Kathie Lee Gifford's Connecticut Estate Hits Market for $100 Million

Kathie Lee Gifford's magnificent Connecticut waterfront estate, Cedar Cliff, has recently entered the market with an asking price of $100 million. This Mediterranean-style property, originally built in the 1930s, was acquired by Gifford and her late husband, Frank Gifford, in 1994 for $7.8 million. The extensive compound, encompassing over 15,000 square feet, offers a luxurious living experience with eight bedrooms, fourteen bathrooms, and ten fireplaces. Additionally, it features a private beach, a pool and spa area, and breathtaking vistas of the New York City skyline, making it a truly exceptional offering in the high-end real estate market.

The property's rich history and numerous amenities contribute to its allure and significant valuation. With a potential sale at its current asking price, Cedar Cliff could set a new record for real estate transactions in Connecticut, reflecting its unique blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury. Gifford's personal touches, including a substantial new wing added during her ownership, further enhance the estate's appeal. This new section incorporates a primary suite, a twenty-seat movie theater, an office, and a wine cellar, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for architectural design.

The Grandeur of Cedar Cliff: A Century-Old Estate with Modern Luxuries

Kathie Lee Gifford's decision to list her longtime Connecticut estate, Cedar Cliff, for an impressive $100 million marks a significant moment in luxury real estate. The property, steeped in history and architectural elegance, offers a glimpse into a life of opulence and comfort. Purchased by Gifford and her late husband, football legend Frank Gifford, in 1994 for $7.8 million, this Mediterranean-style mansion, dating back to the 1930s, sits majestically on a 2.9-acre peninsula in Greenwich's Riverside neighborhood. Its sheer scale and the array of amenities it offers underscore its immense value and desirability.

Cedar Cliff spans over 15,000 square feet, featuring eight meticulously designed bedrooms, fourteen bathrooms, and ten fireplaces, each contributing to the home's warm and inviting ambiance. Beyond the main residence, the estate boasts a sprawling pool and spa, complete with a poolhouse that includes its own gym and kitchenette. A private beach with a dock offers direct access to the Long Island Sound, while numerous stone terraces and a tennis court provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and entertainment. The property's strategic location also affords residents stunning panoramic views of the distant New York City skyline, adding to its prestige and charm. Gifford's personal involvement in the estate's expansion, including a new wing with a primary suite, a 20-seat movie theater, an office, and a wine cellar, highlights her deep passion for design and her desire to create a truly bespoke living environment.

A Seamless Blend of History and Personal Vision

The history of Cedar Cliff is as rich and layered as its architectural design. Situated on land once part of railroad magnate Henry Francis Shoemaker's compound in the early 20th century, the estate carries a legacy of grandeur and significance. Kathie Lee Gifford's connection to the property extends beyond mere ownership; it reflects her lifelong appreciation for architecture and interior design, a passion she shared in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Her hands-on approach to enhancing Cedar Cliff, particularly the addition of a new wing, transformed the historic mansion into a personalized sanctuary.

This significant expansion, undertaken with her late husband Frank, integrated modern conveniences and luxurious spaces seamlessly into the existing structure. The new wing not only added a primary suite but also introduced a state-of-the-art movie theater capable of seating twenty, a dedicated office space, and an exquisite wine cellar. These additions were thoughtfully incorporated to cater to a lifestyle of comfort and entertainment. Despite her relocation to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019 following Frank's passing, a move she described as a "new beginning," Gifford's enduring affection for Cedar Cliff remains evident. The listing of this cherished estate, handled by Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby's International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage, represents the closing of one chapter and the potential opening of another for this iconic waterfront property.