Bing Crosby’s French Chateau-Style Mansion in California Asks $40 Million
The grand French chateau-style estate that once belonged to Bing Crosby has officially hit the market for $40 million, marking the first time in nearly six decades that this storied residence will change hands. Nestled in the prestigious enclave of Hillsborough, California, an affluent community located about 18 miles south of San Francisco, the sprawling 14,000-square-foot home is a striking testament to old-world opulence and Hollywood history.
Crosby, an entertainment titan of the 20th century, was not only a chart-topping crooner but also a cultural force who shaped the landscape of popular music and film. With his effortless baritone voice and pioneering use of the microphone, he became a household name with hits like White Christmas—the best-selling single of all time. Beyond music, his charm and versatility won him an Academy Award for Going My Way (1944), securing his status as one of the greatest entertainers of his era. Yet despite his far-reaching fame, Crosby was a man who valued privacy, especially when it came to his family.
It was this desire for seclusion that led him and his second wife, actress Kathryn Grant, to acquire the Hillsborough estate in the early 1960s. Set on more than five acres, the property—originally commissioned in 1929 by businessman Lindsay Howard—offered a grand yet intimate setting for their three children. With frescoed ceilings, carved wood paneling sourced from William Randolph Hearst’s storied collection, and a library adorned with paintings of desert landscapes, the home exudes a timeless elegance.
A sanctuary from Hollywood’s glare, the estate became a place where the Crosby children could enjoy a relatively normal upbringing, attending local schools and playing in the rolling gardens. Inside, the family gathered around the grand piano in the living room—an instrument once featured in High Society—where Bing would lead Christmas carols, a fitting tradition for the voice behind White Christmas.
Yet for all its warmth, the estate is also a striking example of architectural grandeur. Designed by renowned architects Ernest Weihe and John Bakewell Jr., who contributed to the design of San Francisco City Hall, the mansion boasts Venetian-glass chandeliers, hand-painted rose detailing in the dining room, and a sophisticated smoking room complete with a built-in bar. Even the butler’s quarters carry a legacy of prestige, once home to Alan Fisher, a former staff member of the British royal family.
With Kathryn Grant’s passing in 2024, the Crosby children, now spread across the country, made the emotional decision to list the home. Harry Crosby, Bing’s son, reflects on the sale as a bittersweet necessity: “It’s difficult to turn the page emotionally, but all good things come to an end.”
A residence that once echoed with the voice of America’s most iconic crooner now stands as a testament to his legacy, offering a rare glimpse into the private world of a man who helped define a generation of entertainment. Whether the estate will find a buyer willing to embrace its storied past remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this home, much like Bing Crosby himself, will not soon be forgotten.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
