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.
Originally built during the Roaring Twenties, this hidden castle in New York sits on the highest point on Long Island.
First built by a man named Otta Hermann Kahn (where the name O-HE-KA came from), the castle is the second largest private residence ever to be built in the United States. During the 1920s the castle served as Kahn's summer vacation getaway, using the extravagant estate to host unforgettable parties.
Sadly, after Kahn's death in 1934 the castle would long go unappreciated. For thirty years the castle served as a military academy, destroying the gardens and wrecking much of the property's original beauty with the turnover. Eventually the academy would go bankrupt, resulting in Oheka's true demise when the castle would become abandoned and turn into a favorite victim of vandals.
Finally in the early 1980s, Oheka would find itself a new owner that would bring the castle back to life.
Bringing in historians and every kind of knowledgable resource you would want to have during an extreme restoration, new owner and developer Gary Melius bought the 23 acres of land that Oheka sits on back in 1984.
After being set on fire and left abandoned for so many years, the castle was in need of some serious "TLC". Hundreds of windows and doors had to be replaced along with the fact that the entire garden needed to be constructed once again.
Now considered to be the largest restoration in our country's history, roughly 30 million dollars were put into Oheka.
Now a part of the National Register of Historic Places, the property is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of New York. Once you step inside, everything about the home will quickly bring you back in time and make you feel like you're inside of a real life fairy tale.
So, what do you do if you want to take a visit to this magical place?
Made by reservation only, guided tours of the estate and garden can be taken daily. Each tour generally lasts about one hour.
Pricing: Hotel Guests: $15, Students with ID: $15, Kids 12 and under: $5, Adults: $25, Seniors (55+) : $20
You can also schedule Lunch Tours, Group Tours and even the special Otto & Addie Tours! What are these exactly? Lunch Tours are $50 dollars per person and include a guided tour and lunch that concludes with warm beverages and homemade cookies in the castle's restaurant!
As for the Otto & Addie Tour? This is the perfect place to take your someone special! The tour is $100 dollars per couple and includes the guided tour, topped off with a table in the castle featuring a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Talk about the perfect date!
One of the best features of the castles restoration? The Bar & Restaurant added to the property within the last few years.
Besides this place being the perfect setting for your average couple's dream wedding, a major reason why visitors are drawn to visit this castle is because of the delicious food. Oheka Bar & Restaurant has earned quite the considerable amount of raving reviews, quickly making a name for itself.
To book your reservation for this fine dining experience and to view the menu, click here.
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!
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