Lena Horne’s Former Home Hits the Market

A Tudor-style residence once owned by the iconic Lena Horne is now available for $1.22 million. This marks the first time the house in St. Albans, southeast Queens, has been up for sale since 2004, as reported by various sources.

Horne, a multi-talented singer, actress, and civil rights pioneer, purchased this six-bedroom home in 1946 and lived there for about two decades before moving to Manhattan, where she resided until her death in 2010 at the age of 92. Interestingly, the property has only changed hands twice since Horne’s ownership.

Currently owned by lawyer Camille Chin Kee Fatt, the house was acquired from a family who purchased it directly from Horne about 20 years ago. Chin Kee Fatt, now working with the New York City Council, found the mansion through a minimal listing back in 2004.

Chin Kee Fatt shared her surprise at discovering that a notable figure like Horne had lived there. “I had an idea that famous people were part of this neighborhood’s history, but I didn’t realize this place was Horne’s home. Learning that made it feel really special,” she noted, saying it was the only house she viewed.

The property itself spans 2,287 square feet over four stories, including a finished basement. Notably, Chin Kee Fatt mentioned the basement previously had an old bar that they had to remove because it was in disrepair. “I sometimes think about what stories that bar could tell,” she remarked.

The exterior features a spacious backyard with a hot tub, gazebo, large deck, and a sunroom, which could make for some great gatherings. The Addisley Park Historic District, where the house is located, is known for its rich history and once held the nickname the “African-American Gold Coast.” Iconic figures like Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jackie Robinson have also called the area home.

Agent Matthew Winter from Brown Harris Stevens, who is managing the listing, described the neighborhood as tightly-knit, where homes seldom go on the market. “It’s one of the most charming areas I get to work in,” he said, adding a personal touch about the residents’ commitment to preserving the rich history, including Horne’s legacy. Chin Kee Fatt recounted how one neighbor reminisced about receiving hot chocolate from Horne during the holidays, noting, “There’s so much history tied to this place.”