Judge Judy Looks to Sell Her Manhattan Apartment For $8.5 Million
Television icon and former prosecutor Judith Sheindlin, better known as Judge Judy, has trimmed the price on her Manhattan duplex, now asking $8.5 million.
The legendary courtroom personality first listed the apartment about a year ago for $9.5 million before cutting the price by $1 million in hopes of finding a buyer.
Sheindlin and her husband, Jerry, who is also a retired judge and former TV host, purchased the Sutton Place residence in 2013 for the same $8.5 million they’re now seeking.
Property Highlights
Price: $8.5 million
Location: Sutton Place South, Manhattan, New York
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 6 (4 full, 2 half)
Notable Features: Wrap-around terrace with city and river views, two wood-burning fireplaces, paneled library, chef’s kitchen, curved staircase, semi-private elevator landing, full-time doorman, gym, and private storage unit
For more information on the listing reach out to Tom Postilio at tom.postilio@compass.com, Mickey Conlon at mickey.conlon@compass.com or Jennifer Rahilly at jennifer.rahilly@compass.com.
Stepping Inside The Living Room
Set within one of Sutton Place’s most distinguished prewar cooperatives, this 1929 duplex penthouse was designed by Rosario Candela, the celebrated designer behind some of Manhattan’s most elegant residences.
Stepping inside, the living room sits just beyond the 29-foot gallery entrance which is positioned around a wood-burning fireplace and framed by expansive east- and south-facing windows that bathe the space in natural light.
Formal Dining Room
Just beyond the living room lies the formal dining room, a striking space defined by its bold palette and elegant architectural detailing.
Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling French casement doors, the room opens onto the terrace, filling the space with natural light and a sense of airiness.
The vivid red walls, framed with classic white moldings, create a dramatic yet refined backdrop for intimate dinners or formal gatherings while a crystal chandelier and herringbone-patterned wood floors add a timeless touch.
Light-Filled Kitchen
Around the corner, the kitchen is bathed in soft natural light from a wall of windows, its crisp white cabinetry complemented by deep green marble countertops and warm hardwood floors that extend the home’s refined aesthetic into a more casual setting.
A large center island with a polished wood countertop sits in the center of the room, offering additional prep space and seating for informal meals.
Paneled Library
For a darker contrast, the paneled library is wrapped in rich wood tones and classic detailing. Floor-to-ceiling built-ins showcase rows of leather-bound books, while the carved moldings and marble fireplace nod to the timeless craftsmanship of early 20th-century design.
A wall of windows floods the room with light and offers sweeping city views, creating a warm and intellectually stimulating space perfect for reading, reflection, or conversation.
Connected to the library is a unique powder room where the walls are lined with wallpaper depicting shelves of antique books, complemented by an elegant black marble vanity with brass fixtures and a mosaic tile floor.
Primary Suite
A curved staircase with the home’s original wrought-iron balustrade leads gracefully to the lower level, where the private quarters are located.
Before heading downstairs, you’ll walk along the landing finished in marble floors with diamond inlays and softly patterned wallpaper, setting a refined tone before the home’s more intimate spaces.
The primary suite itself occupies a light-filled corner with views of the East River and the surrounding Sutton Place skyline.
Elegant floral drapery frames the windows, while soft neutral tones and plush carpeting create a restful atmosphere. There’s a built-in media cabinet and cozy seating area, adding warmth and function to the space.
En-Suite Bathroom
The suite’s ensuite bathroom is wrapped entirely in creamy marble lining the floors and walls, continuing the feeling of timeless luxury.
A double vanity runs along one wall, while a deep soaking tub and glass-enclosed shower sit within alcoves that mirror the apartment’s classic architecture.
Guest Bedrooms
The lower level also includes three additional guest bedrooms, each designed with its own distinct personality and palette, creating a welcoming and versatile space for family and friends to stay.
The Chocolate Room
Warm and sophisticated, this guest bedroom is defined by its deep cocoa-colored walls and matching drapery, which contrast beautifully with the crisp white linens and light carpeting.
A cozy reading chair by the window overlooks the cityscape, making it an inviting space that balances elegance with comfort.
The Ivory Room
Soft and airy, the second guest bedroom has a more classic design with beadboard paneling, floral upholstery, and neutral tones.
The delicate patterns and traditional furnishings give this room a timeless charm, offering a space that feels like a peaceful countryside escape in the heart of Manhattan.
The Taupe Room
Understated and refined, the final guest room features warm taupe tones with tailored drapery and polished wood furniture.
Built-in shelving and thoughtful design details give the space a quiet sophistication, ideal for guests seeking calm and privacy.
Wrap-Around Terrace
Completing the penthouse, the expansive wrap-around terrace, accessible from the living room, dining room, and library, is one of the home’s most defining features.
Lined with classic red brick and framed by wrought-iron railings, it offers sweeping city and East River views that capture both the Midtown skyline and the Queensboro Bridge.
With two distinct dining areas and multiple lounge spaces, the terrace is designed for both grand entertaining and quiet reflection.
Boxwood planters and climbing greenery soften the urban backdrop, while striped awnings and tailored outdoor furniture add a polished, Parisian feel.
Whether hosting evening cocktails or a summer brunch, the space perfectly extends the home’s elegance into the open air.
Why is Judge Judy Selling?
Judge Judy is parting with her Manhattan penthouse for one simple reason: she and her husband, Jerry, are ready to “simplify” their lives.
She shared with the The New York Times that while they’ve deeply enjoyed their years in the Sutton Place duplex, the time has come to embrace a less complicated lifestyle.
For potential buyers, that decision opens a rare opportunity to own one of the neighborhood’s most distinguished residences, a home that blends classic prewar luxury with modern comfort and an irreplaceable wrap-around terrace overlooking the East River.
