See Bing Crosby’s longtime, elegant Northern California estate for sale for $40M
In the early 1960s, singer Bing Crosby purchased a Bay Area estate as a surprise for his wife Kathryn, according to Sotheby’s International Realty.
The 16,600-square-foot Bing Crosby Estate in the San Francisco Bay Area suburb of Hillsborough, California, is now available on the real estate market for $40 million. The listing agent is Jennifer Gilson of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty.
The eye-catching French chateau-style residence, built in 1929, sits on 5.4 acres. In a blend of history and elegance, businessman Lindsay Howard, son of horse-racing enthusiast and Seabiscuit owner Charles Howard, originally commissioned the estate to be built by architects John Bakewell Jr. and Ernest Weihe as a wedding gift for his wife Anita.
The Crosbys moved into the residence in December 1965 with their children, Harry Lillis Jr., Nathaniel and Mary Frances and embarked on extensive renovations, according to Sotheby’s. The couple incorporated antiques from William Randolph Hearst’s collection, including a hand-carved wooden staircase banister and Georgian paneling from a 17th-century English manor home.
Then, Kathryn Crosby commissioned renowned San Francisco artist Al Proom to decorate the dining room walls, adding more grandeur to the home.
This estate — with 11 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and 5 half bathrooms — has meticulously preserved craftsmanship and architectural details from the 1920s design.
“A true icon of elegance and history, the Bing Crosby Estate stands as a testament to refined luxury and an enduring legacy,” the property listing states.
The property was a featured attraction in the prestigious 1998 Decorators’ Show House.
The opulent home is highlighted with frescoes, ornate fireplaces and hand-carved woodwork. A smoking room contains a built-in bar. The library beckons with a large fireplace and built-in bookcases. In the dining room, a Venetian-glass chandelier hangs and hand-painted rose detailing adorns the walls.
There’s a separate wing for staff.
The home’s owner is listed under an LLC called KC Family Investments, according to public property records. Bing’s son Harry Crosby told realtor.com that the estate is still in the family.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM with the headline "See Bing Crosby’s longtime, elegant Northern California estate for sale for $40M."
