The talk of the town in Huntington these days is what will happen to the iconic Oheka Castle, now that it has been sold to developers?

“It’s a mixed feeling” about the sale, Gayle Snyder, head of the Cold Spring Hills Civic Association, told the Press. “It’s sad that Gary is gone,” she added, referring to Gary Melius, 82, a co-owner of the vast property, who bought the estate in 1984, which was once owned by the German-born financier Otto Herman Kahn.

Melius spent millions refurbishing the property and welcomed community members to use it for gatherings and holiday celebrations.

In late fall, Oheka was sold at a private auction to Gold Coast Property & Management LLC, a recently formed company operated by Ronald Browning and Paul Alflen, for $72 million. There were six other bidders at the 90-minute private auction held at a hotel in Manhattan.

In an interview with the Press, Alflen said he and Browning are “very excited” to be taking over Oheka. “We’re going to keep the castle as is,” he said, easing one of the concerns of residents who see the structure as a striking part of the community.

Asked why he and Browning bought Oheka, Alflen said, “It’s a magical place. As for the future of the estate, he said, “We’re looking at all options. “