Kathy Wakile’s house is a custom-built lakefront property located at 267 Indian Trail Drive in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum purchased the nearly 2-acre estate for $2.6 million in February 2023 and has been renovating it since.
The home features 300 feet of lakefront property and sits just doors away from her cousin Melissa Gorga’s residence.
The Wakiles purchased 267 Indian Trail Drive in Franklin Lakes for $2.6 million in February 2023. This move put them on the same street as Melissa Gorga and Joe Gorga, who live just doors away at 300 Indian Trail Drive.
Kathy and Rich confirmed the home purchase in March 2023, just months after selling their previous Franklin Lakes home. Real estate agent Tony Nabhan announced the sale on Instagram with photos of the couple standing on their new property lot.
The property spans nearly 2 acres with 300 feet of lakefront. The Wakiles saw multiple offers before securing the deal, according to their realtor.
From Past Properties to Present Dreams
The Wakiles have a history of building custom homes in New Jersey. They moved from Wayne to their first Franklin Lakes home in 2015 after constructing it from the ground up. That property served as their residence for seven years before they sold it in 2022.
Their Wayne home, where they lived for 20 years, was purchased in 1995 for $340,000 and later listed for $799,900 when they moved. The four-bedroom Colonial featured a formal living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, and a finished basement with a summer kitchen.
Now, the couple is pouring energy into their third custom build. This project marks their most ambitious undertaking yet.
Inside the Kathy Wakile House Renovation
The previous interior included hardwood floors, ceiling beams, brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Wakiles have been updating nearly every aspect of the property since purchase.
The home sits on a lakefront lot that offers stunning water views. The couple has shared renovation progress on social media throughout 2023 and 2024, giving followers glimpses of the construction work.
In October 2024, Kathy posted about pool renovations. The original in-ground pool overlooks the lake and surrounding greenery. She captioned one update “New Surprises Every Day Pool Challenge,” hinting at unexpected obstacles during construction.
By January 2025, the Wakiles shared video updates of the home’s entry. The project continues to evolve as they add personal touches to each space.
Lakefront Living and Outdoor Spaces
The property’s most striking feature is its expansive lakefront access. With 300 feet of shoreline, the Wakiles have room for extensive outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas.
The backyard includes lush green lawns, tall leafy trees, and colorful flowers. A cafe table sits poolside, creating an intimate spot for evening drinks. Kathy calls this time “magic hour” when the light hits just right.
The in-ground pool is dark blue and surrounded by natural landscaping. The outdoor space balances manicured gardens with wild, natural beauty from the lakefront setting.
Neighboring the Gorgas on Indian Trail Drive
The Gorgas purchased 300 Indian Trail Drive in April 2021 for $950,000, then knocked down the existing house to build their dream home from the ground up. They moved into their completed home in 2022.
The Wakiles’ property sits just a few doors down. This proximity has sparked conversation among RHONJ fans, especially given the past tensions between Kathy and Melissa. During a June 2024 appearance on Jeff Lewis Live, Melissa confirmed the Wakiles were building nearby and expressed interest in mending their relationship.
Both families chose Franklin Lakes for its prestige and privacy. The borough has historically housed many Real Housewives of New Jersey cast members, including Jacqueline Laurita and Caroline Manzo.
Property Details and Value
The property at 267 Indian Trail Drive was built in 1955 and has 4,659 square feet. The assessed value stands at $1,434,500, though the Wakiles paid $2.6 million for the lot and home.
The previous structure was a five-bedroom, six-bathroom house that sold in 2022 for just under $1 million. The Wakiles likely plan to rebuild or extensively renovate, similar to their previous custom builds.
Franklin Lakes real estate carries premium pricing. The area offers large lots, lakefront access, and proximity to New York City. These factors make it attractive to affluent buyers seeking suburban luxury.
Construction Challenges and Timeline
Building a custom home comes with obstacles. Kathy has been transparent about the ups and downs on social media. In July 2024, she posted a video about yard work not going as planned, showing a lighthearted exchange with husband Rich.
The renovation has stretched beyond typical timelines. After purchasing in early 2023, the couple expected to complete major work within 18 months. However, construction continues into 2025 as they tackle details like the pool area and entryway.
Weather, material delays, and design changes often extend custom build schedules. The Wakiles’ lakefront location adds complexity with foundation work and drainage considerations.
The Wakiles’ Design Aesthetic
Based on their previous homes, the Wakiles favor traditional yet comfortable design. Their first Franklin Lakes home featured clean lines, neutral colors, and family-friendly spaces. The kitchen served as the heart of the home, fitting for Kathy’s food business ventures.
The new property appears to follow similar principles. The couple values open floor plans, natural light, and outdoor connections. These elements suit their entertaining style and family gatherings.
Rich Wakile handles much of the construction oversight. His hands-on approach ensures quality control and allows for real-time adjustments during the build process.
Life Beyond Reality TV
Kathy left The Real Housewives of New Jersey after Season 5 but maintains a public presence. She runs Indulge by Kathy Wakile, a dessert line sold on Goldbelly.com. She also operates Pizza Love, a restaurant in New Jersey.
These business ventures keep her connected to the food industry. The new house likely includes a kitchen designed for recipe testing and content creation. Many influencers now build homes with photography and video capabilities in mind.
The Franklin Lakes location offers easy access to her restaurant while providing privacy. The lakefront setting gives her family a retreat from public life.
What This Means for Celebrity Real Estate Trends
Reality TV stars often invest in real estate as both homes and assets. The Wakiles’ pattern of building, living, and selling demonstrates a strategy many celebrities follow. Each custom build adds value and can be sold for profit.
Franklin Lakes remains a hotspot for New Jersey celebrities. The area offers exclusivity without the Manhattan price tag. Lakefront properties command top dollar and rarely hit the market.
Custom builds enable celebrities to create homes tailored to their exact needs. From security features to recording studios, these properties serve multiple functions. The Wakiles’ focus on indoor-outdoor living reflects current design trends.
Final Thoughts
The Kathy Wakile house represents more than just a renovation project. It brings her family full circle, placing them near relatives in a community they love. The lakefront property offers space for entertaining, business ventures, and quiet family time.
After decades in the New Jersey real estate market, the Wakiles have a deep understanding of the market. Their $2.6 million investment in Franklin Lakes positions them in one of the state’s most desirable areas. The ongoing renovation shows their commitment to creating a long-term family home.
Want to explore more celebrity homes? Check out other luxury properties and design inspiration on our site. Whether you’re planning your own renovation or simply curious about celebrity real estate, understanding these projects offers valuable insights into high-end home design.
Katheryn Winnick in House: Her Powerful Role as Eve in Season 3
Manny Machado Coronado House: Inside the $10M Waterfront Estate
No Comment! Be the first one.