Located in what was once the playground of the American aristocracy, this 100-year-old castle now serves as an institution for exploration and cinematic wonder. Housed inside the Sands Point Preserve is a massive collection of medieval-style architecture and “Old World” European energy that feels more like a film set than a New York suburb.
Born From The Gilded Age
The centerpiece of the estate, Castle Gould, was originally modeled after Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. Much like the famous Hammond Castle in Massachusetts, this New York icon was born from the ambition of a prolific American family–the Guggenheims.
Howard Gould originally commissioned the massive limestone structure to serve as a stable and carriage house, but the result was so grand it became a focal point of the North Shore’s architectural legacy.
There’s a reason the Sands Point peninsula was the inspiration behind the fictional neighborhood known as the “East Egg” in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
The ‘Hogwarts’ of the North Shore
The castle merges a unique combination of art, architectural elements, and fantasy.
The building features massive stone archways, heavy timbered ceilings, and iron-wrought details that will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside Hogwarts. There’s even a Great Hall, filled with gigantic windows looking out onto the Preserve’s grounds.
Sitting on a rocky cliff overlooking the Long Island Sound, the estate’s most well-known views are the dramatic stone facades that look like a window to a bygone era. It’s no wonder the site has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions and high fashion shoots.
Renaissance Magic and Immersive Events
Staying on theme, the preserve hosts various seasonal Old World-inspired events. From the immersive Long Island Fairy Festival to the upcoming Princess Day at the Castle, the castle grounds transform into a living history museum throughout the spring and summer.
Highlights of a visit include:
- The Great Hall: A soaring space that mimics the grandest palaces of Europe
- The Cliff Walk: A scenic trail offering “Ocean View” castle vistas fit for a queen or king
- Falaise: The neighboring 1920s mansion filled with 16th-century Spanish antiques and Renaissance art
How To Visit
The preserve is a straight shot from the city, making it the ultimate “no-plan” weekend getaway.
- Location: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY
- Distance: Under 45 minutes from Midtown (or a quick LIRR ride to Port Washington followed by a 10-minute Uber)
Pro Tip: The grounds are open year-round, but the guided tours of the interiors are seasonal. Check the Sands Point Preserve website for tickets and registration.
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