Bing Crosby Sells Northern California Chateau for $25 Million

Let me tell you why this story caught my attention—and why it should matter to you too.

Bing Crosby’s former estate in Northern California just sold for $25 million. That’s a massive price tag by any measure, but what’s even more surprising is that it was originally listed at $40 million. A $15 million price cut on a mansion tied to one of America’s most iconic entertainers? That says a lot—not just about the house, but about what buyers are really looking for today.

This isn’t just another celebrity property hitting the market. This was Crosby’s actual family home. Not a vacation rental. Not an investment. A real place, filled with memories, stories, and character that can’t be copied. And now, it’s passed into new hands—likely someone who isn’t just chasing square footage but a slice of legacy.

There’s a deeper conversation here about history, value, and why even the most luxurious homes still need to resonate on an emotional level to sell. Whether you’re into celebrity real estate, Bay Area market trends, or just want a peek behind the curtains of ultra-wealth, this story has layers worth unpacking.

A Timeless Property With a Deep-Rooted Past

You can’t really talk about this mansion without talking about Hillsborough.

Tucked into a quiet, ultra-wealthy pocket between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, this estate sits on over five acres of land in one of Northern California’s most private enclaves. The style? A French château—complete with turrets, stone detailing, and a driveway that looks straight out of a classic film. I

t was originally built in 1930, at a time when that kind of grandeur was more about presence than showing off.

The property clocks in at roughly 14,000 square feet, with 11 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and views that stretch across the Peninsula. It’s the kind of place where even the staff quarters feel like their own wing.

And as Mansion Global put it, it’s not just about square footage—it’s about soul. You walk in, and it still feels like someone’s home, not just a luxury product.

While this estate reflects old-Hollywood grandeur, other stars are embracing more modernist styles—like Nicholas Hoult’s sleek midcentury home listed recently in the Hollywood Hills.

Bing Crosby’s Family Home—Not Just a Nameplate Sale

Here’s what most headlines won’t tell you: Bing Crosby didn’t just own this house. He lived here. Raised his family here. Hosted friends here. Played piano in the living room with his kids listening down the hall.

He bought the home in the early ’60s as a gift for his second wife, Kathryn, and they lived there for years with their children. When he passed away in 1977, the family kept the estate—it stayed in Crosby hands for nearly 50 years. That kind of long-term emotional anchor is rare in today’s flip-and-sell market.

Inside, the details still reflect Crosby’s presence. According to archived family interviews and property listings, you’ll find a dedicated music room, a library with wood paneling reportedly sourced from the Hearst collection, and even original gold records hung on the walls back in the day.

You know what’s interesting? Celebrity homes like this aren’t just about real estate—they tell you where these people lived, loved, and made personal choices. If you’re ever curious where your favorite actors or athletes are buying today—from modernist LA estates to mountain getaways—you’ll find some of the best chatter happening on X, Facebook, and even private WhatsApp circles. It’s wild how much insiders share if you know where to look.

What Makes the Architecture So Different?

Let’s get into the bones of the place.

Designed by Bakewell & Weihe—the same architects behind San Francisco City Hall—this home doesn’t just borrow from European influence, it lives in it. Every corner is intentional. A hand-carved 17th-century staircase runs through the main hall. A Venetian glass chandelier hangs above the foyer. And the dining room? It has wood panels salvaged from a European estate, not something ordered off a catalog.

But it’s not just the main rooms. The house has hidden doors, a separate staff wing, original hardware, and a smoking room that looks like it came out of an old Bond film. There was even a pool on the property, though recent reports say it’s since been filled in.

The Sacramento Bee called it “a time capsule of 20th-century luxury”—and they’re not wrong.

The Numbers Behind the Deal

Now let’s talk money.

The estate was first listed in 2021 at $47 million. It lingered on the market, adjusted down to $39 million in 2023, and finally sold this month for $25 million. That’s a drop of nearly 47% from the original ask—a massive delta, even in luxury real estate.

So what happened? A few things. First, ultra-luxury homes are emotional buys. If a house doesn’t click with the right buyer, it doesn’t matter how rare or grand it is—it’ll sit. Second, it needed some restoration. While much of the charm is intact, a buyer would likely need to invest significantly in systems, landscaping, and interiors to bring it up to modern comfort.

Even with all that, it still ranks among the most expensive sales in Hillsborough. To put it in context, Elon Musk’s Bay Area estate went for around $30 million—so this still places Crosby’s home in rare territory.

Compared to recent celebrity home sales—like Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s $11 million LA property—this deal shows how legacy and location still command a premium.

Who Bought It—and What Happens Next

So who dropped $25 million on Bing Crosby’s former estate?

That’s the part no one’s saying clearly. The buyer hasn’t been named, but according to statements from the listing agents, the sellers were “adamant” that the buyer preserve the integrity of the home. That strongly hints at a preservation-focused buyer—not someone coming in to gut it.

Most likely, it’s a local tech or finance executive, or someone with deep roots in the area. In markets like Hillsborough, many of the top-end buyers aren’t international billionaires—they’re quiet, ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want privacy and permanence.

There’s also speculation that the estate could eventually become part of a private foundation or philanthropic project, given its historical value. But that’s just rumor—for now, it’s back to being a private residence.

Even younger stars are entering the high-end game—NFL player Travis Hunter’s $3.275M mansion is another example of how luxury homes appeal across generations.

Lessons This Sale Offers Buyers and Sellers

Let’s be real—most of us aren’t shopping for $25 million homes. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t takeaways here.

If you’re a seller in the luxury market, this is a lesson in patience and pricing. Even with celebrity provenance and architectural beauty, the estate sat for years. Emotional attachment can cloud price strategy. The original $47M ask might have been a stretch—and by the time the right buyer came along, expectations had to adjust.

If you’re a buyer, it shows the power of timing. High-end homes, especially historic ones, often move slowly. That creates leverage—especially when a seller wants someone who cares about the legacy. You’re not just buying a house—you’re becoming part of its story.

And for everyone else? There’s value in understanding how emotion, history, and design still influence the high end of the real estate market. Even today, people want more than just space—they want meaning.

Would you hold out for the perfect buyer—or take the best deal on the table? Drop your take in the comments below.

Final Thoughts

There’s something bittersweet about this sale.

A home that once echoed with the voice of Bing Crosby is now silent—at least for a moment. What started as a gift of love in the 1960s became a family anchor, a quiet piece of California history tucked behind tall hedges and wrought iron gates.

Now, it belongs to someone else.

Maybe they’ll restore it, maybe they’ll live quietly within it. Either way, it’s a reminder that real estate—real real estate—is about more than deals. It’s about chapters. Lives lived. Memories passed on.

And for Hillsborough, it’s one more story in a neighborhood full of them.

If you enjoy following rare celebrity estates and high-profile sales, check out our full coverage on iconic homes and luxury real estate deals.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and media reports as of June 2025. Property details, sale terms, and buyer identity may evolve over time. All opinions expressed are for informational purposes only.