Oheka Castle, Cold Spring Harbor NY

Oheka Castle is the second largest private residence built in America.  It was designed by the architects Delano & Aldrich between 1914 -1919 for finacier Otto H. Kahn.  The castle is currently a hotel and catering venue.  I believe I got “Castle Fever” while I was there – I was enthralled by the architecture and the landscape.  I took many photos of the Castle and its interior spaces.  Here is a sample:

Oheka Side view

National Register Plaque

Courtyard view

Terrace Room View

Loggia

Because I took so many photos, I recommend viewing them on my Flickr site.

Fairleigh, East Norwich NY

Fairleigh was designed by the architects Trowbridge and Livingston in 1914 for the George S. Brewster family.  It now serves as The Hoffman Center, a private nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary that is occasionally open to the public.

Front of Fairleigh

I was visiting Fairleigh for a lecture about horse and automobile racing on Long Island.  The cars in front of the mansion were on exhibit.

Rear Facade of Fairleigh

It was raining the day of my visit, so I did not get many exterior photos.  This one shows the rear facade of Fairleigh.

Rear Terrace

The terrace, looking towards the terrace room, which was recently added to the estate.

Reflecting Pond

The reflecting  pond was visible from the rear terrace.

Main Entrance Chandelier

I just loved this chandelier, it is spectacular!

Inside the Terrace Room

The interior of the terrace room.

Interior of the West Loggia

The West Loggia is being restored.

Exterior of West Loggia

For more photos of Fairleigh visit my Flickr site.

La Selva, Upper Brookville, NY

This Italina Renaissance style home was designed by the architects Hunt & Hunt in 1912 for banking and railroad tycoon Henry Sanderson.  The home is in private hands and is currently for sale. (See comment below.)  It is hosting a Designer’s Showcase from October 3rd to November 15th 2009.

Front Entrance La Selva

Side View

I visited La Selva on a beautiful day, seemingly rare to come by this year.  This view shows the garden patio with the loggia to the magnificent living room visible with the master suite balcony above.

Garden from Balcony

This is the view of the garden from the master suite balcony with the wonderful garden folly visible in the back.

Garden Folly close up

I love the way these statues relate to one another.  They serve as an entrance to the wonderful, Olmstead designed grounds.

Garden from Balcony 2

Here is a view of the formal garden, adjacent to the garden and patio pictured above.

Inside the Formal Garden

The seating area was very inviting.

Back View of La Selva from formal garden

As you walk along the rear of the building, you come across a second loggia, which was wonderfully decorated.

Loggia 2

Beyond the loggia is another, large terrace overlooking the property.

Terrace and Building

Lawn from Terrace

Coach House

The coach house had boutiques and lunch inside of it.  Opposite the coach house was a garden gate that I found to be intriguing.

Fruit Tree Garden Gate

It led to a walled garden that contained fruit trees.

Looking into the Gate

Please visit my Flickr site for more photos from La Selva.