It’s no secret that hosting The Tonight Show is a prestigious gig, and those who have had the job have resided in some amazing residences. In 2021, Jimmy Fallon listed his three-story penthouse in Gramercy Park and he has been a longtime resident of Sagaponack. Fallon’s predecessor, Jay Leno, scooped up a Newport, Rhode Island mansion for $13.5 million in 2017. Johnny Carson, who is the show’s longest-serving host, called this Westchester property home in the 1950s—before his tenure at The Tonight Show began.
Carson isn’t the only notable name to live at this Rye address. Fritz Siebel, the illustrator for Amelia Bedelia children’s books by Peggy Parish, also lived here. The current owners, Rick and Monica Segal, bought the home from Siebel and have made it their own over the past 40 years. This included renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, adding a three-car garage, and tapping talented landscape architect to design the grounds. Bluestone pathways, a swimming pool and hot tub, a gazebo, a sport court, and wraparound terraces all exist with such ease. Notable collectors in the art world, the sellers also incorporated many of their pieces into the property.
Beyond the stories of its residents, the home has a rich architectural history, too. A circa-1880 barn was the first structure on the grounds and it was converted into a home in 1928. The 9,923-square-foot floor plan includes six bedrooms and seven-and-a-half bathrooms. Seven fireplaces, granite walls, and wood beams throughout add to the charm.
The neighborhood still affectionately refers to the property as “The Carson Ballfield”—a nickname coined from Carson allowing children to play in his yard.
Christy Murphy of William Pitt | Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Realty holds the $5.3 million listing.
