The Staten Island estate, once belonging to Paul Castellano, the former leader of the Gambino family, is now listed for sale at $13.995 million. Castellano, who headed the Gambino organisation from 1976 until his assassination in 1985, had the Todt Hill residence built in 1980 as a symbol of his power and prestige. Originally, the house spanned approximately 11,000 square feet on an area of less than an acre.
Over the subsequent decades, the estate was significantly expanded and now presents itself as a complex of around 33,000 square feet on 1.56 acres. This represents almost a threefold increase in the size of the original residence and more than a doubling of the plot. The sales listing is being handled by Rob Nixon and Anthony Volpe of PreReal Prendamano Real Estate.
Exclusive Features
Behind the entrance doors, the house opens into an impressive, double-height foyer. Polished marble floors extend beneath an opulent crystal chandelier, while gilded details accentuate the exquisite design. A sweeping staircase rises from the centre of the room, leading to the upper galleries, lined with wrought-iron railings with gold accents. Balconies overlook the foyer from all sides, and arched openings lead to the adjoining ground-floor rooms.
The formal living room echoes the estate's European style, with blue velvet sofas adorned with gold trim framing a carved marble fireplace. In the formal dining room, opposite the foyer, gleaming marble floors dominate beneath a long dining table, surrounded by gilded high-backed chairs. Crystal chandeliers hang from carved ceiling medallions, while the walls are clad with colourful floral panels, framed by painted columns and decorative borders.
The eat-in kitchen on the ground floor, directly adjacent to the formal entertaining areas, is fitted with carved wooden cabinets and dark stone countertops. A large island provides additional workspace in the centre of the room between the house's stainless steel appliances. On the opposite side, a casual dining area continues the kitchen's traditional design, with ten carved wooden chairs surrounding an elegant black-covered table.
Diverse Retreats and Entertainment Levels
Most of the estate's bedrooms are on the second floor, with an additional guest room positioned on the ground floor. The ground-floor guest room features two beds and opens directly onto an outdoor terrace through French doors. Detailed wall panelling, layered mouldings, and a large, oval ceiling, reminiscent of a sky, lend the room lightness despite the opulent patterns.
The upstairs master suite is generously proportioned, offering a carved wooden bed, floral wallpaper, and a large patterned rug. Another guest bedroom on the second level features a deep coffered ceiling with gold details. The room impresses with its numerous design elements, from the panelled walls and heavy curtains to the carved furniture. The children's room, designed in a softer style, is painted in pale blue and white, with built-in wardrobes and a daybed on opposite sides of the room. A carousel horse in an alcove forms the centrepiece, framed by mirrors, curtains, and a ceiling chandelier.
The roof level extends the estate with a complete entertainment floor, suitable for grand balls, movie nights, and relaxed Sunday mornings. It begins with a magnificent ballroom, framed by cream-coloured walls, numerous crystal chandeliers, and a series of round and recessed ceiling designs. One wall is centred around a black and gold fireplace beneath a gilded mirror, while heavy curtains and carved mouldings lend formality to the room.
- —Price: $13.995 Million
- —Location: Staten Island, New York
- —Living Area: 33,000 square feet
- —Plot Size: 1.56 acres
- —Bedrooms: 8
- —Bathrooms: 17
- —Special Features: Indoor and outdoor pools, rooftop ballroom, private café, lounge, cinema room, professional kitchen, wine and cigar room, botanical gardens, outdoor kitchen, 12-person lift, multiple garages, views of New York Harbour.
