The Great Gatsby Turns 100: A Centennial Celebration on Long Island’s Gold Coast
April 10, 2025, marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. This novel immortalized Long Island’s Gold Coast as a place of dazzling wealth and deep emotional longing. As we commemorate this centennial, it’s the perfect time to step back into the Roaring Twenties and explore the real-life Gatsby-era mansions that still line Nassau County’s historic North Shore.
Oheka Castle in Huntington – The Inspiration for Gatsby’s Estate
Widely believed to be the inspiration for Gatsby’s sprawling mansion, Oheka Castle was built in 1919 by financier Otto Hermann Kahn. This French-style château is the second-largest private residence in the United States and served as the backdrop for lavish 1920s parties much like those Gatsby famously hosted.
Visitors can book a tour, stay overnight, or enjoy cocktails at the on-site OHK Bar & Restaurant, known for its Gatsby Hour and luxe ambiance.
Nearby Dining: OHK Bar & Restaurant (on-site)
Old Westbury Gardens – Echoes of the Buchanan Estate
Old Westbury Gardens, built in 1904, mirrors the refined “old money” feel of the Buchanan estate in East Egg. With its stately Georgian mansion and over 170 acres of gardens, this historic estate provides a deeply immersive Jazz Age experience through seasonal events, exhibitions, and art installations.
Nearby Dining: The Polo Lounge at The Garden City Hotel – A favorite for upscale brunch or tea, just 10 minutes away.
Sands Point Preserve – A Gold Coast Triple Threat
Home to Hempstead House, Castle Gould, and Falaise, Sands Point Preserve offers visitors a sweeping view of Gold Coast living in the 1920s. Each estate has its own unique story and design—from the French Normandy style of Falaise to the dramatic medieval touches of Hempstead House.
Nearby Dining: La P’tite Framboise in Port Washington, a cozy French bistro perfect for a classy post-tour dinner.
Nassau County Museum of Art – Art Deco in Full Bloom
Located on the former Frick Estate, the Nassau County Museum of Art blends early 20th-century architecture with world-class art. This year’s Art Deco Revival exhibit honors the centennial of The Great Gatsby and the cultural trends of the 1920s, including fashion, design, and visual storytelling.
Nearby Dining: Gatsby’s Landing in Roslyn features locally sourced seafood and Art Deco interiors that nod to the novel’s aesthetic.
Chelsea Mansion – A Moated Time Capsule
Tucked inside the Muttontown Preserve, Chelsea Mansion offers a blend of architectural styles and a magical moat surrounding the home. Built in 1924 by Benjamin Moore, the mansion remains a testament to the creative eccentricity of the era.
Nearby Dining: Wild Honey in Oyster Bay – A chic American restaurant with locally inspired dishes and craft cocktails.
The Mansion at Glen Cove – Gatsby’s Elegance Lives On
Formerly the home of John Teele and Ruth Baker Pratt, The Mansion at Glen Cove is a fully functioning hotel and event space. Its Georgian elegance and coastal views make it one of the best-preserved country houses from the Gold Coast’s golden age.
Nearby Dining: The Mansion’s in-house restaurant offers fine steaks, seafood, and live jazz on select evenings.
Why the Great Gatsby Still Matters
The centennial of The Great Gatsby isn’t just a literary milestone—it’s a moment to reflect on the themes that still resonate today: ambition, reinvention, and the price of chasing the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s depiction of Long Island’s elite is both a celebration and a critique, and visiting these estates offers a tangible connection to that timeless tension.
From the mystique of Gatsby's mansion to the grace of East Egg, the Gold Coast is more than a setting—it's a living character in Fitzgerald’s masterpiece. As you walk the halls of these grand homes or toast champagne at a Gatsby-themed dinner, you're not just looking back. You’re stepping into a story that continues to captivate the world.
Plan Your Gatsby-Inspired Getaway
Whether you're a literature lover, architecture aficionado, or just in search of a luxurious weekend escape, Nassau County’s Gold Coast is the perfect destination.
Let the green light guide you.
Celebrate The Great Gatsby‘s 100th anniversary by living the legacy of Long Island’s most iconic era—one mansion, one cocktail, and one dream at a time.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions About The Great Gatsby and Long Island’s Gold Coast
Where was The Great Gatsby set?
The Great Gatsby is set in the fictional towns of West Egg and East Egg, which are based on real locations on Long Island's North Shore. West Egg is believed to represent Kings Point (new money), while East Egg reflects the elegance of Sands Point (old money).
Can you visit the mansion that inspired Gatsby's home?
Yes! While Jay Gatsby's mansion is fictional, Oheka Castle in Huntington, Long Island, is widely considered its real-life inspiration. The castle is open for tours, overnight stays, weddings, and fine dining.
Is there a museum or exhibit celebrating The Great Gatsby’s 100th anniversary?
The Nassau County Museum of Art is featuring an Art Deco exhibition in 2025 that celebrates the design and culture of the 1920s, aligning with the centennial of The Great Gatsby.
What are the best historic mansions to visit on Long Island's Gold Coast?
Top historic estates include Oheka Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, Sands Point Preserve, Chelsea Mansion, and The Mansion at Glen Cove. Each offers unique architecture, rich history, and ties to the Jazz Age.
Can I host an event or wedding at a Gatsby-style mansion?
Absolutely! Many of these mansions—including Oheka Castle and The Mansion at Glen Cove—offer full-service event hosting. They’re popular for Gatsby-themed weddings, galas, and photo shoots.
