PROUD PAST, BRIGHT FUTURE Oheka continued in this fashion for several years, but after Kahn’s death in 1934 the main house and grounds entered a spiral that eventually rendered it uninhabitable. That is until 1984 when Long Island developer, Gary Melius, purchased the structure and its surrounding 23 acres and would bring it back to its original and current splendor. That process still holds the record for the most massive private restoration project in U.S. history. Today overnight guests can live like royalty in its 32 magnificent rooms and suites all furnished in a manner befitting its French chateau-style design. Guests can glide through public spaces on their way to the Castle’s restaurant and bar which are open daily. Top shelf potent potables are served at the bar in addition to specialty cocktails such as a fabulous blend of Pisco, elderflower liqueur, and pureed fresh strawberries. Executive chef Frank Monahan and executive pastry chef, Daniel Andreotti provide diners with an array of entrée choices that include aged prime beef, local seafood, as well as Long Island Duck. For dessert, the Bananas Foster Cream Pie or Apple Tart will cap off what will undoubtedly be a memorable meal for years to come. Many couples return year after year to celebrate their anniversaries at Oheka Castle.
Grand Ballroom
You don’t have to be an overnight guest at the Castle to dine in the restaurant, but reservations are recommended since the mansion is frequently bought out as a venue for some of the most spectacular weddings and special events held in recent history. Oheka Castle is also a proud member of Historic Hotels of America. Guided tours of Oheka Castle are offered to guests and non-guests alike for $25; reservations are required. For more information on Oheka Castle, visit oheka.com. •
GOLD COAST TREASURES
Sagamore Hill
Just a few miles from Cold Spring Harbor is Oyster Bay, home to another remaining vestige of life in the heyday of Long Island’s Gold Coast. Here you’ll find Sagamore Hill, home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt and his family lived in this Queen Anne-style mansion from 1885 until his death in 1919—the year Oheka, just a few miles away, would be completed. During Roosevelt’s time in office, his Summer White House was the focus of international attention. Today, Sagamore Hill is an official National Historic Site operated by the National Parks Service and, like Oheka, is open year round. Tours of the house are offered, but reservations are required. There is no fee to enter the Sagamore Hill grounds or Old Orchard Museum where visitors explore the natural surroundings and become inspired by the legacy of one of America’s most popular presidents. The admission fee for the Theodore Roosevelt Home is $10 for adults; children 15 and under are free. For more information on Sagamore Hill, visit nps.gov/sahi/index.htm. MAY 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35