The Atlas Obscura Podcast · Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Elda Castle, located between Ossining and Newcastle in New York, was originally owned by David T. Abercrombie, founder of Abercrombie and Fitch. The castle, named as an acronym for his children, has fallen into disrepair and suffered significant damage from fires and vandalism over the years. It is now described as a dilapidated, uninhabited ruin.
“It's been dilapidated for decades. Uninhabited. Broken.”
“And now I understand it's been absolutely destroyed. There was a fire there about within the last five years that completely like all the windows have been smashed out. It's just, you know, it's an absolute disaster. Plus, there's vandalism. Graffiti everywhere.”
“In New York, between the towns of Ossining and Newcastle is Elda Castle. And who was the original owner? David T. Abercrombie. Yes, that Abercrombie, the founder of Abercrombie and Fitch.”