Tue Aug 05 11:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Oheka Castle, a historic Long Island estate known for its appearances in films like *Citizen Kane*, TV shows like *Succession* and Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” music video, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure. Owner Gary Melius is attempting to save the property after defaulting on a mortgage loan. Taconic Capital bought the defaulted mortgage in 2023. The bankruptcy filing has temporarily halted a foreclosure sale. Melius aims to develop luxury condos on the property. The castle has hosted numerous celebrity weddings and A-list guests over the years.

**News Article:**

**Oheka Castle, Famed Location of ‘Blank Space’ and Hollywood Films, Files for Bankruptcy**

**Huntington, NY** – Oheka Castle, the iconic Long Island estate known for its grand architecture, celebrity clientele, and appearances in everything from Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” music video to films like *Citizen Kane* and TV shows such as *Succession*, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The move is an effort by owner Gary Melius to stave off a scheduled foreclosure sale.

According to court documents, the filing was made to halt the foreclosure by Taconic Capital, which purchased the defaulted mortgage note on the castle in 2023. Melius had defaulted on a $28 million commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) loan years prior.

“I purchased the property in 1984 when it was an abandoned shell of a building,” Melius stated in the bankruptcy filing. “Since that time, it has been a labor of love of mine.”

Attorney Joseph Maniscalco stated that Melius intends to continue operating the venue while working on a plan to develop luxury condominiums on the property. The sale to Taconic Capital has been canceled due to the filing.

Oheka Castle, built in the early 20th century by financier Otto Hermann Kahn, has a rich history and cultural significance. Beyond its Hollywood cameos, the 126-room estate has hosted numerous celebrity weddings, including those of Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd, and Kevin and Danielle Jonas. Its guest list boasts names like Dolly Parton, Adam Sandler, Meryl Streep, and members of the Wu-Tang Clan.

The castle’s future remains uncertain, but both Melius and Taconic Capital appear to be interested in the proposed condominium development. A rep for Taconic Capital did not respond to request for comment.

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