Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a mansion with a history as rich and notorious as its architecture? The Paul Castellano house, a name synonymous with the Gambino crime family, offers a look into such a world. This Staten Island mansion, often called the “White House,” is now on the market for a staggering $16.8 million.
This article delves into the mansion’s history, its luxurious features, and its current status, providing a comprehensive look at one of the most infamous homes in America.
History of the Mansion and Its Owner
Paul Castellano, born in 1915 in Brooklyn, New York, rose to prominence as the head of the Gambino crime family, one of the most powerful Mafia families in New York City. He succeeded Carlo Gambino in 1976 and held power until his assassination in 1985. Castellano was known for his business acumen and his ability to maintain a low profile, which earned him the nickname “Big Paul”.
In the 1970s, Castellano commissioned the construction of a mansion in Todt Hill, Staten Island. The mansion, completed in 1980, was designed to resemble the White House, complete with a columned portico and a fountain-lined driveway. The opulent building featured Carrara marble, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and an English garden, reflecting Castellano’s taste for luxury and grandeur.
The Paul Castellano House’s Features and Amenities
The mansion boasts an impressive 33,000 square feet of living space, including eight bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. Each bedroom comes with an en-suite bathroom, and the house features a huge balcony at the back. The interior design is a blend of neo-classical and baroque styles, with luxurious furnishings that reflect Castellano’s opulent lifestyle.
Sprawled over 2.3 acres of pristinely manicured grounds, the mansion offers unobstructed views of the Verrazano Bridge. The property includes a 13-car showroom, a feature that highlights Castellano’s love for automobiles. The exterior design, inspired by the White House, adds to the mansion’s grandeur and historical significance.
The mansion is equipped with a plethora of luxurious amenities, including indoor and outdoor Olympic-size pools, a state-of-the-art home theater, a gym, a sauna, a solarium, a library, and a wine cellar. It even has a personal beauty parlor, making it a self-contained paradise for its residents.
Features of Paul Castellano House
Paul Castellano owned one house, which is located at 177 Benedict Road on Staten Island, New York. Here are some of the features of the house:
- 8 bedrooms
- 17 bathrooms
- Secret rooms and passages
- Three-car garage
- Wine cellar
- Personal beauty parlor
- State-of-the-art home theater room
- Gym
- Sauna
- Solarium
- Library
- Indoor/outdoor Olympic-size pools
- Private gates
- Manicured lawns
- Stone terraces
- Gatehouse at the end of a meandering driveway
- 2.5-acre estate
- Unobstructed view of the Verrazano Bridge and Manhattan skyline
The Assassination of Paul Castellano
On December 16, 1985, Paul Castellano was assassinated outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan. The hit was orchestrated by John Gotti, who was dissatisfied with Castellano’s leadership and sought to take over the Gambino crime family. Castellano was gunned down by a four-man hit crew as he exited his car, marking a violent end to his reign.
Following Castellano’s assassination, John Gotti quickly rose to power, becoming the new boss of the Gambino family. The murder marked a significant shift in the Mafia’s power dynamics and paved the way for a new generation of mobsters in New York City.
The Mansion’s History After Castellano
After Castellano’s death, the mansion changed hands several times. In 2000, Selim “Sal” Rusi purchased the property for $3.1 million. The mansion has undergone extensive renovations since Castellano’s time, with each owner adding their touches to the property.
Today, the mansion is listed for $16.8 million by Connie Profaci Realty. The property remains a local landmark, known for its luxurious features and its infamous past. Despite its bloody history, the mansion continues to attract potential buyers who are drawn to its grandeur and historical significance.
Other Notorious Mafia Mansions
The fascination with mafia culture extends beyond Castellano’s mansion. Other notorious mafia mansions, such as the Mill Basin mansion in Brooklyn, also capture the public’s imagination. These homes, often characterized by their ostentatious designs and luxurious amenities, serve as symbols of the Mafia’s influence and wealth.
When compared to Castellano’s mansion, other mafia homes often share similar features, such as large swimming pools, extensive car showrooms, and opulent interiors. For instance, the Mill Basin mansion, once owned by John Rosatti, features a 1,000-square-foot swimming pool, a bronze and glass staircase, and a six-car garage. These homes, like Castellano’s, reflect the extravagant lifestyles of their infamous owners.
Paul Castellano’s House Current Occupants
- Paul Castellano, an American crime boss, built this 10,000-square-foot mansion in Todt Hill in 1980.
- Castellano lived here during the height of his power, from 1976 to 1985 when he was assassinated.
- Castellano’s successor, John Gotti, ordered his murder.
- Castellano’s house was nicknamed “The White House” because of its design, which was heavily influenced by the exterior design of the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
- The house was put up for sale in 2023 for $16,800,000 by its current owner, Sal Rusi, who purchased it in 2000 for $3.1 million ¹.
Conclusion
The former Paul Castellano house stands as a testament to a bygone era of Mafia power and influence. From its luxurious features to its bloody history, the mansion offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of America’s most notorious crime bosses. Despite its dark past, the mansion continues to captivate the public’s imagination, reminding them of the enduring fascination with mafia culture and real estate.
In summary, the mansion’s history, from its construction in the 1970s to its current status on the market, reflects the complex legacy of Paul Castellano and the Gambino crime family. As it awaits a new owner, the mansion remains a symbol of both luxury and infamy, a true gem in the annals of American real estate.
