Inside The Onassis Family's "Old Money" Mansions

When you think of the Onassis Family, visions of mid-century eye-watering wealth and global intrigue might spring to mind.

Yet, it is in the sumptuous mansions Jackie and Aristotle lived that perhaps are the most revealing about this enigmatic couple.

----------------------------

Inside The “Old Money” Mansions of The Kennedys:    • Inside The “Old Money” Mansions of Th...  

----------------------------

Why LA's Most Historic Hotel Was Demolished: The Ambassador:    • Why LA's Most Historic Hotel Was Demo...  

----------------------------

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
0:54 Mansion #1 47 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London
3:32 Mansion #2 1040 5th Avenue, New York City
7:01 Mansion #3 Skorpios Island, Greece
10:26 Mansion #4 The “Christina O” Yacht
13:55 Mansion #5 Horse Farm in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey
16:40 Mansion #6 Red Gate Farm, Martha's Vineyard

----------------------------

When the name “Onassis” is mentioned, visions of mid-century wealth and global intrigue often come to mind.

Yet, it is in the luxurious residences of Jackie and Aristotle Onassis that we find the truest reflection of this enigmatic couple.

Their properties were more than mere homes; they were grand stages for high-society dramas, set against stunning backdrops, from the crystal-clear Aegean Sea to the vibrant pulse of Manhattan.

In this episode of Old Money Mansions, we delve into the Onassis legacy, exploring their architectural marvels, enduring symbols of a lavish heritage meticulously crafted and preserved through generations.

Our journey begins at 47 Grosvenor Square in London’s Mayfair district. Acquired by Aristotle Onassis in the 1960s, this first-floor apartment was a five-thousand-square-foot masterpiece that became a glamorous hotspot.

Before the Onassises, it was the pride of Sir John Anderson, a key figure in Winston Churchill’s wartime cabinet.

Under Onassis, the apartment, with its five bedrooms, three opulent reception rooms, and library, was designed to impress.

Its sixty-three-foot balcony offered unparalleled views of Grosvenor Square, a rare feature in the neo-Georgian block.

The apartment became the epicenter of London’s high society, hosting illustrious guests and grand events.

By the 1980s, it had passed to banker Edmond Safra, who continued the tradition of opulence.

After Safra’s death in 1999, the property was sold to a Saudi billionaire in 2020 for eighteen million pounds, remaining a symbol of exclusive living.

Next, we visit Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s sanctuary at 1040 Fifth Avenue, New York City.

Purchased in 1964 for $250,000, this fifteenth-floor apartment offered breathtaking views of Central Park and the reservoir.

Designed by Rosario Candela, the building features just twenty-seven apartments over seventeen stories, exuding exclusivity.

Jackie’s full-floor penthouse was designed with understated elegance, reflecting her White House days with art and furnishings. It included four or five bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a balcony overlooking Central Park.

Jackie’s home provided stability and a base amidst the whirlwind of her public life.

After Aristotle Onassis’s death in 1975, Jackie focused on her publishing career.

The apartment was sold to David Koch in 1995 for $9.5 million and remains one of New York City’s elite addresses.

Our journey continues to Skorpios, a private island in the Ionian Sea purchased by Aristotle Onassis in 1963 for 3.5 million drachmas (about $14,000 today).

Onassis transformed the barren outcrop into a lavish retreat with a family compound, helipad, marina, and the “Pink House” for Jackie.

Despite its seclusion, the island occasionally attracted paparazzi.

After Onassis’s death in 1975, the island passed to his daughter Christina and later to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev in 2013 for $153 million.

Rybolovlev has invested in transforming Skorpios into a luxury resort, set to open this summer.

Finally, we explore the Christina O yacht, once a Canadian anti-submarine frigate.

Purchased by Onassis in 1954 and refitted with $50 million today, it became a symbol of opulence, hosting icons like Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy.

After Onassis’s death, the yacht was donated to Greece and later restored by John Paul Papanicolaou in 1998.

Today, it remains a symbol of luxury, captivating a new generation of the rich and famous.

Each property in the Onassis legacy, from grand apartments to private islands and opulent yachts, reflects a life lived in exceptional luxury and style.