A Majestic Castle Previously Owned by American Aristocracy, Now Situated Within a 2-Hour Drive from New York City.
In Sands Point, New York, roughly a two-hour drive from the city, stands an imposing monument to the opulence of the Gilded Age: Castle Gould. Originally built as a residence for Howard Gould, son of Jay Gould, and his wife, Katherine Clemmons, the 100,000-square-foot limestone mansion now serves as the Visitor Center and Great Hall for the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy.
The property, which once inspired the fictional "East Egg" neighborhood in F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel, The Great Gatsby, was initially intended to be the primary residence for the couple. However, Katherine's disapproval of the castle's style led to its repurposing as a stable, carriage house, and servants' quarters. The couple later moved into what is now known as the Hempstead House.
Completed in 1904, Castle Gould boasts vaulted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, and vast windows offering panoramic views of the Preserve's grounds. Today, visitors can admire the fully renovated Great Hall, which can be rented for private events. The original design was influenced by Ireland's Kilkenny Castle, symbolizing power and wealth.
While tours inside Castle Gould are not currently offered, the Great Hall hosts various school programs, cultural events, and more. For those seeking a taste of New York's Gilded Age castle scene, Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island, Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown, and Hempstead House in Sands Point are also worth exploring. Each offers a unique insight into the state's architectural grandeur and historical legacy.
Additional information about Castle Gould and the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy can be found on their official website.
The lady's disapproval of the castle's style in Sands Point, New York, led to its initial use as a stable and servants' quarters, transforming it from a potential home into a workspace during the couple's lifestyle. Today, the Great Hall within Castle Gould, with its panoramic views and potential for private events, serves as a venue for home-and-garden themed school programs and cultural events, mimicking the feel of a home setting despite its historical origins.
