realestate

Hearst's lavish love bungalow for mistress hits market for $26M

The Ritz Tower residence features 17th-century glass windows, monastic doors and stunning Manhattan views.

A
two-story palace in the sky, once the opulent residence of William Randolph Hearst's mistress Marion Davies, is on sale for $26 million. The listing marks the co-op unit's first sale of the 21st century and offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the media mogul who inspired "Citizen Kane."

    Commissioned by Hearst in the late 1920s, the Ritz Tower residence boasts stunning 17th-century cathedral glass windows, monastic doors, and triple-terraced views of Manhattan. The opulent great hall features art and architectural details plucked from a Venetian palace, including a wooden ceiling and intricate stained glass windows.

    The home's interior design is a testament to Hearst's dramatic eye for style, with historic elements such as 16th-century monastery doors and a 12-foot Oriental screen in the dining room. The great hall offers breathtaking views of Manhattan, while the interior balcony boasts cathedral-like architecture.

    The sale includes many of the furnishings, including a 100-year-old Agra carpet, Recency-era tables, and a 10-foot Vanderbilt clock. Residents at 465 Park Avenue enjoy hotel-style services, including housekeeping and room service. The home's current owner, Michael Kotler of Douglas Elliman, notes that the residence has a "museum-like quality" to it.

    Hearst built the palace for Davies as part of his tumultuous relationship with her, which was marked by scandal and estrangement from his wife. Despite its impressive history, the Ritz Tower home's current listing price reflects its first sale in over two decades.

Lavish Hearst bungalow in Beverly Hills listed for $26 million, historic love nest.