Sally Jessy Raphael, the iconic former radio host and Emmy-award-winning tabloid chat show presenter, has placed her Dutchess County estate on the market.
Situated in Pawling, about 113km from Manhattan, the 10.3ha property boasts a historic backdrop and is on offer for US$6.5 million through agent Harriet Norris of Douglas Elliman.
Raphael, renowned for her sharp wit and signature red glasses, alongside her late husband Karl Sodlerland, acquired the expansive estate, known as Elmwood Farm, in 1997 for just over US$1.7 million, according to the Robb Report.
The property has been held by one family for nine generations before that.
The estate is not just a home; it features two houses for caretakers, a carriage house with living quarters for a chauffeur, a yoga studio, and an expansive 1115sq m stable.
The main residence, an Elizabethan-style Tudor mansion constructed in 1860, stands proudly surrounded by mature trees at the end of a lengthy drive.
This sizable manor spans approximately 1394 square metres, with 17 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and an additional four powder rooms.
Its 43 rooms are adorned with 10 fireplaces.
Despite needing some refurbishment, the 19th-century mansion’s old-world charm is palpable, featuring ornate, sometimes over-the-top, architectural elements.
Details include leaded windows, ornamental timber carvings, and ceilings with hand-painted details.
The manor’s grandeur continues with an oak staircase flanked by newel posts carved into various animals, an impressive dining room with a classic chandelier, and a variety of unique and comfortable living spaces.
The expansive kitchen comes equipped with marble countertops and a commercial-grade stove.
The property also includes a music room, chapel, and a solarium with towering arched windows.
Each bedroom is spacious, allowing for a separate seating area, all uniquely styled.
Outdoors, the grounds feature a large garden, swimming pool, and tennis court, all of which require some attention.
The estate’s lawns lead to the horse riding facilities, including a fenced pasture and a charming stable block.
Raphael, now in her 80s, reportedly still owns a Manhattan townhouse previously belonging to Jerry Herman and briefly to businessman Nelson Peltz.
