A note from Audrey Hepburn. A dresser that once belonged to Jackie Kennedy. A room full of reminders of interviews, friendships, and family milestones. If you’ve ever wanted Katie to give you a tour of all the incredible elements of her home, here’s your chance.
Katie’s East Hampton house is featured in the October issue of ELLE Decor, on stands now. In the feature “A Home for the Ages,” she talks about renovating with the help designer Saffron Case, holding on to treasured keepsakes, and making room for her growing family. With the magazine’s permission, we’re sharing a selection of Jessica Antola’s stunning photographs and some of our favorite excerpts below. Pick up the October issue for the full feature and all the photos — and subscribe to ELLE Decor for more beautiful homes and decorating inspiration.
A little room for bragging
Katie’s office (above) offers plenty to look at besides whatever’s on her desk. The shelves and walls hold family photographs, framed mementos, and a few very recognizable statuettes.
“I have a major brag wall. Obnoxious, isn’t it?... My Emmys are in here as well. I have quite a few, but don’t get too excited — a number of them are for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
Love at first sight
Katie bought the house in 2006. It’s where Ellie and Carrie grew up, and where she and John Molner married in the backyard. Her affection for it was immediate.
“A house is like a relationship — you feel chemistry when you walk in. And I had instant chemistry with this house. When I stepped inside, it just felt very sturdy and comfortable. I immediately said, ‘I love it.’”
Jackie’s dresser, Katie’s memories
The library’s dresser has quite a pedigree. But the collection sitting on top carries its own family history.
“This dresser belonged to Jackie Kennedy. I bought it at the Sotheby’s auction of her estate, along with a watercolor that’s hanging upstairs in Ellie’s room. I keep my parents’ collection of ashtrays on top.”
A keepsake from Audrey
Audrey Hepburn sent Katie this drawing and a note after Katie agreed to become an ambassador for UNICEF. Katie remembers how the actress treated the crew when she visited the TODAY Show.
“She went around and introduced herself and shook hands with everyone in the studio — the cameramen, the floor manager, everyone. It was amazing — no one had done that before.”
Pull up a chair
The floral banquette is a cozy spot for a smaller gathering, and one of the additions from the renovation.
“When we did the renovation, we opened up the kitchen to the dining room and family room. That was probably the most dramatic change we made to the house.”
A gift with a story
Among the treasures Katie brought from the Millbrook home she shared with her late husband, Jay Monahan, is this unusual birthday present.
“For one birthday Jay gave me this 19th-century ornithologist’s cabinet, which has all these eggs in it with their original labels. Jay had beautiful taste. He used to joke that he wanted to start a column called Mantiques and write about the stuff he bought.”
Something’s always growing
The garden supplies flowers for the house — and ingredients for dinner.
“In my garden I grow tomatoes and herbs and beans and squash and eggplant. My basil is really gorgeous — I make a mean pesto.”
Permission to go a little wild
Katie’s older sister Clara, a landscape architect, designed the property. Katie’s brief? Plenty of color.
“I didn’t want all the flowers to be pink and white and purple — I wanted yellow and red and just craziness, and that’s clearly what I got.”
Excerpts from “A Home for the Ages,” ELLE Decor, October 2026. Katie Couric, as told to Elizabeth Angell. Photographs by Jessica Antola. Styled by Benjamin Reynaert. Text and photographs reproduced with permission. Subscribe to Elle Decor right here.
