Oheka Castle
We come from cultures with thousands of years of history, so finding a place in America—a fledgling of a country and of our love—with any sense of age felt like a miracle. Tony is drawn to the past, Claira is rooted in story, and somewhere between old Nanjing and old Seoul, this place felt like it could finally quench two old souls who wanted their vows held where time has touched.
The Castle Grounds
Perching on Long Island’s North Shore, Oheka Castle was built in the early twentieth century for Otto Hermann Kahn, who wanted a French château on American soil. Not only is it one of the largest private residences in the United States, but it’s also a rare gem that carries a sense of inheritance rather than mere display.
Over the years, the estate shifted through different identities and purposes, yet its character stayed. With gentle restoration, Oheka was allowed to stand as something lived, not staged. Time collected rather than passed through.
In fitting symmetry, Oheka was Fitzgerald’s inspiration for Gatsby’s mansion in The Great Gatsby. As those fluent in Fitzgerald may recall, Gatsby’s love, while flawed, was unquestioning—a devotion so absolute he built a world hoping one day Daisy would walk into it. Tony and I have always been drawn to that kind of love, unconditional and persevering, believing without assurance of return. With a hint of irony, Oheka stood for years longing for that fantastical girl of a flower, yet now it is where forever is vowed by lovers. As Gatsby would say, “You see, old sport, this is what I built it for.”
—Claira
The dramatic allure of tragedy, the gleeful assurance of a happy ending—Oheka has it all.
