Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have decided to list their expansive estate in Irvington, Westchester County, for $12 million. This decision comes after their children, Carys, 21, and Dylan, 23, moved out of the family home, leaving the couple as empty nesters. The couple originally purchased the riverfront property for $4.5 million in 2019, and now, with their children having left the nest, they feel it is the right time to move on.
“When I purchased our Irvington home, I knew our family would share many happy times here, and we have!” Catherine Zeta-Jones, 54, told the Wall Street Journal. “Now that both our son and daughter have left the nest, it seems like the right time to sell.” The couple plans to leave New York altogether and spend more time in Bermuda and Europe.
The couple moved into the Irvington home after downsizing from their 15,000-square-foot mansion in nearby Bedford, which they reportedly sold for almost $20.5 million. The eight-bedroom property in Irvington features an indoor swimming pool, a fitness room, a wood-paneled library, and a games room. Additionally, the estate boasts an outdoor summer house, an outdoor kitchen, and a spacious dining area with a chandelier light hanging overhead. The 12-acre estate also includes an expansive garden surrounded by large trees, never-ending lawns, and a maze-like patio.
The Georgian-style home was built in the 1920s, but the listing agent, Turner, noted that Catherine and Michael had modernized the home with considerable renovations while maintaining the historical character of the mansion. “There’s a blend of formal and informal rooms,” he explained. “There’s a family room next to the kitchen, which many of these old mansions don’t have.”
Michael and Catherine have an extensive property portfolio and own luxury homes in Bermuda, Spain, and Canada, as well as a large family home in Catherine’s hometown of Swansea, Wales. In 2021, they listed their Central Park West apartment for $21.5 million, but it was later taken off the market. The top-floor apartment was originally 15 rooms but was reconfigured into nine larger spaces. It offers high ceilings, mahogany pocket doors, twin wood-burning fireplaces, and spectacular views of Central Park.
Catherine and Michael will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary in November. The couple first met at the Deauville Film Festival in 1998, although the Welsh actress was not immediately won over by his charms. “I met her in the bar and was a total gentleman,” Michael told Jonathan Ross during an appearance on his show in 2016. The actor made his move later that night, cheekily telling the actress: “You know, I’m going to be the father of your children.” According to Michael, she replied: “I’ve heard a lot about you, and I’ve seen a lot about you, and I think it’s time that I say goodnight.”
Speaking to Access Hollywood in 2019, Catherine joked about their first meeting and Michael’s confident comments: “You know what the worst thing is?… He was right.” The couple married in November 2000 during a lavish ceremony held at the New York Plaza Hotel.
Michael Douglas, 75, has had a storied career in Hollywood, and his personal life has often been in the spotlight. His father, Kirk Douglas, turned 103 years old in December 2019, and Michael shared that his father preferred low-key celebrations as he aged. Michael’s son, Cameron Douglas, has also been a topic of discussion, having faced significant challenges, including drug addiction and legal troubles. However, Cameron has since turned his life around and has a positive relationship with his father.
Michael and Catherine have always been open about their relationship and the challenges they have faced. In various interviews, Michael has expressed his admiration for his wife and how their relationship has made him feel younger. The couple has also shared their love for travel and spending time together, often seen enjoying vacations in Europe and other exotic locations.
As they prepare to sell their Irvington estate and move on to new adventures, Michael and Catherine continue to be a beloved couple in Hollywood, admired for their enduring love and successful careers.
Source: Wall Street Journal, Access Hollywood, Jonathan Ross Show
