Latest news with #historicestate
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Long Island's historic Oheka Castle files for bankruptcy
Long Island's historic Oheka Castle estate has filed for bankruptcy. With its lush gardens, fountain and European ambiance, the 443-acre French-style chateau has been the backdrop for magical moments including weddings, movie shoots, music videos and more. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Historic Hotels of America. "The name itself comes from Otto Herman Kahn. He was the original builder of the castle. It was one of his six summer homes," hotel manager Steven Kessler said. It has a rich history, which is all part of its charm. "We became a retreat for sanitation workers from the New York City Department of Sanitation. We also were a school for radio operators in World War II. The last thing we were was Eastern Military Academy," Kessler said. But the historic treasure, which is also the second largest private estate in the country, is facing financial trouble. Its owner Gary Melius filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to court documents, the property owes more than $60 million to creditors. "Right now, it's really just restructuring of pre-existing debt," Kessler said. Oheka Castle hosts over 200 events every year - most of them weddings. Kessler said that will not change. "You can come here for dinner, anniversary, luxury weddings," Kessler said. "We are open for business. We have all of our events for 2025-2026. Everything is still happening." Ashley Pastore got married at Oheka Castle in 2023. "It's every girl's dream to get married at Oheka Castle," she said. "Any excuse we have to go back, we go." New Yorkers say it's a staple on Long Island, and they want to see it preserved for generations to come - everything from its grand staircase to its formal gardens. "You could walk into that venue and not need anything. It's extraordinary. You could get married there and not put one decoration up. It's history itself," Pastore said. "We're always trying to preserve a piece of Gold Coast history, so that others can come and visit us, and experience what it was like to be in the Gatsby era," Kessler said. Mansion tours are also still available.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Beloved' historic estate and gardens enter administration
A "beloved" historic estate and popular wedding venue has entered trustees of the 16th-Century Hestercombe House and Gardens, near Taunton, Somerset, have said running the site is longer viable due to low visitor numbers and cost firm Forvis Mazars, which has been appointed as an administrator, issued a statement confirming it will remain open for the time Boughey, from Forvis Mazars, said it is "sad" to see this happen "despite the passion and commitment of the current management team". He added that visitor numbers have been down over the past year and wedding operations are failing to deliver the profitability the wider estate requires."Like many businesses, Hestercombe has continued to suffer with increasing cost pressures to operate, leaving the trustees with little option but to seek the protection of Administration and the support of administrators."Hestercombe will continue to remain open and operate normally for the time being, whilst we explore all options for future sustainability," he added. Sale of assets Hestercombe Gardens trustees said the "beloved historic estate and gardens" played a central role in the cultural and social life of Somerset and beyond. It is hoped the administrators will ensure a structured and professional approach to managing the trust's cash flows and assets while exploring potential avenues for future restructuring and/or the sale of assets", a trustee spokesperson added.
