Oheka Castle, a sprawling Long Island estate known for its role in Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" music video and as a venue for celebrity weddings, is scheduled to be sold at auction on October 27. The property could fetch up to $75 million.
The castle, located in Huntington, New York, has been the subject of a bankruptcy battle following years of creditor claims. Developer Gary Melius purchased the then-crumbling estate in 1984 and invested millions over decades to restore it.
Over the years, Oheka Castle became a popular site for high-profile events, including the weddings of Kevin Jonas and Joey Fatone, as well as events attended by figures such as Megyn Kelly and Anthony Weiner. It has also been featured in productions like Liam Payne and Rita Ora's "For You" music video, "Citizen Kane," and HBO's "Succession."
Melius filed for bankruptcy in August, stating his debt had become too burdensome. Court filings indicate the property owes approximately $60 million to the investment firm Taconic Capital, with an additional $8 million to $10 million owed to unsecured creditors and for professional fees. Melius, who still resides on the grounds, has expressed a lack of choice due to the overwhelming debt.
Concierge Auctions will conduct the sale, which will include both in-person and virtual bidding. Prospective buyers are required to submit a $750,000 refundable deposit and demonstrate the ability to close within 30 days. The auction aims to resolve Melius's debts and potentially allow him to retain some proceeds from the sale if the final bid exceeds the outstanding amounts.