Mariska Hargitay house represents more than just a place to live. The iconic actress who brought Olivia Benson to life on “Law & Order: SVU” calls a stunning Manhattan townhouse her primary residence. This Upper West Side property showcases her success from decades of television work. She bought this elegant home with her husband, actor Peter Hermann, and it reflects their taste for classic New York architecture mixed with modern comfort.
The property sits in one of Manhattan’s most desired neighborhoods. Fans of the long-running crime drama often wonder where their favorite detective lives when cameras stop rolling. Her real estate choices show someone who values privacy, family space, and the energy of city life. The townhouse gives her family room to grow while staying close to the studios where she films her hit show.
Who is Mariska Hargitay?
Mariska Hargitay built a career that spans over two decades as one of television’s most recognized faces. She holds the record for playing the same character longer than any other actress in a primetime drama. Her portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. Beyond acting, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of abuse.
Her net worth sits at approximately $100 million as of 2024. This wealth comes from her salary on “Law & Order: SVU,” where she reportedly earns around $500,000 per episode. She also receives income from producing credits on the show. Her financial success allowed her to build an impressive real estate portfolio across New York.
She owns multiple properties but keeps her car collection relatively modest. Reports suggest she prefers practical vehicles suitable for city driving. She doesn’t own a yacht or private jet, choosing instead to invest in real estate and her charitable foundation. Her lifestyle reflects someone who values stability and family over flashy displays of wealth.
The actress maintains at least two primary residences in New York. Her focus remains on creating comfortable homes rather than collecting properties as investments. This approach shows her priorities lean toward family life and professional commitments rather than extensive luxury collections.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mariska Magdolna Hargitay |
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California |
| Age | 61 years old (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Activist |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Spouse | Peter Hermann (married 2004) |
| Children | Three (August, Amaya, Andrew) |
| Years Active | 1984–present |
| Foundation | Joyful Heart Foundation |
Where Does Mariska Hargitay Live Now?
Mariska Hargitay lives in New York City, specifically on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She chose this location for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to her work. The neighborhood offers excellent schools, parks, and a sense of community rare in Manhattan. Her home sits within walking distance of Central Park, giving her family access to green space in the middle of the city.
She splits her time between this Manhattan townhouse and a home in the Hamptons. The Hamptons property serves as a weekend retreat and summer escape from city heat. Both locations keep her connected to New York, where she films “Law & Order: SVU” for most of the year.
The Upper West Side location provides privacy despite being in one of the world’s busiest cities. Tree-lined streets and historic brownstones create a quieter environment than other Manhattan neighborhoods. She can walk to local cafes and shops without constant attention. This balance between accessibility and privacy makes it perfect for raising a family.
Her decision to stay in New York rather than Los Angeles shows her commitment to the show and the city itself. Many actors who work in television eventually move to California. She made New York her permanent home, embracing the culture and pace of East Coast life. This choice influenced her real estate decisions and shaped how she built her property portfolio.
Mariska Hargitay House
Mariska Hargitay house in Manhattan stands as a classic example of Upper West Side architecture. The townhouse dates back to the early 1900s and features the historic details that make New York properties special. She and her husband purchased the property in 2012 for approximately $10.75 million. The home offers multiple floors of living space designed for a growing family.
The property includes original architectural elements preserved from its construction. High ceilings, crown molding, and hardwood floors run throughout the home. Large windows allow natural light to fill the rooms, creating a bright atmosphere despite being surrounded by other buildings. The layout provides both formal entertaining spaces and comfortable family areas.
She worked with designers to update the home while respecting its historical character. Modern appliances and systems were installed without destroying original features. The kitchen received a complete renovation to accommodate family meals and casual entertaining. Bathrooms were upgraded with contemporary fixtures while maintaining period-appropriate styling.
The townhouse gives her family privacy that apartment living can’t match. They have their own entrance, private outdoor space, and separation from neighbors. This setup works better for raising children than a typical Manhattan apartment. The home allows them to host extended family and friends comfortably.
1. Where Is Mariska Hargitay House?
Mariska Hargitay house sits on a quiet street in the Upper West Side neighborhood between Central Park West and Riverside Drive. This area of Manhattan attracts families, professionals, and celebrities who want a residential feel. The specific address remains private to protect her family’s security. However, the neighborhood itself offers insight into her lifestyle choices.
The Upper West Side provides access to some of New York’s best private schools. Cultural institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center sit nearby. She can reach these locations on foot or with a short taxi ride. The neighborhood also offers numerous restaurants, bookstores, and local businesses that create a community atmosphere.
Central Park forms the eastern boundary of this area. Her home sits close enough to access the park for jogging, biking, or family outings. The park provides a crucial outdoor space for city dwellers, especially families with children. This proximity influenced her decision to buy in this specific location.
Subway access makes commuting to filming locations convenient. The 1, 2, and 3 trains run through the Upper West Side, connecting to other parts of Manhattan. She can reach Midtown studios quickly without dealing with traffic. This practical consideration matters for someone who works long hours on a television production schedule.
The neighborhood maintains lower foot traffic than areas like Times Square or SoHo. Residential streets stay quieter, allowing for a more peaceful home environment. Local residents recognize celebrities but generally respect their privacy. This culture of discretion makes the Upper West Side popular among actors and public figures who want normal family lives.
2. Features of Mariska Hargitay House
Mariska Hargitay house spans approximately 6,000 square feet across multiple levels. The townhouse includes six bedrooms and five bathrooms, providing ample space for her family of five. Each floor serves a specific purpose, from private bedrooms on upper levels to entertaining spaces on the main floor. The basement level offers additional room for storage, a home gym, or recreational space.
The architectural style reflects classic New York townhouse design from the early 20th century. Red brick exterior walls give the home a traditional appearance that blends with neighboring properties. Stone steps lead to the main entrance, a feature common in historic Manhattan rowhouses. The facade includes decorative elements like window lintels and cornices that add visual interest.
Inside, the main floor features a formal living room with a fireplace as the centerpiece. Original wood paneling and built-in bookshelves create a library-like atmosphere. The dining room can accommodate large family gatherings or dinner parties. French doors connect interior spaces and allow for flexible room arrangements.
The kitchen renovation brought modern functionality to the historic home. Custom cabinetry provides storage for cookware and pantry items. High-end appliances include a professional-grade range, double ovens, and a large refrigerator. A center island offers workspace and casual seating for quick meals. The design maintains a warm, welcoming feel rather than appearing too sleek or commercial.
Bedroom suites occupy the upper floors, with the primary suite taking up most of one level. This master bedroom includes a sitting area, walk-in closets, and an updated bathroom. The bathroom features a soaking tub, separate shower, and double vanities. Additional bedrooms for the children each have enough space for beds, desks, and play areas.
The townhouse includes a small private garden at the rear of the property. This outdoor space offers a rare luxury in Manhattan, where yards are uncommon. The garden provides a place for children to play outdoors without leaving home. She can also use it for growing herbs, entertaining in warm weather, or simply enjoying fresh air.
Original hardwood floors run throughout most of the home. These floors show the quality of materials used in early 1900s construction. She chose to refinish rather than replace them, preserving their character. Area rugs add warmth and color while protecting the historic wood.
The home’s design balances formal and casual elements. Reception rooms maintain elegant details suitable for hosting colleagues or charity events. Family spaces feel comfortable and lived-in, designed for everyday use. This mix reflects her dual life as a public figure and devoted parent.
Modern systems were installed to improve comfort and efficiency. Updated heating and cooling systems maintain consistent temperatures year-round. New electrical wiring supports contemporary technology needs. These improvements happened behind the walls, leaving historic details visible and intact.
Mariska Hargitay Real Estate Portfolio
Mariska Hargitay owns a second significant property in the Hamptons, the exclusive beach community on Long Island’s eastern end. She and Peter Hermann purchased a home in East Hampton for around $7.34 million in 2016. This property serves as their summer retreat and weekend getaway. The Hamptons house offers more outdoor space than their Manhattan townhouse, with gardens, a pool, and proximity to beaches.
The East Hampton property sits on over an acre of land, giving the family room to spread out. The house itself includes multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas, and a design that emphasizes indoor-outdoor flow. Large windows and doors open to the yard, creating a connection with nature. The property provides privacy through mature landscaping and strategic positioning on the lot.
This second home allows the family to escape the city without traveling far. They can drive to the Hamptons in under three hours, making weekend trips feasible. The area offers a slower pace, fresh ocean air, and a tight-knit community of both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. Many of their friends and colleagues also own homes in the area.
Before purchasing their current Manhattan townhouse, the couple lived in a different Upper West Side property. They sold that home when they found the larger townhouse better suited to their growing family. The move kept them in the same neighborhood they loved while providing more space.
She grew up in California but never maintained significant real estate holdings there. Her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, died when Mariska was young, and she moved to New York for her career. She considers herself a New Yorker now and has no plans to relocate. Her property investments reflect this commitment to the East Coast.
The actress doesn’t flip properties or invest in real estate as a business venture. Her purchases focus on creating homes for her family rather than building a portfolio for profit. This approach differs from many celebrities who treat real estate as an investment strategy. She buys properties she intends to keep and use for years.
Her Hamptons home has increased in value since purchase. East Hampton real estate continues to appreciate, especially for waterfront or near-water properties. However, she shows no signs of selling, as the home serves an important purpose in her family’s life. The property gives her children space to play and experience life outside Manhattan’s urban environment.
Both of her current properties sit in areas with strong real estate markets. The Upper West Side maintains consistent demand from families and professionals. The Hamptons attract wealthy buyers from around the world. These locations provide security for her investment while serving her family’s needs.
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay house in Manhattan represents a smart real estate investment and a genuine home for her family. The $10.75 million townhouse gives her the space, privacy, and location she needs as a working actress and mother. Her Upper West Side neighborhood provides access to schools, parks, and cultural institutions while maintaining a residential feel. The property itself blends historic charm with modern updates, creating a comfortable environment that respects its architectural heritage.
Her real estate choices reflect someone who values stability over showiness. She invested in two primary properties that serve clear purposes rather than collecting homes for status. The Manhattan townhouse keeps her close to work and provides a rich urban environment for her children. The Hamptons retreat offers a balance, giving the family access to nature and a quieter pace. Both properties have appreciated in value, making them sound financial decisions.
She built her wealth through consistent work rather than flashy business ventures. Her $100 million net worth came from decades on television and smart financial management. She chose to invest in real estate that improves her family’s quality of life. This practical approach to wealth shows maturity and priorities that extend beyond material display.