is a strict rule that the property adheres to: there can only be one wedding each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which celebrities got married at Oheka Castle?
Oheka is a highly coveted destination for weddings, with music, film and athletics stars celebrating their weddings at the venue. 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) said “I do” in 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 in music, television and commercial history.
What was filmed at Oheka Castle?
In addition to famous moments like Swift’s “Blank Space” video and the “Boar on the Floor” scene from succession, shows ranging from Madam Secretary a The Americans were filmed on location, as well as commercial and editorial shoots for brands such as Audi and Victoria’s Secret.
He is looking inside The Great Gatsby?
Oheka is one of the countless mansions that dotted the North Shore of Long Island during the 1920s. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in the area and attended many of the mansion’s lavish parties. Those sprawling palaces were the collective inspiration for Fitzgerald’s most famous tome, The Great Gatsby These days, if guests are eager to embrace the Gatsby vibe, they can spend the night in one of the Gatsby Suites, which are inspired by the decadent days detailed in the book.
Who originally lived in Oheka Castle?
The Kahn family called Oheka Castle their vacation home until selling it to the Sanitation Workers Welfare Fund in 1939. Renamed Sanita, it then became a retirement home for New York City sanitation workers.
