OHEKA Castle in Huntington, New York

OHEKA Castle, located in the West Hills area of Huntington, is one of Long Island’s most recognizable Gold Coast estates. Commissioned by financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn, the mansion takes its name from his initials and remains a striking symbol of early 20th-century luxury, with grand architecture, formal gardens, and a long social history on Long Island’s North Shore.

History

Construction on the estate began in 1914, with architects Delano & Aldrich designing a French-inspired chateau for Otto Kahn and his family. The mansion was completed in 1917 and encompassed approximately 109,000 square feet and 127 rooms, making it the second-largest private residence built in the United States, behind Biltmore in North Carolina. The mansion and grounds were created as a country retreat where Kahn could entertain on a lavish scale while enjoying the privacy of a hilltop setting.

The original estate covered approximately 443 acres and cost an estimated $11 million to construct. The property was designed on a scale that reflected both Kahn’s wealth and the extraordinary development of Long Island’s Gold Coast during the early 20th century.

Architecture and Grounds

OHEKA Castle is known for its formal symmetry, limestone facade, terraces, grand staircases, and landscaped gardens. Its design reflects the influence of European chateaux while also showcasing the scale and craftsmanship associated with America’s Gilded Age and Gold Coast estates. Inside, the mansion became known for elegant entertaining spaces, richly detailed finishes, and sweeping views over the surrounding property.

The Olmsted Brothers, successors to famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, designed the estate’s landscape. The grounds included formal gardens, fountains, reflecting pools, tree-lined paths, greenhouses, tennis courts, orchards, stables, and other recreational features.

Social Significance

During Otto Kahn’s ownership, the estate became a high-profile gathering place for prominent guests from business, politics, and the arts. OHEKA’s ballrooms, terraces, and gardens provided an impressive backdrop for parties, dinners, and large-scale celebrations, helping cement the estate’s reputation as one of the signature addresses of Long Island’s Gold Coast era.

Decline and Restoration

Like many grand estates of its era, OHEKA went through major changes after its original heyday. Following Otto Kahn’s death in 1934, the property passed through several owners and uses. It became a retreat for New York City sanitation workers, served as a training school for Merchant Marine radio operators during World War II, and later became home to the Eastern Military Academy.

The Eastern Military Academy occupied OHEKA from 1948 until 1979. After the school closed, the castle was abandoned and fell into severe disrepair, suffering from vandalism, fires, and years of neglect.

In 1984, developer Gary Melius purchased the badly deteriorated mansion and its remaining 22 acres for approximately $1.5 million, according to OHEKA Castle’s published history. At the time, the property lacked functioning electricity and plumbing and had been stripped of its windows and doors.

An extensive restoration followed. According to OHEKA, approximately $40 million has been invested in restoring the estate. Architects, historians, and other specialists worked to recreate original details, including the slate roof, windows and doors, ornamental plasterwork, wrought-iron features, and portions of the formal gardens.

The restored property eventually developed into the hotel, restaurant, wedding venue, and event destination operating today. OHEKA was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Bankruptcy and Scheduled 2026 Auction

OHEKA Castle is currently involved in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings through Kahn Property Owner LLC, the entity that owns the property. The company filed for bankruptcy protection on July 31, 2025, after the property had been scheduled for a foreclosure auction.

As part of the bankruptcy process, OHEKA Castle is scheduled to be offered at auction on October 27, 2026, potentially bringing a change in ownership after more than four decades under Gary Melius. The property remains open and operating while the bankruptcy proceedings continue. Read more about OHEKA Castle’s scheduled auction and bankruptcy proceedings.

Visiting OHEKA Castle Today

Today, OHEKA Castle operates as a historic hotel, wedding and private event venue, restaurant, and visitor attraction. Guided mansion tours provide access to designated areas of the estate and formal gardens and are available by advance reservation. Tours are generally offered beginning at 11 a.m. daily, with additional times available on selected dates.

Visitors can also stay overnight at the castle or dine at the OHK Bar & Restaurant. Because OHEKA continues to host weddings and private functions, access to portions of the mansion and grounds may vary depending on the event schedule.

If you are planning a visit, check the official OHEKA Castle website in advance for current mansion tour availability, accommodations, dining reservations, dress expectations, parking and arrival instructions, photography policies, and other visitor information.

Weddings and Events

OHEKA is widely regarded as one of Long Island’s premier wedding and event venues. Its grand architecture, manicured gardens, terraces, and formal interiors create an elegant setting for ceremonies, receptions, corporate gatherings, and milestone celebrations. The estate’s reputation for luxury and romance has also made it a popular backdrop for photography, television, film, and music videos, though professional shoots and special access typically require advance approval.

Film and Popular Culture

OHEKA’s distinctive architecture has made the estate a recognizable filming location. The castle appeared as part of the representation of Xanadu in the opening montage of Orson Welles’ 1941 film Citizen Kane and has since been used for numerous film, television, music video, and photography productions.

More recent productions filmed at or associated with the property include Royal Pains and Succession. OHEKA was also prominently featured in Taylor Swift’s Blank Space music video.

Legacy

More than a historic mansion, OHEKA Castle remains a living part of Long Island’s cultural landscape. Its enduring appeal lies in the combination of architecture, history, hospitality, and setting. Whether you are considering an overnight stay, attending a formal event, or simply hoping to see one of the region’s most famous estates, OHEKA continues to offer a memorable glimpse into the grandeur of Long Island’s past.

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Vicinity of the Castle

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Key Facts and Details

Key Facts and Details

Name	OHEKA Castle
Address	135 W Gate Drive, Huntington, NY 11743
Location	West Hills, Town of Huntington, Long Island, New York
Original Owner	Otto Hermann Kahn
Construction	Began in 1914; mansion completed in 1917
Original Estate	Approximately 443 acres
Original Mansion	Approximately 109,000 square feet and 127 rooms
Original Construction Cost	Approximately $11 million
Architects	Delano & Aldrich
Landscape Design	Olmsted Brothers
Style	French chateau-inspired estate
Historic Designation	Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004
Gary Melius Purchase	Purchased in 1984 with 22 remaining acres for approximately $1.5 million
Restoration	Approximately $40 million invested in restoration
Current Use	Historic hotel, wedding venue, private event space, restaurant and visitor attraction
Public Access	Guided mansion tours by reservation; overnight accommodations, dining and scheduled events also available
Current Status	Open and operating; property scheduled for bankruptcy auction October 27, 2026
Notable Feature	Second-largest private residence built in the United States, behind Biltmore
Website	Official OHEKA Castle website

OHEKA Castle stands as one of Long Island’s most iconic landmarks, blending history, architecture, and modern hospitality into a single destination. Whether experienced through a special event, an overnight stay, a scheduled tour, or an appreciation of its storied past, the estate offers a rare glimpse into the grandeur of the Gold Coast era. Even as the property moves through bankruptcy proceedings and a potential change in ownership, its historic significance and role in Long Island’s architectural heritage remain firmly established.