Introduction to the Estate

The late American entertainer Bing Crosby’s sprawling French Chateau-style estate sold last week for $25 million — $15 million less than its asking price.

Background of the Estate

Crosby, best known for his crooning holiday hit “White Christmas,” bought the property in Hillsborough, California in the early 1960s, as a gift for his wife Kathryn. The sprawling 5.38-acre property south of San Francisco offered the star and his family of five a reprieve from Hollywood. The estate remained in the family for six decades, but it only stayed on the market for less than four months.

Sale of the Estate

Despite the discounted sale, first reported by Mansion Global, the transaction ranks among the Silicon Valley enclave’s priciest sales ever. The property listed in February for $40 million. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
The French Chateau-style home was built in 1929 and purchased by Crosby in the early 1960s. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
Bing Crosby. Getty Images

Features of the Estate

The residence, built in 1929, spans an impressive 14,000 square feet. Ornate fireplaces and intricate woodwork line the interiors, which include 11 bedrooms, an impressive library and a smoking room with a built-in bar. The estate also offers a separate wing for staff housing.
A foyer. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
Crosby’s media awards and golf trophies are still displayed along the antique paneling of the library. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
A sitting area features a marble fireplace, ornate millwork and chandeliers. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
The hand-painted walls of the rounded dining room were commissioned by Kathryn Crosby. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
The kitchen. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
The carved staircase banister comes from the collection of William Randolph Hearst. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
A bedroom features ornate carpeting and an oversized window. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
A large bedroom features a fireplace and a “C” initial inlaid in the carpet. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative

History of the Estate

The Crosby family undertook extensive renovations on the house, according to Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. Kathryn commissioned hand-painted dining room walls by a prominent San Francisco artist, and the couple installed antiques from the collection of news baron and “Citizen Kane” inspiration William Randolph Hearst. Those additionally include a hand-carved wooden staircase banister and Georgian paneling from a 17th-century English manor home.
Hearst was a close friend of Crosby’s, the Wall Street Journal reported, and an avid collector of European antiques.

Previous Ownership

Crosby lived in the luxurious home until his death in 1977. His heirs retained the property until the death of his second wife Kathryn in 2024, according to the Journal, after which time Crosby’s children decided it was time to sell.
The outlet also reported that the couple filled in the property’s pool for the safety of their three young children.

Sale and New Ownership

The $25 million sale ranks the home among the most expensive ever sold in Hillsborough. Jason Wells/ Golden Gate Creative
Compass agents Alex and Pierre Buljan told Mansion Global that the transaction, which closed on Thursday, places the home in the top five priciest home sale’s in the history of Hillsborough. This puts the Crosby estate in league with Elon Musk’s 47-acre former estate that sold for $30 million in 2021 and again for $35 million in 2022.
While the buyer is not yet identifiable in public records, Buljan told the outlet they are a Hillsborough local that plans to maintain the character and history of the home.

Conclusion

The sale of Bing Crosby’s Northern California mansion for $25 million marks the end of an era for the iconic estate. The property’s rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful grounds make it a truly unique and special place. As the new owners take over, they will be tasked with preserving the estate’s character and history, ensuring that it remains a beloved landmark in the community for years to come.

FAQs

• Q: How much did Bing Crosby’s Northern California mansion sell for?
  A: The mansion sold for $25 million.
• Q: How long was the estate on the market?
  A: The estate was on the market for less than four months.
• Q: What is the size of the estate?
  A: The estate spans 14,000 square feet and sits on 5.38 acres of land.
• Q: Who are the new owners of the estate?
  A: The new owners are a Hillsborough local who plans to maintain the character and history of the home.