Patricia Altschul Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Patricia Altschul is a celebrated art dealer-turned-socialite and television personality famed for her refined Southern-style, elite connections and role on Southern Charm.

Introduction

Patricia Altschul, born April 16, 1941, is an American socialite, former art historian/dealer and reality-television figure. Her estimated net worth is around $100 million, and her personal life has included three marriages and a distinctive relationship with her only child, filmmaker and producer Whitney Sudler‑Smith, among others. Her birthday, April 16, marks the date she enters the spotlight each year, while her full age/birthdate is used throughout the story of her life.

Quick Facts

From Southern Roots to Big-City Art Circles

Patricia Altschul’s journey began in Jacksonville, Florida, and then Richmond, Virginia, where she grew up with a deep appreciation for art and society.  She pursued a bachelor’s and master’s degree in art history and archaeology at George Washington University, graduating magna cum laude. 

Her early adult life included an academic position as an instructor and assistant professor in art history—before transitioning into the art-dealership world in Washington, D.C., and later New York. Through her dealership “Arcadia,” she handled major works by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer and Frederick Church. 

Defining moments in Patricia Altschul’s journey include:

• Transitioning from academia into owning and running a private art dealership in Georgetown.

• Her move into New York society via her marriage to Arthur G. Altschul and engagement with philanthropic and cultural institutions. 

• Relocating to Charleston, South Carolina, purchasing and restoring the historic Isaac Jenkins Mikell House and embracing Southern living and television fame. 

• Becoming a breakout personality on the reality series Southern Charm, where her social authority, wit and style became signature.

Her story is one of bridging traditional Southern ethos and cosmopolitan art-world savvy, cultivating a brand of elegant influence.

The Core Pillars of Patricia Altschul’s Wealth

The core pillars of Patricia Altschul’s wealth include:

While specific valuations of each asset class aren’t always publicly detailed, sources reliably estimate her net worth around $100 million.

Relationships & Family Life

Patricia Altschul’s personal life has been both colorful and woven into her social-standing narrative. She has been married three times: first to L. Hayes (Lon) Smith, then to Edward Stitt Fleming, and finally to Arthur G. Altschul. 

With Lon Smith she had her son Whitney Sudler-Smith, a television producer and creator of Southern Charm.

Key insights into Patricia Altschul’s relationships and personal life:

• Her first marriage (1962–1979) to Lon Smith resulted in her only child, Whitney, and although the marriage ended, the two maintained a respectful and close relationship.

• Her second marriage to Edward Stitt Fleming began in 1989; she later described leaving due to discovering mismatched expectations.

• Her third marriage to Arthur G. Altschul (1996–2002) brought her into New York high society; Arthur’s death in 2002 left her a widow and cemented a large portion of her social and financial base. 

• While there has been speculation about future romantic engagement, no publicly confirmed marriage has followed.

This complex tapestry of relationships, family collaboration and social networks has shaped both her public persona and business opportunities.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Patricia Altschul leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Her landmark Charleston mansion—the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House—restored to high historic standards, reflecting her taste for architecture and legacy. 

• A history of luxury real-estate: previously owning “Southerly,” a Long Island estate redecorated by famed decorator Mario Buatta.

• A flair for style and decor combined with social-etiquette commentary (often featured in media)—serving as the arbiter of manners, cocktails and Southern elegance. 

• Philanthropic engagement: She has served as a director or trustee for institutions such as the New York Historical Society and Historic Hudson Valley.

• A penchant for entertaining: hosting high-end dinner parties, maintaining art collections, and keeping a prominent social presence through the lens of reality television.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Understanding Patricia Altschul’s net worth involves looking at how analysts and public-records estimate her holdings and income.
While precise breakdowns are not fully available, a representative table reflects typical asset categories and sources:

*Figures are estimated and rounded for illustration based on public sources; actual values may vary.

Analysts note that her marriage into significant wealth (via Arthur G. Altschul) and her own savvy asset management played large roles. Her real-estate moves, including the sale of her Charleston mansion to her son as part of estate planning, reflect strategy rather than just lifestyle. 

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Patricia Altschul is widely regarded as a cultural reference point in American high society, art circles and reality-television culture. On Southern Charm, she was dubbed the “resident grande dame” – blending old-money style, sharp commentary and Southern charm.

Her influence extends beyond entertainment:

• She sets etiquette and taste standards, often featured in lifestyle editorials and referenced in broader social-class commentary.

• Her art-dealer and restoration work demonstrates a bridge between socialite status and substantive cultural engagement.

• Her story embodies themes of reinvention, legacy and the interplay of wealth, style and Southern heritage.

Her birthday (April 16) is marked each year by fans and media noting her contributions to society, both as a personality and as a figure of refined taste.

Conclusion

From her art-history roots and scholarly beginnings to the gilded halls of New York society and the historic estate life in Charleston, Patricia Altschul’s journey is vivid and multifaceted. Her net worth—estimated around $100 million—reflects her savvy blend of art, property, television and social influence. Her relationships, from marrying into substantial capital to maintaining one of reality TV’s most memorable personalities, form a key part of her personal life narrative. With a birthdate of April 16, 1941, and a birthday celebrated each year on April 16, Patricia Altschul’s legacy is more than just wealth—it’s about style, taste, resilience and influence. Whether through her art dealings, her famous soirées or her iconic presence, she remains a unique figure whose story continues to captivate.