Bethenny Frankel, a television personality, bought a traditional colonial home in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2020 for about $2.1 million. Built in 1945, the house had good bones but felt dated. Instead of treating it as a long-term residence, she rolled up her sleeves, renovated the interiors, and put it back on the market the following year. The result was a sale for roughly $3.3 million, delivering a $1.2 million gross increase in less than twelve months. It was a classic example of spotting opportunity, making smart updates, and moving on.
Bethenny Frankel wanted to give the classic colonial a fresh look
The property Frankel purchased was a five-bedroom Colonial sitting on a solid foundation in one of Connecticut’s most desirable towns, according to Bravo’s account of the renovation. According to Architectural Digest, the area was 4,698 square feet. It offered space, a backyard pool, and several fireplaces that gave it character. What it lacked was a modern feel. The kitchen, bathrooms, lighting, and overall flow reflected an earlier era. Frankel saw the house as something that could be improved without starting from scratch. She wanted to keep the traditional charm while opening up the rooms and making the home feel lighter and more welcoming to today’s buyers.
Bethenny Frankel’s practical upgrades that made a difference
The renovation went beyond paint and furniture. The kitchen received a full update, a new mudroom was added, and the lighting and mechanical systems were brought up to date. A new boiler and water heater improved the home’s reliability. One personal touch was a dedicated dressing room fitted with shelving designed for handbags and shoes. Frankel focused on creating better flow throughout the house so it felt more open. She chose neutral colours and contemporary furniture that complemented the original architecture rather than fighting against it. The goal was function first, followed by a cleaner, more current appearance.
Bethenny’s approach to buying and improving homes
Frankel has spoken about preferring properties that already have a strong foundation but need creativity and thoughtful updates. “I like good contractors, architects and interior designers better than I like expensive furniture or flashy decor,” she told the outlet. Her method is practical: improve what matters, keep what works, and avoid unnecessary demolition. This Connecticut project followed the same pattern she has used in New York and the Hamptons. She treated the house as a short-term investment rather than a personal home, focusing on changes that would appeal to the next buyer.
A quick sale and a clear gross gain
Once the work was finished, the property was listed and sold in under a month for about $3.3 million. Some accounts noted a post-renovation value closer to $3.375 million, but the final reported sale price sat near $3.3 million as reported by Architectural Digest. That figure represented a $1.2 million increase over the $2.1 million purchase price. It is important to remember this is a gross number. Renovation costs, taxes, agent commissions, and other expenses would reduce the actual profit, and those details have not been made public. Still, the speed of the sale and the size of the jump showed that the updates landed well with buyers. Frankel already owned another home in Greenwich purchased the same year, so this particular Colonial was never meant to be a permanent stay. It was a calculated flip that highlighted her eye for potential and her willingness to invest in practical improvements.
