Ever wonder where one of the most recognizable faces in news actually kicks off her heels? You see Norah O'Donnell under the harsh studio lights of CBS, perfectly poised, but her real life happens in a space that’s surprisingly... normal. Well, "normal" if you count a meticulously renovated 1930s Colonial and a sleek Manhattan apartment.
The Norah O'Donnell house situation is actually a tale of two cities. Most people think she’s strictly a DC power player or a New York elite, but the reality is she’s managed to plant deep roots in both.
The DC Nest: Wesley Heights Charm
If you’ve spent any time in Washington, D.C., you know Wesley Heights. It’s that quiet, leafy pocket where the houses look like they’ve been there since the dawn of time and the neighbors actually know each other.
Norah and her husband, restaurateur Geoff Tracy (yes, the guy behind "Chef Geoff’s"), snagged a center-hall Colonial here back in 2005. It was built in 1932. When they bought it, they paid about $1.46 million—which, let's be honest, is a steal by today’s standards.
They didn't just leave it as-is. They went to town on a massive renovation.
- The Vibe: It’s not flashy. It’s what designers call "pale-on-paler." Think light bluish-gray walls, gray taffeta drapes, and five-inch-wide oak floors.
- The Kitchen: This is the heart of the home. Since Geoff is a pro chef, they doubled the kitchen size. It has a seven-foot-long limestone island where they basically live 98% of the time.
- The Designer: They worked with Frank Babb Randolph, who’s famous for that airy, "unfussy" look.
One thing I love? Norah once admitted that even with a high-end designer, the house isn't always picture-perfect. With three kids—twins Henry and Grace, plus daughter Riley—stuff gets moved. Those fancy starburst mirrors and 18th-century reliefs? They’ve had to be pushed higher up the mantel to keep them away from sticky fingers.
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That "Light-Filled" New York Apartment
While DC is the family base, Norah’s career has kept her tethered to New York City. She has an apartment on the Upper West Side that’s basically the definition of "airy."
It’s a different beast than the Colonial. It’s more of a sanctuary from the chaos of the newsroom. She’s decorated it with things that actually mean something to her. For example, she has these paintings by Ann Conrad—an artist she discovered while vacationing at Sea Island, Georgia. She saw a painting of kids on a beach at The Cloister and tracked the artist down.
It’s that kind of personal touch that makes a house a home, right? It’s not just about expensive furniture; it’s about the stories behind the pieces.
Why the Wesley Heights House Matters
In 2009, there was a bit of a stir when they briefly put the Wesley Heights house on the market for $1.85 million. But if you look at their lives now, they’ve remained deeply embedded in the DC community.
Georgetown University is the glue. It’s where Norah and Geoff met in the cafeteria line during their first week of school. They even got married at Dahlgren Chapel on campus. Living in DC isn't just a career move for them; it’s an identity.
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Honestly, it’s refreshing. In a world of "McMansions" and celebrity flipping, seeing someone stick with a home (and a neighborhood) for decades is kind of rare.
Real Talk: The Challenges of Two Homes
Managing two households while anchoring a major news broadcast isn't all glitz. It’s a logistical puzzle.
- The Commute: For years, production of the "CBS Evening News" was moved to DC specifically to accommodate her family life, only to move back to New York more recently.
- Maintenance: Balancing a 1930s historic home's needs with a modern NYC apartment requires a serious team.
- The "Live-In" Feel: Norah has mentioned she prefers a "clutter-free" look, which is why they have hidden electrical outlets in the kitchen cabinets. Smart, right?
How to Get the Norah O'Donnell Look
You don't need a CBS salary to mimic the vibe of the Norah O'Donnell house. It’s about discipline.
Go Monochrome but Textured
Don't just paint everything white. Use varying shades of gray, cream, and "Stiffkey Blue." Mix fabrics—linen, silk, and even durable indoor-outdoor fabrics for the sofa (crucial if you have kids or pets).
Scale is Everything
Norah once noted that her DC house doesn't have the massive proportions of homes in Potomac or McLean. She had to be "discerning." If you have a smaller space, don't buy "big" furniture. Get pieces that fit the room’s scale.
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Personalize Your Art
Don't just buy "hotel art." Find an artist whose work moves you on a vacation or in a local gallery. It makes the space feel lived-in and authentic.
Focus on the Kitchen Island
If you’re renovating, prioritize the island. Make it big enough to be a workspace, a dining table, and a social hub. Use a durable stone like limestone or marble, but be prepared for it to show some "life" over time.
Moving Forward With Your Own Space
Norah O'Donnell's approach to her homes shows that you can have a high-powered career and still maintain a space that feels like a sanctuary. It’s about consistency in color, scale, and personal meaning.
If you're looking to refresh your own home, start by decluttering one room and picking a "soothing" palette. You'd be surprised how much a simple coat of light gray paint can change the energy of a room. Focus on making your kitchen the "heart" by adding comfortable seating around your prep area, even if it's just a couple of stools.