William Randolph Hearst Sr. was an American publisher whose name is synonymous with diversified media, information and services; and his name appears in hundreds of businesses associated with the Hearst Communications conglomerate. The movie Citizen Kane was based on his life.
This media mogul is famous for building the storied Hearst Castle on land overlooking San Simeon in California, which he inherited from his father. He named the estate including slightly under 100,000 hectares (240,000 acres) that housed the castle and two large guest houses ‘La Cuesta Encantada’ (The Enchanted Hill). Today, Hearst Castle is one of California’s top tourist attractions.
At one point, Hearst was one of the richest men in America, peaking at US$ 30 billion; but during the Great Depression, he was almost broke. He also had a lifelong penchant for showgirls. After marrying Millicent Wilson in 1903, Hearst embarked on a romantic liaison 12 years later, starring another showgirl named Marion Davies.
Though Hearst and Davies spent most of their time at the Hearst Castle partying, they also ran a summer home on New York’s Long Island. It’s believed that the tycoon acquired this home for Marion so she could live in the lap of comfort and luxury. Now, their Long Island home is for sale, priced at 2.195 million dollars.
Built in 1906 on little over an acre, the New York Tudor style mansion was one of five constructed near the original Beaux Arts Casino, now known as the Bay Club. These five homes were built to accommodate wealthy celebrities who frequented the casino in the Jazz Age in the early 20th century.
While retaining its elegance and historic charm, this home with seven bedrooms and six bathrooms has been completely renovated. It’s ideal for entertaining large groups with its double living rooms that can open into an enormous space with fireplaces on either end, a spacious kitchen with classic styling, and a large master suite with a dressing room and fireplace.
Casual entertaining can move to the floor below, which opens onto the pool terrace and gazebo, and includes a games room, wet bar and 800 bottle wine cellar. A separate two bedroom guest cottage with a kitchen is also located on the grounds.
FOOTNOTE The Hearst-Davies home, which is a short stroll away from the Bay Club and marina, is priced at US$ 2.195 million. It’s listed by Sabrina Teplin of Douglas Elliman – Long Island, New York.
Link to story: toptenrealestatedeals.com
Photo Credit: Douglas Elliman