Oheka Castle changes hands for $72 million

A private auction in Manhattan resulted in the sale of the historic Oheka Castle for $72 million.

The property was purchased by Gold Coast Property & Management LLC, a firm operated by Ronald Browning and Paul Alflen. Six other bidders participated in the 90-minute session, which took place in late October at a Manhattan hotel. The new owners have not yet released a detailed plan for the estate, but Alflen told the Long Island Press that they are excited to take over the site. He stated, “We’re going to keep the castle as is,” a response aimed at reassuring residents who view the building as a key part of the community. When asked about their motivation, Alflen described the location as a magical place and noted that they are looking at all options for its future.

The previous owner, Gary Melius, bought the estate in 1984. The 82-year-old co-owner spent decades and millions of dollars refurbishing the property after it sat abandoned and crumbling. Melius filed for federal bankruptcy protection last year to delay a foreclosure sale. He owes approximately $60 million to a secured creditor and another $8 million to $10 million to unsecured creditors. Melius believes the sale will clear these debts. He plans to continue living at the castle and may manage the grounds. He noted that the estate was once owned by financier Otto Herman Kahn, who built it between 1914 and 1919.

Community leaders in Huntington are reacting with mixed emotions to the transition. Gayle Snyder, head of the Cold Spring Hills Civic Association, described the feeling as mixed. She said, “It’s a mixed feeling” about the sale. Snyder added, “It’s sad that Gary is gone,” acknowledging the loss of a familiar figure who welcomed the public for gatherings and holiday events. Residents remain concerned about whether the castle will continue to host local meetings and parties, though Snyder believes the community will still be allowed to use the space.

The future of the land may involve a separate development project. The Cold Spring Country Club, which owns part of the property, filed an application with the town in April 2023 to build 90 condos. Christine Geed, a town spokeswoman, confirmed the application was submitted but noted there has been no communication from the club since. Geed said the town is in a waiting game. She added that there is a general assumption the club will seek permission to proceed with the construction, but no official decision has been made. Country club officials did not return calls seeking comment on the status of the project.

The new owners have agreed to honor all weddings booked through March 31, 2028. The estate sits on 21 acres north of Jericho Turnpike in the Cold Spring neighborhood. It includes a restaurant, a catering hall, and a hotel with 34 guest rooms and suites. The castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which can limit major structural changes. The property has served as a filming location for movies including Citizen Kane, The Great Gatsby, and The Emperor’s Club.

Melius spent an estimated $60 million on improvements over the years. The estate has hosted countless weddings, proms, and political gatherings on Long Island. In 2014, Melius was shot and wounded at the property in a case that remains unsolved.