Inside Anderson Cooper’s Unique Firehouse Mansion: A Peek Into His Life With His Kids and Ex
Anderson Cooper and his ex-boyfriend, Benjamin Maisani, are raising their two children together. The family lives in a converted firehouse that Anderson turned into a comfortable home for them.
On February 10, 2022, Anderson Cooper shared the news of his second child’s birth during an episode of “Anderson Cooper 360.” The CNN anchor welcomed the boy with his former partner and close friend, Benjamin Maisani.
Benjamin, a businessman, opened his own bar called “Eastern Bloc” after working in the industry. He met Anderson through his bar, where he also connected with various celebrities.
Anderson Cooper often visited Benjamin’s bar, which is likely where they started their relationship. Benjamin’s net worth is estimated at around eight million dollars, according to Wealthy Persons. When announcing their new baby, Anderson introduced him by saying:
“This is Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper… He was 6.8 pounds at birth and is healthy and happy, with some adorable hiccups. He mostly sleeps, eats, and poops, but already seems wise and thoughtful.”
Anderson Cooper also took a moment to thank the nurses and doctors who helped with the birth of his son. He expressed his gratitude to the surrogate who carried Sebastian, acknowledging their important role in bringing his second child into the world.
Anderson also thanked the surrogate and her family for the sacrifices they made and the love they gave to Sebastian over the past year. It wasn’t the first time he shared his children’s births on-air.
In April 2020, Anderson announced the arrival of his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, on CNN. On February 25, 2022, during an interview on “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” Anderson updated viewers on how Wyatt was adjusting to his new brother. He shared that Wyatt and Sebastian were getting along well, even though Wyatt couldn’t say Sebastian’s name yet and called him “Luke” instead. Anderson said, “Every morning he wants to go say ‘Good morning, Luke.’”
After Sebastian was born, Anderson took three weeks off from work to be with his new son. Before his paternity leave, he told Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa that he was enjoying the time with his boys, saying, “It’s great to be able to come home and decompress.”
Anderson shared his nightly bonding routine with Wyatt, saying, “Every night, feeding Wyatt and giving him his milk while he falls asleep on my chest is the best part of my day.”
The family also has a morning routine. They go to the diner every day, and Wyatt and Sebastian love swimming. Anderson enjoys preparing his sons for their afternoon nap by reading to them until they fall asleep in his arms.
Wyatt and Sebastian play well together and use some of their dad’s old toys from when he was a child. Anderson finds it “incredible” to see how close his sons are.
Benjamin, who owns properties and nightclubs, started co-parenting with Anderson when Wyatt was born. Even though they are no longer a couple, Anderson said they still act like a family. Benjamin takes care of the kids while Anderson works at night. They both wake up early to get the boys their milk and spend the first part of the day with them. Anderson also mentioned that Benjamin speaks French with their sons.
Anderson emphasized that both he and Benjamin will raise Sebastian together, stating, “We’re co-parents. We’re a family.” Benjamin is legally adopting Wyatt, who calls him “papa,” while Wyatt calls Anderson “daddy.” Once the adoption is finalized, Wyatt’s last name will change to Maisani-Cooper, like Sebastian’s.
In a September 2023 interview, Anderson, 56, expressed his joy in being a father, saying, “This is the best time in my life. There is no doubt about it.”
Anderson and Benjamin began their relationship in 2009 and went public in 2015. They announced their breakup in 2018. Despite no longer being a couple, Anderson emphasized their strong bond, saying:
“Maisani is going to be a co-parent to Wyatt even though we’re not together anymore. He’s my family, and I want him to be Wyatt’s family as well.”
In September 2021, Anderson talked openly about his unique co-parenting arrangement with his ex. He admitted that while it might seem unusual, it works well for them and for Wyatt. Anderson said:
“It’s probably an unusual setup, but I knew he would be a great dad, and he is. We’re exes, but we’re family to each other, and we love each other as family and as co-parents.”
Anderson Cooper bought an 8,240 square foot firehouse in Greenwich Village, New York, in September 2010 for $4.3 million. The firehouse still had its original brass poles, dry hoses, spiral staircases, and murals that showed its history.
In 2015, David Beckham and Kevin Hart shot an H&M campaign at Anderson’s home. Later, in September 2018, Anderson gave The Hollywood Reporter a glimpse of his house during a three-day visit. At that time, Anderson lived with his Welsh springer spaniel, Lilly, and had recently broken up with Benjamin.
The home’s kitchen features an island, and Anderson spent years restoring it. He also added an elevator. The second floor includes a salon with taxidermy, Old Master paintings, and hand-painted signs from his travels to Cuba and Africa.
In the living room, there is a side table with a Victorian calendar from his mother’s bedroom. The calendar marks July 22, 1988, the day his brother Carter Cooper died by suicide. After his mother’s death, Anderson kept the calendar as a keepsake.
The house also displays personal artifacts like his great-great-grandfather’s Civil War commissioning notice and a photo of Anderson taken by his late friend, Tim Hetherington, from his time in Afghanistan. An 18th-century Italian marble, Memento Mori, is another notable piece in the home.
The firehouse, built in 1906, was renovated by architect Cary Tamarkin. The renovation blended the building’s Beaux-Arts style with modern interiors.
In 2015, David Beckham and Kevin Hart’s H&M campaign gave fans a look at Anderson’s beautiful home, featuring his living room, gym, roof terrace, and a bedroom.
Besides his mother’s passing in 2019 at age 95, Anderson also lost his brother and his father, who died in 1978 from a heart attack. After avoiding grief for years, Anderson addressed it on his podcast, “All There Is With Anderson Cooper,” where he interviewed actress Molly Shannon about her own experiences with grief. Anderson said the podcast has helped him feel less alone.
