Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

I've searched all over the internet and can't get a sense of what Chelsea Mansion in the Muttontown Preserve is like inside - is it fully restored? Are all the rooms accessible? Are there cords up everywhere protecting historic stuff? What's the cost? (I've been waiting to hear back). ANY info on Chelsea would help!

Chelsea seems a bit creepy, but possibly in a good way. I'll copy/paste the rest from my profile - I'm new to ALL of this (this site is a bit overwhelming), but I've got time and just want to figure out the location at the moment:

'We already have a date reserved at Oheka Castle - I used to drive by the turrets as a kid and it was the first place that came to mind when my family insisted on a wedding. The problem is I'm not sure if I'll ever get over the guilt of such an indulgence...but everything looks shabby, or tacky, or wedding-mill-ish in comparison (shouldn't have gone to Oheka first!).

'I'm also considering Chelsea Mansion in the Muttontown Preserve for the ceremony and reception. I have no idea what state it's in - though the creepy, Silent Hill, worn down effect is part of it's appeal - but as a kid I'd often walk to the preserve to relax and it has a special meaning for me.'

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

Never heard of Chelsea Mansion, but if I could afford Oheka I'd DEFINITELY be getting married there.

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

That's the problem - I can't afford it, my Dad can. It's a bit big for what we've got planned, and would cost 100k - it's hard for me to wrap my head around spending that kind of money on one day, and I'm worried I'll feel guilty and that my fiance's family will resent me for it (they don't have much money).

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

If the Chelsea Mansion is a no-go, and you're hesitant on Oheka because of the reasons you stated, maybe look into something like The Foundry in LIC, The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, or some of venues in Manhattan.

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

i think that the first thing you need to do is determine how many people you & your FH want to have at your wedding. then determine with your families who will be paying for what. the day is completely about you & your FH & what you both want. just because your dad can afford Oheka doesn't mean that is what is going to make you both happy that day. also if you dad is offering to pay for the wedding (even if its just one part of it) obviously his opinion should matter too.

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

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Posted by kris_gets_hitched

If the Chelsea Mansion is a no-go, and you're hesitant on Oheka because of the reasons you stated, maybe look into something like The Foundry in LIC, The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, or some of venues in Manhattan.

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ita - the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is beautiful.

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

also look into Bourne Mansion in Oakdale...

we had looked at Oheka and were about to book... but it was just a little too pricey...

Bourne is 18th century mansion - fully restored - has the charm of Oheka at a more reasonable price.

Do a search on the brides review to see pics.

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

I've been inside the Chelsea Mansion before and it is beautiful! So historic... and it has a moat! I was there for our photographers holiday party last year, as it is also the site of his LI office (he's also a friend of FH). We actually asked him if they hold weddings in there and he told us they don't really have weddings inside because all the rooms are too small for banquet tables and dancing and such - I think the largest room could only hold a party of 50. He said that most events there are outside/tented events. If you like that historic vibe check out The Vanderbilt Mansion at Dowling, The Vanderbilt Mansion in Centerport, Coindre Hall, De Seversy Center.

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

I'm going to a wedding this summer at the De Seversy Center. It isn't talked about a lot but it is beautiful and offeres a lot and I think at a better price then some of the other mansions.

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

Hi!! I would HIGHLY recommend making an appointment to check out The Royalton in Roslyn. It is gorgeous, one wedding at a time. It's a mansion that you get all to yourself. Definitely not a castle lol, but for a smaller wedding it's perfect. Our wedding was 150 guests, my friend KerriJohnS was about 210 people. Both fit beautifully! The food is OUTSTANDING at the Royalton, and they cater each affair to the couple. No packages etc. Good luck!!!!

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

Did you try their site and look at the gallery? Chelsea Mansion looks amazing!

http://chelseamansion.com/gallery/

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka, or the Foundry)

Thanks for all the advice - but I'm really psyched to hear (from 2 people on here now) that Chelsea isn't ALL SIlent Hill (I've found everything about it on the internet, and there's lots of folks who like the creep factor). AND if it only seats 50, I can cut the hell out of my 150 list so I feel less super awkward about it (as long as there's a space to dance). I grew up in the town it's in, my Dad still lives there, and I would like to support it.

But I'll also check out the other venues mentioned, as nostalgia isn't everything.

EDIT: The Foundry is AWESOME, I'm so psyched! You'd probably need to decorate the hell out of it - and it's so adaptable! I COULD have my steampunk wedding there. Any ideas who would do this (wedding planner?)?. Or how much the space costs?

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

Are you still looking for info on the Chelsea Mansion? I went there to see it last month!

Re: Total noob: Chelsea Mansion? (or Oheka)

Definitely - are you having your ceremony or reception there? If so, did you get any prices?

Also, do you have access to the 2nd floor? How many people could the biggest room seat for eating + a band with a dance floor (approximately)?

Thanks!