A Glimpse into Joan Rivers’ Haunted Penthouse
Joan Rivers, known for her iconic comedic talent, also had a flair for lavish living, as evident in her multi-million-dollar Upper East Side penthouse in New York City. However, this wasn’t just any luxury home; it carried a reputation for being haunted.
The Haunting History of the Penthouse
After Joan Rivers’ passing in 2014, her country home in Connecticut and the NYC penthouse were put on the market. While the Connecticut home was sold, her penthouse, priced at $53 million, remained unsold due to its eerie backstory. The property gained notoriety for its paranormal activity, even featuring in a 2009 episode of “Celebrity Ghost Stories”. Rivers humorously recounted her experiences with the penthouse’s ghost, believed to be Mrs. Spencer, the late niece of financier J.P. Morgan, and even employed a voodoo witch doctor to cleanse the property.
The Mansion in the Sky: A Lavish Abode
Joan Rivers’ penthouse, located in a Pre-War Condominium, was designed by architect Horace Trumbauer in a neo-French Classic style. The luxurious property boasts four bedrooms, five bathrooms, two terraces, a paneled library, a magnificent ballroom, and five wood-burning fireplaces. It’s a stunning example of opulence and grandeur, with soaring 23-foot ceilings, elegant parquet-de-Versailles flooring, and meticulously restored original architectural details by museum-trained artisans.
A Home with a Spooky Twist
Despite its elegance, Rivers believed the penthouse was haunted. Neighbors supported her claims, reporting sightings of a spirit wandering the ballroom and standing on the staircase. Rivers’ encounters with the supernatural elements of her home added an intriguing, albeit spooky, dimension to this otherwise exquisite property.
The Current State of the Penthouse
After Joan Rivers’ death, the penthouse was acquired in 2015 by Muhammad bin Fahd for approximately $32 million. He has since relisted the property for $53 million. If sold at this price, the Saudi Royal stands to gain a substantial profit.
In summary, Joan Rivers’ Upper East Side penthouse is not just a symbol of luxury but also a fascinating story of humor, history, and the supernatural. Its grandeur and ghostly tales continue to captivate the imagination of many, making it a unique piece of New York’s real estate history