Patricia Altschul is a well-known socialite, businesswoman, and reality television star from Southern Charm. While the show has significantly increased her public recognition, Patricia had already amassed considerable wealth long before appearing on television. With an estimated net worth of $20 million, she has secured her financial standing through a combination of business ventures, real estate deals, and an inheritance from her late husband, Arthur Altschul.
Early Life and Marriage to Arthur Altschul
Patricia Altschul has been married multiple times, but her most significant marriage was to Arthur Altschul, a billionaire businessman and former general partner at Goldman Sachs. Altschul was also the chairman of General American Investors, further contributing to the couple’s financial success. Their marriage placed Patricia in high society and secured her a considerable fortune.
In her book The Art of Southern Charm, Patricia describes Arthur as a true gentleman and savvy businessman with a great sense of humor. His passing in 2002 deeply affected her, and she took a step back from public life for several years.
Reality TV Success on Southern Charm
Patricia returned to the public eye in 2014 when she joined the Bravo reality series Southern Charm. Created by her son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, the show follows the lives of Charleston’s elite, showcasing their luxurious lifestyle, social events, and Southern traditions.
Although Patricia’s wealth was established prior to the show, Southern Charm has certainly added to her income. Reports suggest that cast members earn approximately $25,000 per episode, meaning Patricia could earn up to $375,000 per season if she appears in every episode.
Business Ventures and Home Decor Line
Patricia has used her newfound reality TV fame to launch her own business. She created a home decor line, which is available on The Home Shopping Network (HSN). The collection includes luxury items such as:
- Embroidered pillows
- Faux fur-trimmed bathrobes
- Animal print faux fur blankets
This venture has allowed Patricia to capitalize on her refined aesthetic and Southern charm, ensuring her continued financial success beyond the television industry.
Real Estate Wealth and Property Investments
Patricia has also benefited from lucrative real estate investments. One of her most notable transactions was the sale of her Long Island, New York mansion in 2009. The estate, which she shared with her late husband Arthur Altschul, was a 30-room mansion featuring:
- An elevator
- A rose garden
- A library
- Sprawling 10-acre grounds
She sold the mansion for $12.5 million, adding a significant sum to her wealth portfolio.
Patricia Altschul’s Book: The Art of Southern Charm
In 2017, Patricia released her book The Art of Southern Charm, offering readers an insider’s look at her glamorous life. The book features:
- Entertaining tips – How to host the perfect cocktail party
- Social etiquette advice – The dos and don’ts of Southern hospitality
- Witty insights – How to deliver a perfectly phrased insult with charm
This book further cemented her status as a lifestyle authority and added another revenue stream to her growing financial empire.
