Some of the first big structures in the New York City region were castles or forts, built to control access to New York Harbor and the Hudson, or to defend the young American republic after the Revolutionary War. In peacetime, New York’s wealthy continued to build big and sprinkle mansions throughout the area. These structures tended to be built to last and many are available for events today.
New York City’s best-known fortifications are on Governors Island. This former Army and Coast Guard base is now home to the Governors Island National Monument (800.782.8369), which includes Fort Jay and Castle Williams. The island, just 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, has seven miles of car-free bike trails and hosts numerous events throughout the year. It has plentiful sports fields and picnic areas, as well as indoor spaces, including Pershing Hall and the Commanding Officers House.
High above the Hudson River in Tarrytown is the Norman-style Castle on the Hudson (914.631.1980). This impressive stone structure was built from 1897 to 1910 by the son of a Civil War general, who ensured that the castle’s 75-foot tower is the highest point in Westchester County, with views of the New York skyline to boot. Nowadays the castle is a luxury hotel with both classic and modern accommodations, is surrounded by beautifully manicured grounds, and offers some surprisingly up-to-date meeting spaces such as the Great Hall and Caramai Ballroom.
If you’re looking to combine golf with an off-site event, Whitby Castle (914.835.3200) in Rye may fill the bill. Overlooking the 18th hole of the Rye Golf Club, this 1852 stone structure was built on the model of Whitby Abbey in England. Today it offers restaurants and a beautiful bar, plus spaces for meetings and receptions for up to 300 people.
On Long Island, Oheka Castle (631.659.1400) in Huntington was never designed to withstand artillery bombardment but is fit for a king nonetheless. Financier Otto Hermann Kahn built this 127-room estate on more than 400 acres next to Cold Spring Harbor to entertain everyone from heads of state to Hollywood stars. Today Oheka Castle is undergoing extensive restoration and is now a National Historic Place and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World ("small" being a relative term). Groups are now invited to meet at the former home of Mr. Kahn, who inspired the "Mr. Monopoly" character in the game Monopoly.