More stories

  • in

    An Emmy-Winning TV Host Is Selling Her N.Y.C. Townhouse for $25 Million

    Emmy Award-winning TV host and producer Yue-Sai Kan has been at the helm of hit shows including Looking East, and now she’s put her longtime New York City townhouse back up for sale. Kan, who’s earned the title “Oprah of China,” is also a bestselling author and beauty mogul.

    Located on the Upper East Side, the six-story spread is nestled within the affluent Sutton Place neighborhood—one of the most exclusive enclaves in all of Manhattan. The historic residence is asking just shy of $25 million, which is $5 million less than the pad was listed for last year. According to The Wall Street Journal, Kan originally bought the place back in 1989 for $4.5 million. The home was previously owned by Peter Sprague, the former co-owner of Aston Martin, and also by the late literary editor Jean Stein. 

    The rooftop terrace overlooks the East River.

    Allan Pollack

    Altogether, the 8,500-square-foot property measures 33 feet wide and comprises a whopping seven bedrooms and six full bathrooms. Over the last 35 years, the red brick abode has been through several renovations. The most recent update was completed in 2015 and resulted in a brand-new rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen, perfect for entertaining or taking in the views of the East River.  

    “When you walk in the house, you immediately feel comfortable energy. In Chinese it means very good feng shui,” Kan told The New York Post. “In numerology, six is the luckiest number. It’s the planet of Jupiter which is the planet of luck and abundance. This could be why it has been a good house for me. Since I lived in the house, my business just flew off the chart.” 

    A gold mural of a dragon is painted on the ceiling of the library.

    Allan Pollack

    Inside, the Neo-Georgian building is brimming with style and flooded with natural light thanks to an abundance of oversized windows. The foyer sports a carved teak door and marble mosaic floors, while a gold dragon mural embellishes the ceiling in the library. Other highlights include a formal sitting room and a mahogany-clad formal dining room that both open to a garden-level terrace, and a 32-foot-long grand salon with a fireplace on the third floor. Elsewhere, the spacious primary suite occupies the entire fifth floor and is decked out with a sitting area, a fitted dressing room (plus a walk-in closet), and a spa area complete with a sauna and a morning bar. A tiny elevator services all six floors, plus the basement.

    The best perk in a city where most people are starved for outdoor space, however, is that 6 Sutton Square is one of just 14 neighboring townhouses that have shared access to Jones Wood Garden, a 12,000-square-foot private park. “This is an amazing amenity that is not available anywhere else,” Sonia Bendt of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties told The Post. “The open vistas of the East River and bridge are magical.” 

    Click here to see all the photos of Yue-Sai Kan’s N.Y.C. townhouse.

    Allan Pollack

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

    Read More More

  • in

    Judy Garland’s Former Bel Air Estate Can Be Yours for $11.5 Million

    Judy Garland passed away from an accidental drug overdose over five decades ago at age 47. But the legendary actress and singer’s star still shines on at this charming Bel Air home she had custom-built by master architect Wallace Neff in 1938—the same year the 16-year-old was cast as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Occupied by Garland and her mother for several years, the East Coast traditional residence just popped up for sale; and if you wish upon a star—and have an extra $11.5 million burning a hole in your proverbial pocket, most importantly—your real estate dreams could come true.

    Reportedly once rented to both Quincy Jones and the late Marvin Gaye, the celeb-pedigreed pad also was occupied by Los Angeles Times heiress Stephanie Booth Murray, who purchased the house in early 2011 for $5.2 million. The great-great granddaughter of Harrison Gray Otis, founder of the Times Mirror Company in the 1800s, then updated the place and flipped it roughly a year later for $6.7 million to current owners Allen and Jill Chozen, who subsequently undertook their own extensive remodel of the premises in collaboration with The Wiseman Group.

    The charming East Coast traditional residence is introduced via a covered front porch.

    Paul Barnaby

    Tucked away behind a circular gated driveway that passes over a creek, on 2.6 acres of picturesque land off Stone Canyon Road, the white two-story structure features five bedrooms and seven baths in a little more than 5,500 square feet of living space boasting dark hardwood floors, wainscoted walls, bay windows and French doors throughout. A separate “writer’s cabin” on the property is warmed by a fireplace, and could easily serve as an office or a studio.

    As for the primary dwelling, an entry foyer displaying a curving iron-railed staircase flows to a formal dining room topped by a vintage chandelier on one side, and spacious living room sporting a fireplace with a black marble surround and an adjacent bookshelf-lined sitting area on the other. An attractive kitchen is outfitted with pale green cabinetry, an eat-in island, high-end stainless appliances, and an accompanying breakfast nook that opens to an expansive brick-lined patio ideal for al fresco lounging and entertaining.

    A restored “writer’s cabin” rests alongside the kidney-shaped swimming pool.

    Paul Barnaby

    Elsewhere is an office, a library, sunroom and wet bar, as well as a plush master retreat spotlighted by a fireplace, two walk-in closets, and a luxe bath hosting dual vanities, a dressing area and soaking tub; and outdoors, the terraced grounds are spotlighted by a vine-adorned staircase that winds its way up to a kidney-shaped pool with a diving board, along with a pool house and the aforementioned writer’s cabin. There’s also an attached two-car garage and carport out front.

    The listing is held by Josh Flagg of Compass.

    Click here for more photos of Judy Garland’s former Bel Air house.

    Paul Barnaby More

  • in

    Josh Brolin Just Dropped $7 Million on This Elegant Montecito Estate

    Thanos is coming to Santa Barbara County! After decades of clashing with just about everyone in the greater Marvel Universe, the supervillain is retreating to the posh seaside neighborhood of Montecito, where records reveal Hollywood actor Josh Brolin has just shelled out $7.1 million for a decidedly demure and quietly elegant spread in the foothills of the San Ysidro mountains.

    Last sold in the summer of 2022 for $6.8 million, the 2.8-acre spread transferred to Brolin in an off-market deal, so photos and details are unfortunately scant. But dated listings indicate the oak tree-shaded estate consists of a nearly 6,000-square-foot, East Coast traditional-style house originally built in the 1930s, plus a separate aviary, an equestrian riding arena, a barn and several large patios ideal for entertaining.

    The all-white and clapboard sided house is a sprawling single-story affair, and it offers a total of five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Inside, the vaulted and skylit ceilings overlook interior spaces flooded with natural light. Renovated in recent years, the public areas display a mix of hardwood and terracotta tile flooring, while nearly every room features at least one set of French doors opening to various parts of the outdoor gardens. As for the primary bedroom suite, it sports direct access to the backyard, plus a dedicated sitting area, walk-in closet with custom built-in cabinetry, and a spa-style bathroom.

    But the outdoor spaces are the real magic infused into this real estate equation. Whimsically meandering pathways and staircases lace the terraced grounds, which are studded by dozens of mature sycamores and the aforementioned oaks. The gardens feature mostly native and drought-tolerant plantings, ideal for the often arid Southern California climate, and naturally the entire property is walled and gated for privacy and security.

    What the estate notably lacks, according to our research, is a swimming pool and spa—somewhat of a disappointment in the north of $7 million price range. But there’s certainly more than enough space to add those things, if desired, and we doubt Brolin will miss them. The 56-year-old Los Angeles native is much more a fan of surfing than relaxing around a backyard pool.

    In addition to their new Montecito digs, Brolin and his wife Kathryn also maintain a mansion in the Atlanta suburbs and a spacious but relatively unassuming house in California’s Simi Valley. More

  • in

    ’80s Pop Star Taylor Dayne Lists Her L.A. Home for $2.5 Million

    An enduring icon of the late 1980s glam-pop scene who is still best known for her 1987 earworm debut single Tell It to My Heart and last seen on TV performing as Electra Owl on season two of RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race (2022), Taylor Dayne has put her longtime home in the Valley Village area of L.A.’s San Fernando Valley up for sale for a sliver under $2.5 million. The asking price is about two and a half times the slightly more than $1 million paid for the property in 2013. Michael Okun of Sotheby’s International Realty–Sherman Oaks Brokerage holds the listing.

    Cleared of personal belongings and staged for the selling process, the two-story residence has five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms in about 3,900 square feet. The detached two-car garage has been converted to additional living space and includes a modern bathroom. (Reality TV fans will note, the property is just around the corner from the Valley Village home owned—and apparently still shared—by bitterly broken up Vanderpump Rules stars Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval.)

    The two-story home has five bedrooms, plus a detached garage converted to additional living space.

    Daniel Dilanian with Revepix for Sotheby’s International Realty

    The suburban traditional, peeking out above security gates and a row of clipped hedges, freely borrows from a variety of architectural styles. The shape of the two-story bay that protrudes from the front of the house alludes to a Tudor-esque turret; there’s a classical Palladian window over the front door; and the staircase and upper landing are lined with the looping sort of wrought-iron railings expected to be found in a Mediterranean villa.

    The grand central staircase separates the combination formal living and dining room, which looks out on the orange tree in the front yard, and the updated, all-white kitchen that stretches almost 22 feet long with marble counters, a small work island, and shiny stainless-steel appliances.

    The family room flows out to a deck overlooking the backyard and swimming pool.

    Daniel Dilanian with Revepix for Sotheby’s International Realty

    There’s a spacious ensuite guest bedroom on the main floor, along with a fancifully wallpapered powder room. The other four bedrooms, along with three bathrooms and a laundry closet, are upstairs. The primary suite includes a fireplace, a walk-in closet, a private balcony, and a contemporary bathroom with a floating wood vanity, glass shower, and egg-shaped soaking tub.

    Just outside the family room, there’s a deck with an outdoor fireplace, and beyond that, a grassy, simply landscaped yard with a swimming pool. The roll-up doors of the detached two-car have been replaced with French doors, and the interior is finished with wood floors and a spacious modern bath.

    Dayne seems to have set her real estate sights to the east a couple of years ago, when property records indicate she coughed up $800,000 for a two-bedroom condo in a full-service, circa 1960s oceanfront tower in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

    Click here for more photos of Taylor Dayne’s home.

    Daniel Dilanian with Revepix for Sotheby’s International Realty More

  • in

    Rihanna Seeks $25 Million for Matthew Perry’s Former L.A. Penthouse

    Less than one year after Rihanna splashed out $21 million to buy one of the greater L.A. area’s most expensive condos, the Barbadian music superstar has put the sky-high penthouse back up for sale, asking just a hair under $25 million. Located at The Century skyscraper near Century City’s bustling Wilshire Corridor, the penthouse spans the building’s entire 40th floor. With more than 9,000 square feet of living space, numerous bespoke touches and incredible views, the spread is worthy of any A-lister.

    Rihanna reportedly never moved into her pricey penthouse and has been trying to unload the place off-market for the past few months; current listings reveal the place offers clearly staged interiors. The 36-year-old billionaire bought the condo last spring from Nick Molnar, the billionaire cofounder of tech company Afterpay, who himself had bought the place less than two years prior from the late Matthew Perry.

    Rihanna’s $25 million penthouse spans the entire 40th floor of the 42-story building and offers 360-degree views of mountains, the ocean and city lights.

    Google Earth

    During his four-year ownership, the beloved Friends actor extensively customized the place with the help of architect Scott Joyce and interior designer LM Pagano, and it doesn’t appear Molnar or Rihanna made any significant changes to Perry’s designs.

    A private elevator landing opens into the condo’s entrance gallery, and guests will be wowed by the living room’s curvaceous wall of floor-to-ceiling windows flaunting skyline views. Dark brown hardwood floors flow into the dining room, which is serviced by an all-white kitchen with marble countertops, dual islands and premium appliances.

    Also on the premises are a soundproof movie theater with velour couches and a master suite equipped with a curved bedroom, dual bespoke closets, dual bathrooms and its own private lounge. But the condo’s most impressive features are likely its four separate outdoor terraces, which face four different directions — north, south, east and west — and sport panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Downtown L.A. skyscrapers, the San Gabriel mountains and even snowcapped Mount Baldy.

    Other notable residents at The Century include Denzel Washington and reality TV stars Terry and Heather Dubrow. And then there’s Candy Spelling, whose famed two-floor penthouse lies just above Rihanna’s, spanning the 41st and 42nd floors of the building.

    Completed circa 2010 and designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, The Century has been Century City’s premier residential skyscraper since its completion. Rihanna’s penthouse includes a hefty $8,814 in monthly HOA dues — for that, she receives a host of building’s best amenities, including four deeded parking spots in its underground garage, 24/7 concierge and security guards, access to an outdoor swimming pool and lush gardens, onsite storage facilities, an in-house restaurant, conference rooms and much more.

    Rihanna also owns another smaller condo at The Century, but her current main residence is a $14 million mansion in the mountains above Beverly Hills. According to Forbes, the We Found Love hitmaker is now the world’s richest female musician, with a $1.4 billion net worth. More

  • in

    Hilltop Mega Home In Turkey With 22 Bedrooms

    Share this home! Listed with  of Türkiye Sotheby’s International Realty LOCATION: Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey SQUARE FOOTAGE: 43,000 BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS: 22 bedrooms PRICE: Available Upon Request This hilltop home is located in Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey and is situated on over 4 acres of land. It features approximately 43,000 square feet of living space, 22 bedrooms, indoor […] More

  • in

    Johnny Cash Built This Rustic Tennessee Home for His Son. Now It Can Be Yours for $6.25 Million.

    Sometime in the 1980s, country music icons Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash commissioned the late master builder Braxton Dixon to build a home for their son, Johnny Carter Cash. At that time, the younger Cash was just a teenager who eventually followed in his family’s legendary footsteps to become a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, musician, and producer. Dixon—aka Nashville’s builder to the stars—also restored and updated an 18th-century log cabin on the thickly wooded 21-acre parcel in Hendersonville, Tennessee, about 30 minutes outside of downtown Nashville. 

    Known as Dogwood Estate, the property has just come up for sale with an asking price of $6.25 million. Erin Krueger and Mary Spotts of Compass hold the listing.

    The location of Dogwood Estate was hardly arbitrary; the elder Cashes had long owned a nearby spread, a six-structure compound also built by Dixon called Sycamore Homestead. In fact, the two properties share a driveway that passes over a wooden, Dixon-built covered bridge. 

    The rustic home was built in 1987 by the late master builder Braxton Dixon.

    Realkit / Compass

    The main house is set in a small clearing with two bedrooms and three bathrooms in nearly 4,300 square feet. Among its many rustic charms are exposed wood walls, yellow heart pine floorboards, stained glass windows from Europe, and Amish-built stone fireplaces.

    The great room includes an open kitchen with custom oak cabinetry that incorporates a charming built-in dining booth, while a huge three-season porch and an equally spacious adjoining screened porch both have treehouse-like views into the canopies of surrounding trees. Elsewhere, a den does double duty as an office with a long, built-in desk, and a massive fireplace anchors a lower-level family room. All three bathrooms are updated—one has a classic claw-footed tub—and the primary suite is a spacious retreat that includes a sitting area with a thirty-foot cathedral ceiling, a fireplace, and a roomy dressing area.

    The cabin, which dates to 1789 according to marketing materials, stands apart from the house. There’s a large room joined by a porch, along with a lofted area. There is not a kitchen or bathroom, so it’s perhaps best suited as a place for quiet relaxation or as a music studio or creative space.

    A 18th-century cabin on the property was also refurbished by Braxton Dixon.

    Realkit / Compass

    Johnny Carter Cash sold Dogwood Estate in 1993, and nearby Sycamore Homestead, which spans nearly six acres with six structures, has not been in the Cash family for quite some time either; the current owner bought Sycamore Homestead in 1992 and now has it on the market for $3.3 million.

    For more than 30 years and until they died within months of each other in 2003, Johnny and June Carter Cash made their primary home a 14,000-square-foot mansion on the shore of Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville. Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees bought the 4.5-acre property in 2005, but the house burned to the ground in 2007 while undergoing renovations. Gibb built a new house, and the property has since changed hands several times.

    Click here for more photos of Dogwood Estate.

    Realkit / Compass More