‘Oprah of China’ seeks $30 million for NYC townhouse with secret garden

The acclaimed US media personality who has been called ‘The Oprah of China’, Yue-Sai Kan, is making changes to her property portfolio. 

The Emmy-winning TV host and entrepreneur grew up in Hong Kong before moving to America in the 1970s.

In 1984, she hosted the first live broadcast from China on PBS. Two years later, her series ‘One World’ aired on CCTV – China’s national television network.

It marked the first time a non-Chinese citizen hosted a show on the network. 

‘One World’ gave viewers a glimpse of the world outside their own. At the height of its popularity, the show attracted a weekly audience of 400 million people.

Kan became so well known in her adopted country, People magazine dubbed her “the most famous woman in China” in a May 1987 issue.

Over the years, various media outlets have also crowned her the “Oprah of China” in reference to US talkshow Queen Oprah Winfrey.

In the late 1980s, Kan purchased a townhouse in the private enclave of Sutton Square in Manhattan. Back then, she paid almost $7 million. That’s $18 million in today’s money.

As well as the seclusion of the area, Kan’s townhouse – which is one of 18 – look onto the East River. It also has access to one of New York City’s secret gardens.

In the decades since she bought the abode, the home has been transformed into a seven-storey, seven-bedroom and seven-and-a-half bathroom trophy home.

The renovations totalled US$9 million ($13.6 million).

However, over the past five years Kan has looked to sell the property. She first listed the home in 2020 for US$28 million ($42 million).

The property is back on the market and is priced at US$20 million ($30 million).

“Crowning the residence is a 1600-square-foot [148 square metre] rooftop terrace with panoramic skyline and river vistas,” the listing reads. 

“Designed for unforgettable entertaining, it features a full outdoor kitchen with a professional grill, refrigerator, wine cooler, and wet bar-ideal for hosting under the open sky.”

The listing also suggests the most coveted amenity of the property is its access to the “secret garden” riverfront park which spans 185 square metres.

“Hidden from the city and steeped in history, this sanctuary has been cherished by prominent New Yorkers, including a former Secretary-General of the United Nations,” the listing reads. 

“Cherry blossoms, sweeping lawns, and tranquil views of the Queensboro Bridge and East River make this one of Manhattan’s most magical and discreet retreats.”

The property is on the market with Serhant listing agent Lauren Mitinas-Kelly.

As well as the Manhattan townhouse, Kan reportedly owns property in Shanghai and Hawaii.