Kathy Wakile house is a luxury lakefront property in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She and husband Rich Wakile purchased the lot in early 2023. The home features a Mediterranean-inspired design, a lakefront pool, and a custom villa-style entry. Construction continued actively into 2025 with architectural firm Faris Developers and designer Daniel Dagostino leading the build.
What Makes Kathy Wakile’s House So Talked About in 2025?
Kathy Wakile rang in 2025 by sharing a construction update on her ambitious Franklin Lakes home build. Fans flooded her comments with excitement. The project has been one of New Jersey’s most-watched celebrity home builds.
This is not just another luxury renovation. It is a full architectural reinvention on a stunning lakefront lot.
Kathy Wakile House at a Glance
Kathy and Rich Wakile confirmed their property purchase in March 2023, just months after selling their previous Franklin Lakes home. Their real estate agent, Tony Nabhan, announced the news publicly on Instagram.
The build involves construction company WHM Enterprise, Faris Developers, and architectural designer Daniel Dagostino. The design leans into a warm Mediterranean villa aesthetic, complete with courtyard fountain plans.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Lakefront lot with scenic water views
- Mediterranean villa-inspired architecture
- Custom entryway with pointed roof accent and curved detail
- In-ground pool renovation overlooking the lake
- Planned courtyard with Italian-style fountain
- Multi-level home framing with varied roof lines
- Located in Franklin Lakes, Bergen County, NJ
Who Is Kathy Wakile?
Kathy Wakile, whose full name is Katherina Pierri, was born on October 4, 1965, in Paterson, New Jersey. She rose to national fame through Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Beyond television, she built a name in food, jewelry, and entertainment.
She has authored a cookbook, launched three product lines including Dolci Della Dea and Red Velvet Cosmo, and opened a restaurant called Pizza Love in Bergen County with husband Rich Wakile. Her brand is built on family, food, and Italian-American heritage.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katherina Pierri Wakile |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Paterson, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’2″ |
| Husband | Richard “Rich” Wakile (m. 1993) |
| Children | Victoria Wakile (b. 1994), Joseph Wakile (b. 1996) |
| TV Show | Real Housewives of New Jersey (Seasons 3-7) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. $5 Million |
| Business Ventures | Pizza Love, Dolci Della Dea, Red Velvet Cosmo, Goddess Eye Jewelry |
| Cookbook | Indulge: Delicious Little Desserts That Keep Life Real Sweet |
| Siblings | Rosie Pierri (sister), three brothers |
Where Does Kathy Wakile Live Now?
Kathy Wakile currently lives in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, one of Bergen County’s most prestigious zip codes. The borough sits in the rolling hills of northern NJ, about 25 miles from Manhattan.
During a June 2024 appearance on Jeff Lewis Live!, Melissa Gorga confirmed the Wakile’s new home is right down the street from her own house. That puts Kathy squarely in one of Franklin Lakes’ most celebrity-studded residential corridors.
As of late 2025, homes in Franklin Lakes sold for a median price of $2,237,500, with properties now moving faster at an average of 80 days on market. The area commands serious investment attention across northern New Jersey.
House Overview: Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Franklin Lakes, New Jersey |
| Year Purchased | 2023 |
| Status | Active construction / renovation (2025) |
| Style | Mediterranean villa-inspired |
| Pool | Lakefront in-ground pool (renovated) |
| Views | Private lake with lush surroundings |
| Key Features | Custom entry, courtyard, multi-level design |
| Construction Team | Faris Developers, WHM Enterprise, Daniel Dagostino |
Inside Kathy Wakile’s House: Section by Section
1. The Grand Entry: First Impressions Matter
The home’s entry features a small pointed roof on top and a curved accent detail underneath the entryway opening. This is not a generic threshold. It is a statement that sets the entire tone for the build.
The entry was one of the most shared details from Kathy’s January 2025 Instagram update. Fans praised its European residential character.
2. The Courtyard: An Italian Villa Dream
Kathy envisions a Mediterranean villa-style fountain for the courtyard space. She shared inspiration sourced from Ancient Surfaces, a brand known for authentic stone craftsmanship.
This touch adds old-world charm to a modern NJ build. Courtyard design is increasingly popular in luxury Bergen County homes.
3. The Lakefront Pool Area
The original in-ground pool overlooks a beautiful lake and lush surrounding landscape, and Kathy and her team undertook a significant update to the pool in late 2024.
Lakefront pools in this price tier typically include infinity-edge finishes and premium tile work. The water views add enormous lifestyle and resale value.
4. Multi-Level Architecture
The home reveals various levels in its framing, with multiple rooflines forming a layered visual effect across the structure. This gives the property a dynamic silhouette from the street.
Multi-level homes in Franklin Lakes tend to command premium pricing. The architectural complexity here signals a high-budget, long-term build.
5. Interior Layout Vision
While Kathy has kept most interior details private, the exterior scale suggests generous square footage across multiple living zones. Expect formal dining, open-plan kitchen and living areas, and private bedroom wings.
Previous Franklin Lakes homes of similar scope often feature chef’s kitchens, dual-staircase foyers, and spa-style primary suites.
6. Materials and Craftsmanship
The project uses artisan framing alongside stone and architectural millwork elements. Ancient Surfaces, which Kathy referenced for the fountain, specializes in antique limestone and reclaimed stone.
Those material choices indicate a home with authentic, tactile luxury. It is the kind of finish that adds lasting value.
Real Estate Market Insight: Franklin Lakes, NJ in 2025-2026
Franklin Lakes is one of New Jersey’s most stable luxury markets. It has a higher proportion of four and five-bedroom homes than 98% of communities in America. That rarity drives consistent demand.
The median sale price for homes in Franklin Lakes over the last 12 months reached $1,750,000, up 22% from the prior year. Lakefront properties command a meaningful premium above that baseline.
“Franklin Lakes is one of Bergen County’s most coveted residential addresses,” says real estate analyst commentary from NeighborhoodScout. “Its large-lot, lakefront inventory rarely sits unsold for long.”
Price Comparison Table:
| Property Type | Median Price (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| Standard Franklin Lakes Home | $1,347,000 – $1,860,000 |
| Lakefront / Premium Estate | $2.5M – $4.5M+ |
| New Construction Luxury Build | $3M – $5M+ |
| Kathy Wakile Property (estimated) | $3M+ (post-build) |
Real Estate Portfolio: Kathy Wakile’s Properties
| Property | Location | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Family Home | Franklin Lakes, NJ | Sold (late 2022) | Longtime family residence |
| Current Build | Franklin Lakes, NJ | Under construction (2025) | Lakefront lot, Mediterranean design |
Other Homes Kathy Wakile Has Owned
Kathy Wakile and Richard Wakile previously purchased a four-bedroom Colonial near Point View Reservoir for $340,000 earlier in their marriage. That property reflects their roots before their wealth grew through television and business ventures.
| Property | Style | Approx. Value | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial near Point View Reservoir | Colonial | ~$340,000 | Previously owned |
| Franklin Lakes Family Home | Traditional luxury | Multi-million | Sold 2022 |
| Current Franklin Lakes Lakefront Build | Mediterranean villa | $3M+ (est.) | Active construction |
Why Choose Franklin Lakes?
Franklin Lakes is not just a zip code. It is a lifestyle statement for New Jersey’s elite. The borough’s homes are primarily owner-occupied at nearly 88%, creating a stable, private community atmosphere.
Top-rated schools, low crime rates, and proximity to NYC make it ideal for families. The lakefront lots add a resort-like quality that is rare in the Northeast. For celebrities and business owners, it checks every box.
Celebrity Comparison: Who Else Lives Near Kathy?
Franklin Lakes is a magnet for Real Housewives royalty. Kathy’s neighborhood has become its own celebrity cluster.
“You wouldn’t believe how many Bravo stars are within a few blocks of each other out there,” remarked a Bergen County real estate agent in a 2024 interview.
| Celebrity | Location | Property Style | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Gorga | Franklin Lakes, NJ | Modern luxury estate | $2M+ |
| Teresa Giudice | Montville, NJ | Custom mega-mansion | $3.5M+ |
| Kathy Wakile | Franklin Lakes, NJ | Lakefront Mediterranean build | $3M+ (est.) |
Both Melissa Gorga and Kathy Wakile now live on the same street in Franklin Lakes. Teresa Giudice chose nearby Montville for her larger-scale property. All three represent the RHONJ property playbook: upgrade, customize, and invest in North Jersey luxury real estate.
Pros and Cons of Kathy Wakile’s Property
Pros:
- Lakefront location adds rare premium value
- Mediterranean design is timeless and distinctive
- Franklin Lakes holds strong long-term appreciation
- Top-rated Bergen County school district nearby
- Celebrity neighborhood adds lifestyle cachet
Cons:
- Construction timeline has extended well over two years
- High ongoing renovation costs in luxury NJ market
- Lakefront homes carry higher maintenance needs
- Limited comparable sales data for accurate valuation
FAQs
Where is Kathy Wakile’s house located?
Kathy Wakile’s house is in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. It is a lakefront property in Bergen County, one of the most prestigious residential areas in the state.
When did Kathy Wakile buy her current home?
Kathy and Rich Wakile confirmed the property purchase in March 2023, shortly after selling their previous Franklin Lakes residence.
What style is Kathy Wakile’s house?
The home follows a Mediterranean villa-inspired design. It features a custom entry, lakefront pool, planned courtyard fountain, and multi-level architecture with varied rooflines.
What is Kathy Wakile’s net worth in 2025?
Kathy Wakile has an estimated net worth of $5 million, built through television, food product lines, jewelry, and her Pizza Love restaurant.
Who designed Kathy Wakile’s new home?
The build is managed by construction company Faris Developers and architectural designer Daniel Dagostino, with framing by WHM Enterprise.
How much are homes worth in Franklin Lakes, NJ?
In April 2026, Franklin Lakes homes listed at a median price of $1.86 million, with lakefront and custom builds commanding significantly more.
Conclusion
Kathy Wakile’s house is more than a celebrity home project. It is a thoughtfully designed, lakefront estate that reflects her Italian-American heritage, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep roots in Franklin Lakes. The Franklin Lakes real estate market has seen median prices approach $2 million, making Kathy’s early 2023 purchase and build strategy a smart long-term investment. Whether you follow her for the Bravo drama or the real estate moves, this lakefront Mediterranean build is one worth watching well into 2026.
