Tom Hanks Napped Here: Why He’s Selling His Sofa, and So Much More

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Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson may be a Hollywood power couple, but that doesn’t mean they don’t do normal things—like, say, sell their used furniture.

After all, the actors sold two side-by-side Pacific Palisades properties last year. With much less room to house all their stuff, they needed to downsize their furnishings, too. So they’re auctioning off nearly 50 high-end pieces on the luxury consignment site Viyet.

But don’t be fooled by their secondhand status: These furnishings are priced in the thousands—and while you may be able to pop something into your virtual shopping cart at the listed price, since Viyet is an auction site, a bidding war could drive those numbers even higher.

These jaw-dropping prices are actually no big surprise, explains Alessandra Wood, director of style at home design site Modsy.

“Like the stock market, art and antiques can fluctuate in price year over year,” she says. “You can always expect to pay a bit more for pieces with special provenance, such as those belonging to famous collectors or celebrated public figures.”

OK, so really nice used furniture can become more valuable over time—nonetheless, we’re still a bit surprised that Hanks and Wilson are trying to scratch out some cash by pawning their old stuff. It’s unclear whether any proceeds from this sale will go to charity, and since such info is typically shouted from the rooftops, we’d have to surmise that any profits will line their own pockets (hey, no judgments).

In any case, if you’re interested in adding a touch of Hollywood history to your home or you just want to see where Hanks has napped, check out some of the more noteworthy items in this glorified tag sale—and the stories behind them—and find out whether interior designers think they’re worth the splurge.

Secretary desk, $5,000 Rita Wilson’s hand-painted desk

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Hanks and Wilson previously adorned their bedroom with this secretary desk.

“I kept all my personalized stationery in here and used the drawers to store it in boxes,” Wilson told Architectural Digest.

Not only are the desk’s numerous cubbies a great place to store letters, but the piece also lives up to its $5,000 price tag, says Drew Henry, founder of Designer Dudes. The desk was crafted and hand-painted in Italy, and its hinged writing surface is lined in gold taffeta.

“It’s a really high-quality piece,” he says. “I also think there’s something romantic about sitting down to write letters at an antique desk.”

Wood inlay dining table, $6,595 Dining table with wood inlay was one of Wilson’s favorite pieces.

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This custom-made, round dining table comes with a scratch or two, but, according to Wilson, that’s what makes it so hard to part with.

The couple celebrated birthdays, dinner parties, and family gatherings around this table, which Wilson believes gives it positive energy, explaining, “I hope someone will have joyous moments around this table.”

The table is one of the more expensive pieces for sale, and its quality craftsmanship is worth the high price tag, says Wood.

“The $6,500 price tag is definitely taking its previous owners into account,” she notes. “However, one would expect to pay at least that price for a similar table new.”

Small, rustic chairs, $75 Rustic chairs with distressed white paint

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If Wilson’s beloved dining table and Italian desk are too pricey for your budget, the couple are also selling far more affordable items, including a set of Little Folk Art Inc. chairs. The small, rustic chairs covered in a distressed white paint are priced at only $75, which is affordable even outside Hollywood.

Venetian mirror, $2,975 A mirror crafted by Venetian artists

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Hanks and Wilson’s mirror was crafted by glass artisans in Venice, and the antique’s gold features and etched details make it a versatile piece, according to Henry.

“It can be incorporated into a lot of styles, from traditional to regal to boho to even modern,” he says. “The lines are really great.”

That said, Henry believes the price is a bit steep. “A good mirror is expensive, but it shouldn’t break the bank,” he adds.

Still, the fact that Hollywood royalty have stared into its depths could make this mirror worth it for the right buyer.

Modern sofa, $5,595 Hanks and Wilson took naps on this Donghia sofa.

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This modern sofa, crafted by luxury furnisher Donghia, is where Hanks and Wilson kicked back.

“Many a good nap was taken on these couches,” Wilson told People magazine. “They were from our living room. I love how chic they are. These seem to be timeless.”

Damask slipcover dining chairs, $1,595 Dining chairs custom-made for Wilson and Hanks

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If you want a seat at Wilson’s dinner table, consider this set of dining chairs. Custom-made for the actress, the chairs are covered in a vibrant gold and gray slipcover. As dining chairs tend to be an expensive purchase, Henry declares this set of four is reasonably priced.

However, he notes the dated design of the chairs “remind me of my mom’s dining room in the early 2000s.”

Italian painted dresser, $3,675 Wilson’s antique hand-painted dresser

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Like most secondhand pieces, this antique dresser has some wear and tear, including scratches around the keyholes and a large chip on the front edge. The five-drawer dresser is made from hardwood with soft corners and features hand-painted farm scenes.

Similar pieces were crafted as far back as the 18th century, which alone justifies this price, adds Wood. Plus, the exquisite artistry makes this dresser a fitting addition to any European-inspired room.

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Wilt Chamberlain’s Revamped Bachelor Pad in Bel Air Is on the Market for $19M

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One of the ’70s most infamous homes is now on the market. We’re talking about the lavish bachelor pad built in 1971 for basketball Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain.

“Infamous” might be too strong a description for the $19 million mansion, but it’s definitely a home with a reputation. The NBA great memorably claimed he had bedded 20,000 women, more than a few of them in this Bel Air mansion.

Bolstering his claims of debauchery were the home’s custom amenities and detailing: the master bedroom with the mirrored, retractable ceiling and the sunken bathtub at the foot of the bed; the playroom with the water bed floor; and the moatlike swimming pool that extended into the living room.

Many of the home’s flashy features have since gone the way of leisure suits and macrame.

Wilt Chamberlain’s famous bachelor pad

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Since the ’70s, the home has undergone substantial updates and added modern features to justify it multimillion-dollar price tag. Yet Chamberlain’s spirit and aesthetic remain in the five-story living room, the 200 tons of stonework, and the 14-foot-high, 2,000-pound front door.

Five-story living room

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Chamberlain’s custom-built pool table remains, along with the in-ground spa in the dining area.

Game room with custom-built pool table

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Dining room with in-ground spa

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The massive master suite still spans the entire second floor, but it no longer has the sunken bath at the foot of the bed.

Master suite

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The “iconic fortress” on 2.5 acres atop a ridge line has six bedrooms and six baths. The 7,158-square-foot house was purchased by Dmitri Novikov for $6.55 million in 2008. He extensively remodeled the home, adding a chef’s kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and reconfiguring the downstairs space to include guest suites, offices, a media room, and garages.

Chef’s kitchen

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Chamberlain had purchased the parcel for $150,000 in 1968. His architect, David Rich, took a helicopter ride and spotted the lot, which overlooks the Stone Canyon Reservoir and features views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Rich persuaded Chamberlain to build there, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Views of the Stone Canyon Reservoir from the top of the ridge

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Wilt the Stilt, relaxing on the deck

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Rich built Chamberlain’s dream house for just over $1 million. The home was dubbed “Ursa Major,” the Latin name for the Big Dipper, which was Chamberlain’s nickname.

In a 2004 biography of the basketball legend, author Robert Cherry likened the home to a smaller version of the Playboy mansion.

Three pools surround the house.

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In an NBA career spanning 14 seasons, Chamberlain averaged a remarkable 30 points and 23 rebounds per game. In 1962, he scored 100 points in a single game—a record that stands today.

In 1991, he penned “A View From Above,” in which he made his legendary (perhaps dubious) claim about sleeping with tens of thousands of women. In 1999, Chamberlain died of congestive heart failure at home, in his beloved bed. He was 63.

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Inside Derek Jeter’s Castle: 5 Curveballs Hiding Behind the Walls of His NY Home

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It looks like Derek Jeter is finally saying “See ya!” to his castle in upstate New York. Now that the retired Yankees shortstop has firmly established roots in Florida as the co-owner and CEO of the Miami Marlins, he’s decided to sell the famous Tiedemann castle in Greenwood Lake, putting it on the market for $14.75 million.

Jeter hit it out of the park when he bought the property in 2005 for $1,200,000, according to public records.

Built on the western shore of Greenwood Lake in the Hudson Valley and a mere 90-minute drive from New York City, the castle is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. But that’s not the only thing that attracted Jeter—he also has familial ties to the home.

His maternal grandfather, William “Sonny” Connors, actually grew up there after he was adopted in the 1950s by John and Julia Tiedemann. The home was originally built in 1903, and the Tiedemann family purchased it in 1952.

Derek Jeter has owned Tiedemann castle in Greenwood Lake, NY, since 2005.

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A castle fit for a king

Jeter went to great lengths to restore the property to “magical” condition, according to the listing. He joined two parcels of land, measuring just over 4 acres and providing 700 feet of shoreline.

Surrounded by a 6-foot-high stone wall, the 12,590-square-foot castle has six bedrooms, seven baths, and five half-baths. The interiors are polished and refined, with elegant custom millwork, wood floors, soaring ceilings, and skylights throughout.

Outside there’s a guesthouse, pool house, and boathouse, along with a massive infinity pool, luxurious water features, and rolling green gardens.

Infinity pool with lake views

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Family room in the turret

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Over-the-top touches hiding in Derek Jeter’s castle

Of course, every modern-day castle is sure to have its quirks, especially if it’s owned by one of the highest-paid baseball players ever. Ready to explore the rest of the house? Here are five truly exorbitant things we uncovered inside the lakeside locale.

1. There’s a Statue of Liberty replica The former New York Yankee has a replica of the Statue of Liberty sitting in his yard.

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Perhaps Jeter wanted to pay homage to the state where he became a sports legend? One of the most notable features on the property is the metal Statue of Liberty, which stands watch on a stone pedestal in the garden. Whoever purchases the property will have to either have a soft spot for the Big Apple or be very patriotic.

2. It’s a chef’s paradise with a whopping four indoor kitchens The castle boast four indoor kitchens.

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Any home with a fully equipped chef’s kitchen is a veritable dream for someone who likes to cook, but a home with four kitchens (each with top-of-the-line appliances, mind you) is a bit much. Sure, the property is massive, and trotting meals out from the kitchen at one end of the castle to the other would be tedious, but still, four kitchens just seems excessive. Did we mention there’s also an outdoor kitchen with a wood-burning fireplace?

3. The stone turret can be seen from miles away A stone turret towers over the property.

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True to form, the castle has a giant stone turret standing tall and overlooking the water’s edge. You can climb the stairs inside for extensive lake views and access to the roof. Perhaps the most whimsical amenity is the widow’s walk, a lookout at the top of the turret that’s named for the wives of mariners who would watch for their spouses’ return.

4. A lagoon sits inside the castle grounds The lagoon inside the castle

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One of the aforementioned luxurious water features is the lagoon with a fountain in the middle. It sits right between the main house and the shore of the lake. We’re not sure what its purpose is other than to contribute to the opulence of the property.

5. A stone waterfall Waterfall

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Luxurious water feature No. 3 is this massive stone waterfall that cascades from the infinity pool to the lagoon below. As you can see, this isn’t just any waterfall you’d find in a backyard. It’s an authentic re-creation of something you’re likely to find on one of the surrounding Hudson Valley hiking trails.

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Top of the Market: East Memphis home sells for $1 million

Memphis proper dominated this week's top home sales roundup, taking all five spots. A five-bedroom home on Waymar Drive in ZIP 38117 led the way, selling for $1 million. The house, which has four-and-a-half bathrooms, is 5,800 square feet. To see inside the 2014 home, click through the slideshow above, courtesy of Realtor.com. A 2008 home in ZIP 38120 took the No. 2 spot, selling for $850,000. Located on Shady Park Lane, the 4,200-square-foot house has five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms.…

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Most expensive homes in Camden County

South Jersey's most populous county has traditionally been one of the most popular places to live in Greater Philadelphia. It's not hard to understand why – excellent schools, varied housing stock, quaint villages like Haddonfield and great amenities, including the Cherry Hill Mall. So we decided to take a look at what's currently on the market in Camden County by searching the database of our friends at Realtor.com. Click on the gallery above to see the 20 most expensive homes currently on…

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Home, condo prices on the rise in Central Florida

The median price of single-family homes, townhomes and condos is on the rise in Central Florida compared to last May, according to a new Florida Realtors report. The number of single-family homes sold in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan statistical area in May was 3,261, 4.9 percent less than the year-ago period. However, the median price of sold homes is on the rise. In May, the median home price was $269,900, up 12.1 percent compared to May 2017, according to the report.  In addition,…

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Up, Up, and Away: Prices of Existing Homes Hit All-Time High

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It’s getting ever more expensive to buy a home, as the median price of an existing home has hit a new all-time high—and is likely to keep rising.

Buyers shelled out a median $267,500 for an existing home (one that has previously been lived in) in May, according to the most recent National Association of Realtors® report. That is up nearly 3% from April and represents a 5.2% annual rise.

“It’s Economics 101: Demand from buyers is high, and the number of homes for sale is pretty limited,” so prices are going up, says Chief Economist Danielle Hale of realtor.com®. “Especially for entry-level homes in move-in ready condition, buyers can expect lots of competition, potential multiple offers, bidding wars, and homes that sell quickly.”

Despite the high price tags, existing homes are still a bargain compared with newly constructed ones. The median price of a brand-new home was $312,400 in April—almost 16.8% more than an existing home, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Nevertheless, rising costs may also be responsible for the dip in sales. The number of closings fell 0.6% from April to May and 3% year over year to reach 4.81 million. Realtor.com looked only at the seasonally adjusted numbers in the report. These have been smoothed out over 12 months to account for seasonal fluctuations.

The South, where the median price was $239,400, saw the most sales, at 2.03 million in May. Closings were down 0.5% from April, but flat from a year ago.

Next up was the most affordable region, the Midwest, where there were 1.18 million sales. That was down 2.5% both month over month and year over year. The median price was $211,800.

In the West, the most expensive region, there were 1.02 million sales, down 1.9% from April and 3.8% year over year. Prices soared in the region to $399,800, rising 7% year over year.

Finally, in the Northeast there were 580,000 sales, up 5.5% from the previous month. However, sales were down 12.1% compared with the same time last year. The median price in the region was $274,100.

“Incredibly low supply continues to be the primary impediment to more sales, but there’s no question the combination of higher prices and mortgage rates are pinching the budgets of prospective buyers, and ultimately keeping some from reaching the market,” NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun, said in a statement.

Rising costs are also hampering homeowners who would like to use the home equity they’ve built up to move into larger, nicer abodes.

“While [sellers are] thrilled that they will immediately find multiple buyers interested in their listing, many fear they’ll have extreme difficulty finding another home to buy,” NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall said in a statement. “Some have even decided to hold off until inventory conditions start improving, which is actually only exacerbating supply shortages.”

National Association of Realtors® infographic

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Entertainment Mogul Ryan Murphy Lists Laguna Beach House for $18.75M

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Screenwriter and director Ryan Murphy is selling another one of his signature projects. His Laguna Beach house is on the market for $18.75 million, People magazine reported.

Murphy, 52, purchased the distinctive Southern California spread in 2004 for $4,475,000, according to property records. The “American Horror Story” co-creator then set about reimagining the property with architect Mark Singer. Once the modern residence was completed, Murphy admitted he became addicted to redesigning the interiors almost every year.

The next buyer will perhaps be content to enjoy the surroundings without feeling the need to touch a thing.

The 6,500-square-foot main house and a separate guesthouse sit on an acre lot with glorious ocean views.

“It took almost a decade to complete the renovations, redesign the gardens, and build the pool pavilion,” says listing agent Rob Giem. “It is truly a one-of-a-kind property. The views, too, are pretty much amazing.”

The views are enabled by walls of retractable glass that open to the outdoor spaces. Outside, you’ll find walled gardens, a pool, fireplace, and kitchen. And the exclusive address is within walking distance to the beach.

Ryan Murphy’s beach house

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Great room with walls of glass

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Spacious kitchen

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Master bedroom with ocean view

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Pool

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The main house has four bedrooms, a great room, a master bedroom with ocean views, and an office. The kitchen opens to an informal dining space, and a lower-level room could be turned into a wine cellar or media room.

Standout details include walls of poured concrete and carefully restored rosewood cabinetry from the home’s original Mid-Century Modern design. Much of the art and furnishings are available to buy under a separate agreement, according to the listing.

The spread was featured in Architectural Digest in 2017, in which Murphy described his vision of the residence: “Peaceful, clean-lined, modern, and oddly quirky, my finally finished family home embodies my fantasy of California—glamorous but effortless, a place to dream and retreat—and how I pictured myself living here when I was kid.”

Murphy is known for creating, co-creating, and producing successful TV series, including “Nip/Tuck,” “Glee,” and “American Horror Story.”

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The Most New Homes in a Decade Were Completed in May. Are They Enough?

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More newly constructed homes are hitting the market—welcome news for home buyers frustrated by the ever-worsening lack of abodes for sale. But are they enough to ease the housing crunch?

Builders completed a whopping 1,291,000 new homes in May—that’s the most in more than a decade, according to a joint report on new construction by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. There haven’t been as many homes completed in a month since January 2008, when 1,331,000 homes went up.

The number of finished new homes was also up 1.9% from April of this year and 10.4% from May of 2017.

(Realtor.com® looked only at the seasonally adjusted numbers in the report. They have been smoothed out over 12 months to compensate for ups and downs during certain months of the year.)

“Construction is moving in the right direction. But it’s still below what we need right now,” says realtor.com® Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “People who are in the market will find these housing completions will make a difference … but it’s still going to be competitive for buyers because there’s still not enough.”

She pointed out the housing market needs about 1.25 million new single-family homes completed annually to meet demand. And the market is still about 30% below that.

However, just adding more new homes isn’t a cure-all for the housing market.

New homes were significantly more expensive than existing (i.e. previously lived-in) ones by about 21.1% in April, according to the most recent Census and National Association of Realtors® data. New homes cost a median $312,400 in April, compared with $257,900 for existing abodes. That’s because land, material, and labor costs are rising and regulatory issues can cause costly delays.

But the near future of construction looks positive. The number of permits issued to put up new residences dropped 4.6% from April to May to hit 1,301,000. But they jumped 8% compared with the previous year. Permits are a good indicator of new construction activity in the next few months.

Permits to erect new single-family abodes dipped 2.2% month over month, but were up 7.7% year over year.

Builders received 8.5% fewer permits to put up multi-family buildings (apartment, co-op and condo buildings with with five or more units) in May compared to April. But they received 9.1% more permits to put up these buildings than year earlier.

Housing starts, which is construction work that has begun but is not yet completed, rose 5% from April to May and soared 20.3% year over year.

Around the country, the Northeast saw the biggest monthly bump in new permits awarded to builders. They were up 42.1% from April and 8.9% from May of 2017. However, the overall number of permits, 135,000, was the fewest granted in any region.

Permits were also up in the Midwest by 7.2% month over month and 17.4% year over year to reach 209,000. The region saw the largest annual gain.

In the South, permits fell 13.9% from April, but were up 4.9% compared to a year earlier. The region had the most new permits granted to builders at 626,000.

Permits were also down in the West by 4.6% month over month. But they were up 8.2% year over year to reach a total of 331,000.

“The Midwest region experienced the biggest gain and hence the region will remain more affordable,” NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement. “The more unaffordable West region will continue to experience an intense housing shortage, as both housing permits and housing starts fell in that region.”

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‘Real Housewives’ Star Luann de Lesseps Selling Revamped Hamptons Abode for $6.2M

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Fans of reality TV and high-end real estate can now buy or rent Luann de Lesseps‘ lovely home in Sag Harbor, NY. The property was recently renovated from top to bottom. It’s listed for sale for $6.25 million or monthly rental for $150,000 starting in August.

The “Real Housewives of New York” cast member and former countess also announced that she’s decided to move upstate to the Catskills and is ready to leave the Hamptons in her rear view, for now anyway.

“She loves the Hamptons, and her house, but it’s time for a change,” a friend told the New York Post. “The Hamptons is changing, and she’s looking elsewhere to summer. She’s in love with the Catskills.”

Moving on… . . . #upstatenewyork #peace #serinity #mountains #lakes #beautiful #happyplace #yoga #catskills

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Her Hamptons home is a Greek Revival built in 1835 on a third of an acre on Sag Harbor Cove. After extensive renovation, the home now measures 2,500 square feet and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It comes with a separate studio with a bathroom and water views.

Exterior

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Kitchen

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Master bed

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Master bath

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Water view

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According to Architectural Digest, which featured the home in its November 2017 issue, the biggest change to the property was made in the kitchen with the addition of new appliances and woodblock counters.

In keeping with de Lesseps’ love for buffet-style entertaining, an oversize table was added to the kitchen. Also added were a bedroom suite, new roof, and siding.

Outside, there’s a deck and boat dock. A boat is included with the purchase or lease of the property.

According to Architectural Digest, de Lesseps said she immediately fell in love with the home when her friend, a broker, showed it to her four years ago. The reality TV star paid just over $3 million for the home in 2013.

“I wanted to conserve the home and improve it at the same time,” de Lesseps said. “When I found the house, it was a blank, white canvas ready to be painted. So I painted it with my life.”

Cruisin’ the Catskills . . . . #mountains #mercedes #convertible #topdown #cruisin #freshair #catskills #upstateny #sunday #funday #countessandfriends @evanariamnes

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And what a life the former countess lives. If you’re looking for her this summer, she’ll be hanging around the Catskills and waiting for the perfect property owner to take over her Hamptons home. Drama not included.

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