Barrymore trades hamptons traffic for westchester retreat, lists for $5m
Drew Barrymore, the actress and talk show host known for her effervescent personality, is quietly exiting the Westchester County real estate market, listing her extensively renovated estate for a shade under $5 million. The move signals a shift in priorities for the multi-hyphenate, who poured two years and considerable resources into transforming the historic property.
A spiritual calling, a practical need
Barrymore purchased the 12-acre Harrison, New York estate in 2024 for $4.4 million, drawn to it, she told The Wall Street Journal, by a feeling that bordered on the mystical. “It was like a strange, spiritual calling,” she recounted, describing an immediate sense of connection to the land and the potential within the 1747-built structure. The property, conveniently located less than an hour from Manhattan, offered a welcome alternative to the increasingly frustrating commutes from her previous Hamptons residence.
But the renovation proved to be more involved—and costly—than initially anticipated. What began as an effort to modernize a historic Home evolved into a full-scale reimagining, leveraging the design sensibility Barrymore has cultivated through her Beautiful by Drew housewares line. The result is a compelling blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort, a testament to her personal design vision.
Inside the westchester oasis
The main house, spanning 5,600 square feet, boasts five bedrooms and a distinct chalet-style foyer anchored by a limestone fireplace. Beyond lies a soaring, window-lined great room with 30-foot ceilings, immediately establishing the Home’s expansive feel. The kitchen, a dark-wood haven, seamlessly integrates modern appliances while retaining a warmth that’s characteristic of the entire property. A tomato-red family room, complete with exposed beams, adds a playful touch, while a sunlit conservatory provides a tranquil space for reflection. The grounds themselves are a significant draw, offering what Barrymore describes as “your own personal park,” teeming with wildlife from deer and pheasants to rabbits and ducks.
Beyond the main residence, a poolhouse and separate guest cottage offer additional living space and entertaining options. The pond-like pool, nestled amidst the wooded landscape, completes the picture of a secluded retreat.
Compass Real Estate holds the listing, and while Barrymore’s departure might seem abrupt, the sale represents the conclusion of a significant personal project. The property's sale reflects a pragmatic decision, as her needs have shifted, leaving this meticulously crafted estate ready for a new chapter.
The price tag of $4.95 million suggests a strong market for luxury properties in Westchester County, particularly those with the unique blend of history, modern amenities, and expansive grounds that this estate provides. Whether the next owner will feel that “strange, spiritual calling” remains to be seen, but the Home’s undeniable appeal is clear.