Kevin Kline lives at 1125 Fifth Avenue in New York City with his wife, Phoebe Cates. Instead of a Beverly Hills mansion, the Oscar-winner chose Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
His Fifth Avenue House
The building sits right across from Central Park on Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile. From his windows, Kline enjoys stunning views of the park’s trees and pathways. Living on Fifth Avenue means Kline can walk to some of New York’s best cultural spots.
On Fifth Avenue, Kline can walk to New York’s top museums and theaters. The area offers both busy city life and quiet park escapes – perfect for someone who values privacy but loves city energy.
A 1920s Pre-War Gem
Built in the 1920s, 1125 Fifth Avenue shows off classic pre-war style. The brick and limestone building stands 15 stories tall and features ornate stonework and large windows typical of that era.
Many well-known figures have lived here. Singer Bette Midler once owned the penthouse, which she later sold for $50 million. Disney CEO Robert Iger also called this building home at one point.
Why do pre-war apartments stand out? Pre-war apartments offer unique details you rarely find in newer buildings – thick walls that block sound, higher ceilings, and handcrafted touches throughout.
Inside His Full-Floor Flat
Kline and Cates own a full-floor apartment that offers views in multiple directions. While exact square footage isn’t public, similar units in the building range from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet, far bigger than typical New York apartments.
Their home likely contains four or five bedrooms and at least three bathrooms, based on similar apartments in the building. The layout probably features both private family areas and spaces for entertaining guests.
Pre-war apartments have a big perk? The separation between rooms. Unlike modern open floor plans, these older homes offer distinct spaces for different activities, perfect for a family that includes two children.
- Central Park–Facing Views Floor-to-ceiling windows look straight onto Central Park’s trees and paths—ideal for morning light and spectacular sunsets.
- Full-Floor Layout The Klines occupy the entire 15th floor, so there are no shared hallways—just their private front door and elevator access.
- 3,000–4,500 Sq. Ft. of Space Estimates based on similar units: enough room for 4–5 bedrooms, plus formal living, dining, and family rooms.
- 10-Foot Ceilings & Crown Moldings. Extra-tall ceilings add airiness. Decorative moldings and ceiling medallions give a classic pre-war feel.
- Multiple Fireplaces: At least one in the living room (and likely others in bedrooms), creating cozy focal points in each main space.
- Separate Rooms (No Open Plan) Distinct living, dining, library/music room, and bedrooms—perfect for quiet work, study, or family gatherings.
- Library/Music Room A nod to Kline’s theater background: room enough for a grand piano, bookshelves, and a display of his Oscar and other awards.
- High-End Kitchen with Vintage Touches, Modern appliances—double ovens, Sub-Zero fridge—set within original moldings or paneled cabinetry.
- White-Glove Services Full-time doormen, a concierge for reservations, and discreet maintenance staff ensure a smooth daily routine.
Vintage Details That Stand Out
High ceilings reaching 10 feet or more create an airy feeling throughout the apartment. Crown moldings, decorative ceiling medallions, and hardwood floors add character to each room.
At least one fireplace likely serves as a focal point in the living room. Pre-war apartments often feature multiple fireplaces, sometimes in bedrooms too.
Given Kline’s musical talents (he studied piano and performs in musicals), the apartment probably includes a library or music room. This space might hold his piano, music collection, and awards, including his Oscar for “A Fish Called Wanda.”
The kitchen likely features high-end appliances while keeping some original architectural elements. A formal dining room would complete the classic layout, perfect for family meals and entertaining friends.
White-Glove Perks
Residents at 1125 Fifth Avenue enjoy white-glove service with full-time doormen who greet visitors, accept packages, and provide security. A concierge helps with daily needs like restaurant reservations or ticket arrangements.
Many similar buildings offer storage rooms, bike storage, and some even have small fitness areas. While not as flashy as newer luxury buildings with pools and movie theaters, these pre-war co-ops provide discreet, personalized service.
Monthly maintenance fees for apartments this size typically run several thousand dollars. These fees cover building staff, heat, hot water, and upkeep of common areas.
The co-op board at buildings like 1125 Fifth Avenue maintains strict approval standards for new buyers. Buyers go through a strict financial check and personal interviews. This selectivity helps maintain privacy and exclusivity.
Life on the Upper East Side
The Upper East Side offers a perfect blend of sophistication and family-friendly comfort. Tree-lined streets feature classic brownstones alongside elegant apartment buildings.
Within walking distance of Kline’s home, you’ll find wonderful local bakeries, bookstores, and cafés. Madison Avenue’s high-end shopping sits just a block away. Central Park provides endless outdoor options – from quiet walks to boating on the lake.
The area attracts many families thanks to excellent schools, safe streets, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Museums offer special programs for children, and the park includes several playgrounds.
For someone like Kline who values both culture and calm, this neighborhood strikes the right balance. He can attend Broadway shows downtown, then return to his quieter uptown retreat.
Buying in the Late ’80s
Kline and Cates bought their apartment in the late 1980s, around the time they married in 1989. This timing coincided with Kline’s rising film career following hits like “The Big Chill” and his Oscar win.
Getting approved by the building’s co-op board would have required substantial financial documentation and personal references. Even celebrities face scrutiny from these boards, which focus more on financial stability and privacy than star power.
By choosing this location instead of a Hollywood home, the couple made a statement about their priorities. Kevin Kline has mentioned in interviews that not living in Los Angeles helped their marriage last – they’ve been together over 35 years.
How Much Is It Worth?
While the exact value of Kline’s specific apartment remains private, similar full-floor units in the building would likely fetch between $10 and $15 million today. Factors affecting value include the unit’s condition, renovation history, and specific views.
Recent sales in the building help estimate current values. Similar pre-war co-ops on Fifth Avenue typically sell for $2,500-3,500 per square foot, putting a 4,000-square-foot apartment in the $10-14 million range.
Manhattan’s high-end real estate market fluctuates based on economic conditions, but Central Park-facing co-ops tend to hold their value better than most properties. The limited supply of pre-war buildings with park views creates lasting demand.
Why This House Fits Kevin Kline
Kline’s choice of home reveals much about his values. Unlike actors who seek maximum exposure, Kline has always valued privacy and family life over Hollywood glamour.
In a People magazine interview, Kline credited not living in Hollywood as key to his long-lasting marriage. Their New York home provided a normal environment for raising their two children, Owen and Greta.
The classic architecture matches Kline’s artistic sensibilities. Known for his work in both Shakespeare and modern films, Kline appreciates tradition and craftsmanship, qualities abundant in pre-war buildings.
The apartment’s location near theaters and cultural institutions suits someone deeply connected to the arts. Kline can easily attend plays, concerts, and museum exhibits steps from home.
A Different Celebrity Style
While many actors opt for sprawling Los Angeles estates with swimming pools and tennis courts, Kline’s Manhattan apartment represents a different approach to celebrity living.
His home offers urban sophistication rather than isolated luxury. Instead of driving everywhere, Kline can walk to theaters, restaurants, and parks. This connected lifestyle contrasts with the car-dependent existence of most Hollywood stars.
The building’s co-op structure also differs from typical celebrity real estate. Rather than owning the actual apartment, co-op residents own shares in the corporation that owns the building. This arrangement brings both restrictions (board approval for renovations) and benefits (neighbor screening, shared maintenance).
Fifth Avenue co-ops offer excellent security features. Doormen monitor all visitors, and the buildings typically have limited entry points. Kline’s full-floor layout means no shared hallways with neighbors.
The co-op board system adds another layer of privacy protection. Potential buyers undergo extensive screening, reducing the chance of disruptive neighbors or security risks.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Kline’s Fifth Avenue apartment perfectly matches his persona – classic, sophisticated, and understated. Unlike flashier celebrities, Kline chose a home that emphasizes quality, location, and livability over showiness.
The apartment combines New York sophistication with family comfort. Its Central Park views, pre-war details, and prime location reflect a thoughtful approach to celebrity living.
By choosing Manhattan over Hollywood, Kline created space between his work and personal life. This boundary helped him maintain a successful acting career while building a stable family life away from the entertainment industry’s constant spotlight.
His home choice reveals what matters most to him – artistic surroundings, family stability, and authentic living rather than Hollywood glitz. For a man known for both classical theatrical roles and comedic film performances, this balanced, cultured home base makes perfect sense.
