Andy Cohen Reveals Why He's Leaving ‘Dream’ Apartment of 21 Years and What Kids Think of New Place (Exclusive) (2024)

Charna Flam, Dave Quinn, Mackenzie Schmidt

25 November 2024 at 10:45 am·4-min read

Andy Cohen chats all things fatherhood and 'Real Housewives' during the first ever Bravo Fan Fest

Andy Cohen Reveals Why He's Leaving ‘Dream’ Apartment of 21 Years and What Kids Think of New Place (Exclusive) (1)

Andy Cohenis sharing why he's letting go of his longtime NYC "dream" home.

At Bravo Fan Fest 2024 in Miami, PEOPLE asked theWatch What Happens Livehost about saying farewell to his West Village apartment after nearly 21 years —and what pushed him to finally do it.

"Outdoor space was the decision! I always have coveted outdoor space," Cohen, 56, shared.

The biggest issue in his house hunt was that he also wanted to stay in his current neighborhood of Manhattan's West Village — a tricky ask for any realtor. "There is a dearth of inventory in the West Village with outdoor space," Cohen explains. "So when I found something that was meaningful enough for me to leave my dream apartment, which is where I’m living now — my apartment that I built and spent so many years building —that’s what it took.

His two children — Ben, 5, and Lucy, 2 —are ready for the move too, he says.

Andy Cohen Reveals Why He's Leaving ‘Dream’ Apartment of 21 Years and What Kids Think of New Place (Exclusive) (2)

"We go visit the new apartment," he says. "Lucy calls it 'new place. Where’s new place?'" Cohen impersonates his toddler, adding "They seem ready."

Cohenput his beloved home on the market in September, listing it with Owning Manhattan star Ryan Serhant for $14 million.

The 3,500-square-foot duplex is nestled in the corner of a historic pre-war building and features three bedrooms and four full bathrooms. It also boasts 25 windows that offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Andy Cohen Reveals Why He's Leaving ‘Dream’ Apartment of 21 Years and What Kids Think of New Place (Exclusive) (3)

Cohen purchased the original unit in 2003, and later combined it with three additional units to turn it into the home it is today. He worked with interior designer Eric Hughes and architect Gordon Kahn to renovate the space to his liking.

The property features a number of unique qualities, including a full bar and an office space equipped with a gold disco ball.

Serhant told PEOPLE in September, “It took Andy nearly two decades to make this place what it is today, by combining four homes which is what makes it so special. Opportunities like this don’t just happen in New York City. Whoever buys this home is truly getting a once in a lifetime deal.”

Andy Cohen Reveals Why He's Leaving ‘Dream’ Apartment of 21 Years and What Kids Think of New Place (Exclusive) (4)

At the Bravo event, Cohen also spoke to Deadline about the reboot of RHONY and former starBethenny Frankel's critiques of the show —which stars Ubah Hassan, Erin Lichy,Brynn Whitfield,Jenna Lyons,Jessel Taank,Sai De SilvaandRacquel Chevremont

“I think the group dynamic is a little bit of a challenge this season,” he explained. “I think the rap on the group in season 1 was, ‘Oh, there’s not a lot of history there.’ The interesting thing about them this season is they hang out a lot and they are a cohesive group.”

The television personality added that he still has faith in the cast, saying, “I really believe in this group of women. I think they’re very aspirational. I think they’re fun to watch. I think the clothes and the window into a different kind of New York is all what we wanted it to be.”

Andy Cohen Reveals Why He's Leaving ‘Dream’ Apartment of 21 Years and What Kids Think of New Place (Exclusive) (5)

He also recently confirmed that fans ofThe Real Housewives of Dubai and The Real Housewives of New Jerseywill have to stay patient. While RHOD will be put on pause after two seasons,the RHONJ production is in "no rush" to pick up the cameras.

“I mean, a pause is a pause is a pause is a pause. But look, I love Dubai. I love what we built there,” Cohen clarified to Deadline.

Adding, for RHONJ, they are taking their time, but they're looking forward to The Real Housewives of Atlanta. "We’re really gratified with what’s on the slate for next year,” Cohen explained. “[For instance], the new Atlanta, which I’m seven episodes in of watching, it’s outstanding. I’m so excited for people to see this, and they’re going to see it early next year.”

Andy Cohen Reveals Why He's Leaving ‘Dream’ Apartment of 21 Years and What Kids Think of New Place (Exclusive) (6)

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The Real Housewives of New York City, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, The Real Housewives of Dubai and The Real Housewives of Atlanta are available to stream on Peacock.