How Secure Is Kelly Bensimon’s $8.9M NYC Apartment?

Kelly Bensimon, former Real Housewives of New York City star, recently made headlines after purchasing a stunning $8.9 million apartment in New York City. While most media coverage has focused on the apartment’s breathtaking interiors and panoramic rooftop views, one question remains largely unanswered — how secure is a luxury apartment like this in one of the busiest cities in the world?

For celebrities, safety and privacy are just as important as style and comfort. In this article, we’ll break down what kind of security features such high-end apartments usually have, what improvements are possible, and what homeowners — even those outside the celebrity world — can learn from these spaces.

Inside the Apartment: A Luxurious Living Space in NYC

According to Us Magazine, Kelly Bensimon’s new home offers more than just elegance — it delivers a sense of exclusivity. The 3,000-square-foot duplex includes floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive kitchen, four bedrooms, and access to a private rooftop terrace. With minimalist interiors, tons of natural light, and sweeping city views, this apartment screams modern luxury.

But beyond the marble counters and custom cabinetry, the layout raises some important questions for home security. Oversized windows, rooftop access, and open-plan living — while beautiful — may also present security risks if not protected properly. In cities like New York, where building access and privacy can be challenging, layout plays a big role in how safe a space truly is.

Security Features of Celebrity Apartments: What Likely Exists

While specific security details of Kelly’s apartment haven’t been disclosed publicly, luxury NYC homes — especially those owned by celebrities — tend to include a suite of built-in security features. Based on common real estate trends in high-end buildings, it’s likely her apartment offers:

• 24/7 Doorman and Concierge Services for controlled guest entry
• Private Elevator Access or secured fob entry to prevent unauthorized floor visits
• Advanced Locking Systems, possibly biometric or keypad-enabled
• On-Site Security Staff and remote monitoring through central control systems
• Surveillance Cameras in shared spaces, entrances, and possibly inside the unit

These features aren’t just for luxury — they’re essential. Celebrities are at higher risk of stalking, break-ins, and paparazzi intrusion. In densely populated areas like Manhattan, controlled access and digital monitoring can offer peace of mind and legal protection.

Still, even the most high-end apartments can benefit from further personalization, which we’ll explore in the next sections. Because when it comes to home security — no system should be one-size-fits-all.

Smart Devices and Safety Systems in High-End Homes

In today’s luxury homes, smart devices are no longer just about convenience — they’re a crucial element of home security. For celebrities like Kelly Bensimon, having a fully integrated smart security system is essential to protect against various threats. While the exact devices in Kelly’s $8.9 million apartment are unknown, we can look at common smart security solutions found in similar high-end homes:

• Smart Doorbells with Facial Recognition: Devices like Ring Elite or Nest Hello allow homeowners to see visitors at their door, communicate with them remotely, and even track deliveries. These systems help prevent break-ins by enabling users to monitor who’s at the door without ever leaving the safety of their home.
• Automated Lighting Systems: Smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, simulating the appearance of someone being home. This is a great deterrent for burglars who might target empty apartments.
• Motion Sensors and Window Alarms: Motion-sensing technology can alert homeowners when there’s unexpected movement in or around the house. This is especially useful for tracking potential intruders or unwanted guests. Similarly, window alarms can go off if a window is tampered with or opened without authorization.
• Smart Fire and CO Detectors: Products like Google Nest Protect offer not just smoke and carbon monoxide detection, but also integrate with your phone to alert you wherever you are. For celebrities who may be away often, these systems provide additional peace of mind.

These devices are designed to be user-friendly and accessible from smartphones, making them ideal for individuals like Kelly, who likely travels frequently but wants to stay connected to her home’s security in real-time.

For non-celebrities, these smart solutions aren’t just for the rich and famous. Homeowners of any income level can install these devices to enhance safety and improve their home’s security systems.

Home Layout and Security: Is It Designed to Be Safe?

The layout of a home plays an often overlooked, but crucial, role in its overall security. For a celebrity like Kelly Bensimon, designing a home with security in mind isn’t just about adding high-tech gadgets; it’s about how the space flows and where potential vulnerabilities might exist.

Key Security Design Features

• Separation of Public and Private Spaces: A well-designed apartment will keep the public and private areas of the home separate. In Kelly’s case, while the large living spaces and open kitchen create a welcoming vibe, the bedrooms and private spaces should ideally be sequestered away from public areas. This ensures that an intruder, even if they manage to get into the home, is less likely to stumble into private rooms.
• High Ceilings and Oversized Windows: The aesthetic appeal of large windows and high ceilings is undeniable — they offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. However, these features can make a home more vulnerable to break-ins, especially on lower floors. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to install window locks, shatterproof glass, and security screens to protect against unauthorized entry.
• Rooftop Access: While a private rooftop terrace can be one of the most attractive features of a luxury apartment, it also presents a security risk. In Kelly’s case, a secure access door or alarm system for the rooftop would be essential to keep intruders from accessing this area. Many high-rise buildings implement restricted rooftop access through fob-enabled doors or staff supervision.

Security Tips for Homeowners

Even if you don’t own a $9 million apartment, there are simple layout changes you can implement to increase security:

• Use door and window barriers like strong locks or security bars in high-risk areas.
• Designate a “security zone” in your home where sensitive items are kept, such as safes or key documents.
• Ensure your outdoor spaces are well-lit to deter criminals from approaching unseen.

The home layout and the type of furnishings you use can also contribute to both safety and comfort. Creating a more secure environment doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or luxury; instead, it’s about balancing design with functionality.

Legal and Insurance Implications of Luxury Real Estate

When purchasing a luxury property worth millions — like Kelly Bensimon’s $8.9M NYC apartment — there are not just design and security concerns, but also legal and insurance implications that come into play.

Insurance Considerations for Luxury Properties

High-end homes require more than basic homeowner’s insurance. Celebrities and homeowners of multimillion-dollar properties like Kelly’s typically opt for specialized insurance policies that include:

• High-Value Home Insurance: These policies provide coverage for more expensive materials, custom furnishings, and collectibles, which are often found in luxury homes. Basic home insurance might not fully cover items like high-end art, designer furniture, or rare antiques.
• Security Disclosure and Proof of Installed Systems: Many insurance companies will require homeowners to disclose their installed security systems — such as cameras, smart locks, and motion sensors — as part of the insurance agreement. This is especially true for high-net-worth individuals who may be at greater risk of theft or damage.
• Liability Coverage: Luxury homes, particularly those in cities like NYC, often entertain a range of visitors. Whether it’s guests, contractors, or service providers, comprehensive liability insurance ensures that the homeowner isn’t financially burdened in the event of an accident or injury on the property. With the risk of high-profile guests or staff, this coverage becomes even more essential.

Legal Considerations

The legal implications of owning a multimillion-dollar property are significant:

• Privacy Protection: Celebrities are particularly vulnerable to intrusions or paparazzi. A well-documented, legally sound security plan can help protect both the homeowner and their guests from any potential privacy violations.
• Security System Compliance: Depending on the city and building regulations, certain security measures (such as cameras in shared spaces) might require permission or need to be installed according to strict guidelines to avoid violating tenants’ rights or privacy laws.

Security Failures and Their Consequences

What happens if an intruder breaks in and a security system fails? In some cases, the homeowner could be held responsible, particularly if the security system was inadequate or improperly installed. Celebrities often face additional scrutiny, especially when their homes are in high-profile areas. Ensuring your security system is state-of-the-art and complies with legal standards is essential.

For homeowners, especially those living in luxury spaces or areas with high crime rates, these insurance and legal elements play a pivotal role in the overall protection of the property.

Security Improvements You Can Make in Your Own Home

While high-end celebrities like Kelly Bensimon benefit from sophisticated security systems in their multimillion-dollar homes, the same principles of home security can be applied to properties of all sizes. Here are practical security improvements that can help elevate the protection of your home, whether you live in an apartment, townhouse, or suburban house.

1. Upgrade to Smart Locks and Keyless Entry Systems

Smart locks provide an added layer of convenience and security by allowing homeowners to control entry remotely. These systems offer features such as:

• Remote Access: Lock or unlock your doors from anywhere using your smartphone.
• Temporary Guest Codes: Provide temporary access codes for guests or service workers.
• Keyless Entry: Eliminate the risk of lost or stolen keys.

Some popular brands like August Smart Lock and Schlage Encode offer both enhanced security and ease of use.

2. Install Motion-Sensing Lights Around Entryways

Effective lighting is one of the simplest ways to deter burglars. Adding motion-sensor lights around your home’s entry points (such as front/back doors and windows) can significantly reduce the chances of a break-in.

• Instant Illumination: When motion is detected, the lights turn on automatically, making it hard for an intruder to go unnoticed.
• Cost-Effective: Many motion-sensor lights are affordable and energy-efficient, reducing electricity costs over time.

Strategic placement of lights in dark areas around the perimeter of your home will ensure that all angles are covered.

3. Add Outdoor Surveillance Cameras and Video Doorbells

Surveillance cameras and video doorbells like Ring and Nest Cam are essential for both monitoring and recording events around your property. These devices provide several advantages:

• Live Monitoring: View live footage of your home and visitors via smartphone apps.
• 24/7 Recording: Record footage continuously or when motion is detected, and store it for future reference.
• Remote Communication: Speak with visitors or delivery personnel remotely via the two-way audio feature.

These cameras help you keep an eye on all entry points, making it more difficult for intruders to approach unnoticed.

4. Create a Secure “Safe Zone”

Designating a specific area of your home as a safe zone can protect your valuables and sensitive documents. In high-end homes, this could involve a walk-in safe or vault, but for most homeowners, it could be as simple as installing:

• A Discreet Personal Safe: Store important items such as jewelry, passports, and cash in a hidden safe.
• Additional Locks and Barriers: Secure closets or cabinets that hold valuables with extra locks or reinforced doors.

Keeping your high-value items out of sight and secure adds an extra layer of protection.

5. Strengthen Window Security

Windows are often an easy access point for burglars. To enhance the security of your windows, consider:

• Reinforced Glass: Install shatterproof or laminated glass that makes it harder for burglars to break in.
• Window Sensors: These sensors can trigger an alarm if a window is tampered with or opened unexpectedly.
• Security Bars: While not the most aesthetically pleasing, security bars on windows can prevent break-ins, especially in ground-level apartments.

These improvements can give you peace of mind, especially if your home has large or ground-floor windows.

6. Use High-Quality Doors and Frames

A solid door and frame are essential in preventing unauthorized entry. Here’s what you should look for:

• Solid-Core Doors: Opt for steel or solid wood doors instead of hollow-core doors to improve durability and resistance to forced entry.
• Deadbolt Locks: A high-quality deadbolt lock can significantly reduce the chances of someone breaking in.
• Reinforced Door Frames: Ensure your door frame is strong enough to withstand forced entry. Many burglars target weak or poorly secured doorframes.

In celebrity homes, double doors and high-security locks are often standard. These can also be a useful addition to any home, regardless of its size or value.

7. Regular Security Audits

Performing a security audit every six months or after major updates can ensure that your home remains secure. Here’s what a good audit includes:

• Checking for Vulnerabilities: Review entry points, windows, and doors for weaknesses.
• Software Updates: If you use smart devices like security cameras or locks, regularly check for software updates to protect against potential hacking threats.
• Test Alarm Systems: Ensure your alarm system and motion sensors are functioning correctly.

A regular audit will help you stay ahead of potential threats and make sure that everything is in working order.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your home security doesn’t require a celebrity budget — simple improvements like smart locks, outdoor lighting, and surveillance systems can significantly improve safety. By integrating a few of these security tips, you can protect your home and loved ones just like a celebrity, without breaking the bank.

For expert advice on home security, visit our website and explore more ways to enhance your home’s protection.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The security recommendations mentioned are not meant to replace professional security consultations or installations. Always consult with a qualified security expert before making any significant changes to your home’s security systems.

The use of certain products and services may require local permits or compliance with building regulations, so it’s important to check with your local authorities or insurance provider before implementing any of the mentioned security upgrades.