Later, I received E-Mail that said:
Beacon Towers August Belmont estate, demolished. A replica of an Irish castle constructed on the north shore coastline, this mansion leaves behind what now appears to be medieval ruins. When it existed, this structure must have been a surreal sight. A full scale Irish castle, complete with towers and rampart, rising out of the sand. Today, strewn about the woods, are old iron fences, stone turrets, and miscellaneous structural components. What appears to have been the gate house, still exists as a private residence.
Later, I received E-Mail that said:
Here's an interesting note that I found about Beacon Towers that I found in Monica Randall's book, Long Island's Gold Coast. Beacon towers was the inspiration for the title character's mansion in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald's describes it:
"A factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin bead of raw ivy, and marble swimming pool and more than forty acres of land."
Fitzgerald attending many parties at Beacon Towers. Right across the bay still exists Fitzgerald's inspiration for Daisy Buchanan's Georgian Colonial mansion, where Fitzgerald stayed as a guest many times and is rumored to have written part of the novel there. it.
Later, I received E-Mail that said:
I wonder if your info about Beacon Towers being home to August Belmont is correct? I understand that it was built by the widow of O.H.P. Belmont (formerly Alva Vanderbuilt, who built Marble House in Newport) as a headquarters for her suffragist activities. Did August (her brother-in-law?) live in it after her?
Why was it torn down? Who owns the ruins?
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Picture and first information courtesy of Phil Bilzor.