About Oheka- it's a stunning mansion on the highest point on Long Island in Cold Spring Harbor. Around 1919, financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn purchased 443 acre plot. It cost an estimated $11 mill. ($110 mill. today). It's a French-style chateau with 127 rooms used as a summer home where he hosted lavish parties and entertained everyone from royalty to Hollywood during the 1920s. It is still the second-largest private residence ever built in America. It was also used as partial inspiration for The Great Gatsby!
What struck me more then anything else was driving up the tree lined driveway and cobble stone parking entrance to the home. I was imagining what it was like to have actually lived here in the height of the 1920s and driven to this castle each day as if it were my own or even as a party guest! It's magnificent. The meticulous grounds blew me away, the views, the original dining halls, library, its attention to detail, crown moldings, fire places, marble staircases, high ceilings and doors, everything is really incredible. They just don't make anything like this anymore. The thing is, I can't help but get disheartened when you are inside and its a little more commerical now. I kind of get it though. It's for today's wedding. And actually, the only parts that I think are really different is their grand ballroom that was added on a few years ago to hold more guests and the 4th and 3rd floors with rooms for guests. Some looked as if its intergrity stayed but others were decorated a little cheeeesy. What can I say? I'm very picky and appreciate what was there! It also smelled a bit like a funeral home upstairs and I just needed to leave the rooms quickly. Ok seriously, I should stop. Anyone would be lucky to get married there. This place IS stunning. As far as the vendors go, the only one that just excited me beyond belief was a band called New York Orchestra. I made my mom listen to them twice with me. The singer was INCREDIBLE! She sounded like Aretha and Beyonce rolled in one. I hope I'm lucky enough to book them when I get married. Side note, one thing that disturbed us was at their bridal fashion show was a snotty young couple that sat in between 3 seats so that no one would sit next to them. How rude are you!?
I was twisting and turning all night with bridal imagery. Too much info for my brain in only a few hours I guess! All in all, it was fun to see Oheka Castle up close and spend time with my mom!
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| Aerial view 1915, take from Wikipedia |
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| My view |
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| Rude! |
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