What if you woke up every morning to sunlight dancing off the Long Island Sound, with sailboats gliding past your backyard and the scent of saltwater drifting through open French doors? That was daily life for Kathie Lee Gifford at Cedar Cliff, the sprawling estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, that she shared with her late husband, NFL legend Frank Gifford. This wasn’t just a house. It was a 14.7-acre sanctuary where Mediterranean elegance met New England coastal charm. And in 2021, it sold for $7.8 million—a number that raised plenty of eyebrows in the luxury real estate world, especially considering the high stakes of properties like those Kathie Lee Gifford lists. Let’s take a real walk through Kathie Lee Gifford’s Cedar Cliff estate, room by room, memory by memory.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s Cedar Cliff Estate
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location is key, as demonstrated by where Kathie Lee Gifford lists her stunning properties. | Greenwich, Connecticut |
| Waterfront | 14.7 acres on Long Island Sound |
| House size | 12,600 square feet |
| Bedrooms / Bathrooms | 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms |
| Architectural style | Mediterranean |
| Built | 1920s by railroad magnate Henry Francis |
| Purchased by Giffords | 1997 for $2.7 million |
| Listed | 2019 for $7.8 million |
| Sold | 2021 for $7.8 million |
| Standout amenities | Private beach, deepwater dock, pool & spa, tennis court, home theater, wine cellar |
The Home’s Old Hollywood Roots
Before it was Kathie Lee Gifford’s house, Cedar Cliff belonged to Henry Francis, a railroad tycoon with a taste for drama. He built the mansion in the 1920s, pulling inspiration straight from Italian and Spanish villas. Think stucco walls, a red-tiled roof, wrought-iron balconies, and arched windows that frame the Sound like living art.
Walking through the front door, you’d feel less like you’re in Connecticut and more like you stumbled onto a private estate on the Amalfi Coast. The terracotta floors, exposed wood beams, and hand-painted tile details are pure old-world glamour. What strikes you immediately is the light. It pours in from every angle—especially the back of the house, where floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between indoors and out.
And here’s a fun fact: The name “Cedar Cliff” comes from the towering cedar trees that wrap the property, giving it a sense of total seclusion, even though you’re just a stone’s throw from New York City.
The Heart of the Home – Living and Entertaining Spaces
The great room stops you in your tracks. A massive stone fireplace anchors one wall, while the other wall is basically a window onto the Sound. I can picture the Giffords hosting holiday parties here, the fire crackling, Frank telling stories while Kathie Lee played the piano in the corner.
Then there’s the formal dining room. It’s draped in elegance—crown molding, a chandelier that catches the sunset, space for a table that seats twelve comfortably.
Downstairs, the entertainment level feels like a private club. There’s a full movie theater with plush seating, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar that could hold hundreds of bottles, features that would impress any show host. If you’re a collector, this is pure heaven.
And the kitchen? It’s a chef’s dream. Marble countertops, custom cabinetry, and a sunny breakfast nook where Kathie Lee probably scribbled lyrics on napkins over morning coffee.
The Outdoor Oasis That Steals the Show
Inside is impressive, just like the homes of television icons such as Kathie Lee Gifford. But outside? That’s where Cedar Cliff really shows off.
The centerpiece is the pool and spa area. It’s surrounded by a stone patio that begs for summer lounging. Imagine floating on your back, staring up at the blue sky, with the sound of waves as your playlist. And just beyond the pool, a regulation-size tennis court sits ready for a friendly match.
But here’s the real jaw-dropper: the private beach. A 250-foot stretch of sand and pebbles, with a deepwater dock stretching into the Sound. You could launch a sailboat, a jet ski, or just dangle your feet and watch the tide roll in. At sunset, the sky turns cotton candy pink and the water shimmers gold, reminiscent of the luxurious lifestyle often showcased by television show hosts. That’s not a scene you buy. That’s a scene you live.
Gardens wind through the property, dotted with mature trees that have been standing since the Francis era. Hydrangeas, roses, and sea grass blur the edges, making the whole place feel like a hidden paradise.
The Emotional Goodbye and a New Beginning in Nashville
Selling Kathie Lee Gifford’s Cedar Cliff estate wasn’t just a financial decision. It was deeply personal. After Frank passed away, the house echoed with too many memories. She needed a reset.
So where did she go? Nashville, Tennessee. A city known for music, not morning talk shows. Kathie Lee dove into songwriting and film projects, trading the Sound’s salt spray for the twang of a guitar. She’s said in interviews that moving freed her creatively. And honestly, that makes sense. When you walk away from a place that defined an entire era of your life, you create space for something new.
The sale closed in 2021, and reports say the new owners are a family who values the estate’s history and seclusion. As for Kathie Lee, she’s thriving in her music-filled second act. No regrets. Just gratitude for the years Cedar Cliff gave her, much like Kathie Lee Gifford’s appreciation for her time with husband Frank Gifford.
Key Takeaways You Can’t Miss
- Cedar Cliff isn’t just a mansion; it’s a 14.7-acre waterfront compound with a private beach, dock, and 12,600-square-foot Mediterranean home.
- Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford bought it in 1997 and filled it with family memories for over two decades.
- After Frank’s death, the house went on the market in 2019 for $7.8 million and sold for the same price two years later.
- The estate seamlessly blends Old World architecture with modern luxury, featuring a theater, wine cellar, pool, tennis court, and eight bedrooms.
- Her move to Nashville marked a creative rebirth, proving that even TV icons need a fresh start.
So, what do you think—could you see yourself sipping coffee on that terrace, staring out at the Sound? I know I could. If you’re hungry for more celebrity home tours, check out our inside look at Martha Stewart’s Bedford farmhouse next. You won’t believe the garden setup.
