Mariska Hargitay, the iconic star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as the resilient Detective Olivia Benson, has captivated audiences for over two decades. Beyond her Emmy-winning acting career and her tireless advocacy work through the Joyful Heart Foundation, Hargitay has built an impressive real estate portfolio that reflects her success and evolving family needs. While her current and past homes often make headlines for multi-million-dollar price tags, one intriguing chapter involves a more modest property tied to her family legacy — sometimes referenced in discussions of her early holdings around the $420,000 range in adjusted or historical context. In this article, we explore the story behind Mariska Hargitay’s properties, starting from her family’s Los Angeles roots and moving to her luxurious New York and Hamptons residences.
The Family Legacy: Mariska Hargitay’s Hollywood Hills Connection
Mariska Hargitay’s real estate story begins in Los Angeles, deeply connected to her famous parents — actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder/actor Mickey Hargitay. The family owned a notable Hollywood Hills home for decades, a property gifted to Mariska by her father in the 1990s. This Spanish-style residence in the exclusive Bird Streets neighborhood offered stunning 180-degree canyon views and became a significant part of her early adult life.
Property records show that the home, spanning about 5,000 square feet with five bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, featured luxurious amenities like a home theater, gym, wine cellar, and pool. While the exact original family acquisition price isn’t publicly detailed as $420,000, the property was sold by Hargitay in 2006 (following her father’s passing) for approximately $1.56 million. Earlier family ties and market fluctuations have led some reports and discussions to reference lower historical values or related transactions in the mid-six-figure range during earlier decades.
Mariska and her husband, actor Peter Hermann, briefly owned or were associated with this or similar LA properties before shifting focus eastward. They purchased a related Hollywood Hills home in 2006 for $1.56 million (under asking) and sold it shortly after for $2.65 million, capitalizing on the rising market. This early flip demonstrated smart real estate moves even before her SVU salary skyrocketed.
These Los Angeles properties represent a more accessible entry point into celebrity real estate compared to her later New York investments. The Bird Streets area remains one of LA’s most desirable, with homes now routinely exceeding $4-5 million — a testament to how values have appreciated since the family’s era.
Transition to New York: The Iconic Upper West Side Townhouse
As Law & Order: SVU filming centered in New York City, Hargitay and Hermann invested heavily in Manhattan real estate. Their most publicized property was a stunning six-story Upper West Side townhouse at 45 West 84th Street, purchased in 2012 for $10.7 million. This nearly 7,000-square-foot brownstone became the family’s primary residence for years, featuring five to six bedrooms, eight-and-a-half bathrooms, an elevator, high ceilings, a rooftop terrace, and vibrant interior design by renowned decorator Jeffrey Bilhuber.
The home boasted modern renovations like floor-to-ceiling windows for abundant natural light, a gourmet kitchen with a chalkboard wall where the family tracked memories, multiple fireplaces, and landscaped outdoor spaces. It perfectly blended historic charm with contemporary luxury, ideal for raising their three children: August, Amaya, and Andrew.
In 2018, the couple listed it for $10.75 million, eventually selling for $9.75 million in 2019 — a slight loss attributed to changing family needs rather than market downturns. This property symbolized Hargitay’s peak NYC lifestyle, close to Central Park and the energy of Manhattan.
Other Notable Properties: From Chelsea Penthouse to Hamptons Retreat
Before the townhouse, Hargitay owned a luxurious Chelsea penthouse in the historic O’Neill Building, bought in 2007 for $7.1 million and sold in 2008 for $8.15 million. This unique duplex featured expansive terraces and iconic views, highlighting her savvy timing in the market.
Today, Hargitay and Hermann reside in a breathtaking East Hamptons estate on Cottage Lane, purchased in 2010 for $7.34 million (down from an $8.9 million ask). This 11,000-square-foot shingled mansion includes 11 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a pool, guesthouse, recording studio, and sprawling lawns across 1.41 acres. Decorated with input from designer Lorraine Kirke, it offers a serene escape from the city while remaining accessible for work. Neighbors in this elite enclave include stars like Martha Stewart and Jon Bon Jovi.
The Hamptons home represents the couple’s preference for spacious, family-oriented properties with outdoor amenities — a far cry from more modest beginnings but built on smart investments.
Why Mariska Hargitay’s Real Estate Choices Matter
Hargitay’s property journey mirrors her career evolution: from family-gifted LA roots to high-profile NYC investments and finally a luxurious Hamptons retreat. Her net worth, estimated at $100 million (largely from SVU earnings of around $500,000 per episode in later seasons), has allowed these upgrades while supporting her philanthropy.
Real estate has been both practical and profitable for Hargitay. Flips in LA and quick sales in NYC demonstrate market acumen, while the Hamptons purchase prioritizes family privacy and quality of life. In an industry where privacy is precious, her choices balance glamour with grounded family values.
Conclusion: From Modest Roots to Million-Dollar Estates
Mariska Hargitay’s real estate story is one of growth, smart decisions, and family focus. While no current or primary home matches exactly a $420,000 price tag today (likely referencing historical family or early LA values), it highlights humble beginnings compared to her current multi-million-dollar holdings. From the Hollywood Hills legacy home to the expansive Hamptons mansion, Hargitay has created spaces that reflect her success, resilience, and commitment to those she loves.
As she continues portraying Olivia Benson and advocating for survivors, her homes remain private sanctuaries amid a demanding career. Whether in New York or the Hamptons, Mariska Hargitay proves that true luxury lies in spaces that nurture family and purpose.
