S
taten Island’s real‑estate scene just shattered its own record. A gated estate on Todt Hill sold for $8.5 million, eclipsing the borough’s previous high of $4.6 million and setting a new benchmark for the island. The 176 Benedict Road property, listed at $8.95 million last fall, closed a few days ago.

    The Cardinale family—founders of the Farm to Bagel chain—acquired the parcel in 2017 for $1.7 million. They poured an additional $6 million into construction, creating a custom home that now stands as the most expensive purchase in Staten Island’s history. Built in 2021, the 11,000‑square‑foot residence blends reclaimed brick, Bucks County stone, and Indiana limestone beneath a slate roof, evoking a Greenwich‑style aesthetic rather than the island’s traditional ornate mansions.

    Inside, the house feels like a luxury condo tower. A seamless indoor‑outdoor basketball court, a full‑size gym, a spa complete with steam room and sauna, a private hair salon, and a wine room all contribute to its resort‑like atmosphere. The foyer is dominated by a 750‑pound glass chandelier shipped from England, while the outdoor area features koi ponds, waterfalls, fire pits, and a landscaped pool.

    Across the street sits the former home of mob boss Paul Castellano, which listed last year for $18 million—the highest price ever seen on the market in the borough. If that property sells at its asking price, it would surpass the $8.5 million record set by the Cardinale estate.

    Tom Li of Corcoran, who represented the sale, said Staten Island’s inventory is “amazing” and that the island deserves a larger share of the city’s luxury conversation. He praised the home’s “one‑of‑a‑kind” design, noting its understated elegance and the privacy it affords residents.

    The median home price on Staten Island hovers around $750,000, underscoring how exceptional this transaction is. The Cardinale’s original plan—to use the house as a long‑term residence—changed when a new farm venture in New Jersey made commuting from Todt Hill impractical. “It was too challenging for a full‑time commitment and travel,” Li explained.

    The new owners are a local family with ties to both Brooklyn and Staten Island, attracted by the opportunity to purchase a nearly new, custom‑built property. Li pointed out that replicating such a project today would take twice as long and cost significantly more.

    For the new occupants, the home offers a true escape. “When I show it, I feel transported to a resort,” Li said. “That’s exactly what the owners wanted during the pandemic—a private, quiet retreat with all the amenities of a resort.”