It’s a grand Staten Island mansion on 1.75 acres in affluent Todt Hill with views of the Verrazzano Bridge — and a mob past. And now, once more, this 33,000-square-foot residence aims to crush the record for the priciest home ever sold in the borough.
For $18 million, a deep-pocketed house hunter can now purchase the ornate property that Gambino family crime boss Paul “Big Paul” Castellano once owned. Castellano commissioned it in 1976, after succeeding his brother-in-law, Carl Gambino, as the syndicate’s don. The compound was completed in 1980 — and it’s where Castellano resided until his 1985 death, when John Gotti had him gunned down by four men wearing Black Russian fur hats outside of Sparks Steak House in Manhattan.
News of the listing, located at 177 Benedict Road, was first reported by the Staten Island Advance. What’s more, this is also the most expensive home now for sale in the borough, according to StreetEasy. (Just across the street, at No. 176, is Staten Island’s second-priciest listing: an 11,000-square-foot dwelling that listed for $8.95 million in September with the Corcoran Group.)
Under a different brokerage, Castellano’s onetime property aimed to fetch a lower-priced $16.8 million when it listed in October 2023. However, after about a year for sale, that listing was taken off the market.
Even at that time, a sale at that price would have broken a big sales record for Staten Island by many millions of dollars. Staten Island’s current home-sale record was achieved in 2023, when another nearby luxury spread traded hands for $4.6 million.
Castellano famously had the property designed with a pillared portico and a circular drive with a fountain to resemble the White House. The White House was even how it was known by gangsters and the FBI during Castellano’s ownership — and, in 2015, was the stage for a Hillary Clinton presidential campaign fundraiser. The property, which has only ever had three owners, last traded hands in 2000 for $3.1 million. The post-Castellano years have also seen significant renovations.
Current listing representative, Melsa Skrapalliu of RJM Realty Empire Inc., told The Post the home is far more than its Castellano past.
“When considering [the house], buyers are invited to look beyond its historical significance and appreciate the personal touch that defines this estate,” she said. “Each renovation and design choice reflects the owner’s unique style, transforming the property into an elegant and inviting space that has hosted countless celebrations and cherished family moments. This home is not just a testament to its famous past; it is a vibrant, emotionally resonant environment where memories were made and lives were lived. Selling this property means passing on a legacy of beauty, warmth and joy, offering the next owners a place to create their own lasting memories.”
Her listing describes the gated property’s many perks — among them landscaped grounds and resort-style amenities. Those latter fittings include a home theater, a gym with a sauna, a beauty salon, a wine cellar, a 13-car showroom and a solarium. There are even indoor and outdoor pools, a commercial-grade kitchen, outdoor entertaining areas and a custom pergola adorned with Italian fountains.
The listing’s images additionally show colorful flower gardens, a sweeping staircase topped with a glittering chandelier, a lavish formal dining room with ornamental ceiling moldings, multiple fireplaces throughout and a handsome wood-paneled billiards room.
In all, there are eight bedrooms and 17 bathrooms.
“With … awe-inspiring views from every angle, this home is an escape where you can effortlessly balance work and leisure,” the listing description says. “Just minutes from the city, this estate is truly one-of-a-kind.”