Gene Hackman’s ‘rat-infested’ mansion could sell for eye-watering sum

Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵


Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe Estate Listed for Sale Amid Will Uncertainty

The sprawling Santa Fe estate, once the residence of legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, is poised to enter the market and could command a substantial price. Currently, questions surround the esteemed actor’s will after reports indicated his adult children were not included in his estate, creating ambiguity about the disposition of funds upon the property’s sale. This Santa Fe mansion is generating significant real estate interest due to its celebrity connection and desirable location.

Estate Valuation and Market Expectations

Hackman, who passed away at 95 in February due to complications from heart disease and Alzheimer’s, bequeathed his entire estate to Betsy. However, Betsy’s death, approximately a week prior at age 65 from hantavirus, introduces complexities. His children may now navigate legal proceedings to contest the £62 million estate, which reportedly stipulated charitable distribution of his assets.

Property records assess the value of Hackman’s Santa Fe compound between $3.8 million and $4 million. Nevertheless, sources suggest the property might realistically achieve up to $5 million (£3.7 million) on the open market.

According to a Coldwell Banker real estate professional cited by Daily Mail, the residence possesses inherent appeal:

  • Spacious Design
  • Stylish Architecture
  • Solid Structural Foundation

These attributes are anticipated to attract considerable buyer interest, despite the property being the site of recent deaths.

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Factors Influencing Property Value

The real estate agent further commented on factors expected to inflate the final sale price. The actor’s Hollywood prominence is likely to elevate buyer interest and perceived value. Additionally, listing the home during the spring or summer months, typically a peak period for real estate transactions, rather than the less active winter season, could be strategically advantageous for maximizing sale value.

Property Features and Location

Nestled within a secure gated community, the six-acre property boasts panoramic vistas of the Rocky Mountains. The residence tragically became the location where the couple was discovered deceased in February 2025, alongside their canine companion, Zinna. Two surviving dogs were subsequently rescued from the premises and placed in new homes in different states.

Health Hazard Concerns Addressed at Former Hackman Residence

Reports have emerged detailing a rodent infestation at the property. The New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted an evaluation of the site, uncovering dead rodents and rodent nests in multiple detached outbuildings. This situation reportedly transformed portions of the property into a hantavirus “breeding ground,” a virus transmitted by rodents.

Rodent Infestation Details

While the main house was classified as “low-risk,” the presence of traps in surrounding structures suggests the couple was aware of and actively addressing the rat problem. Rat droppings, the primary vector for hantavirus transmission, were discovered in numerous outbuildings:

  • Three garages
  • Two casitas
  • Three sheds

These findings underscore the extent of the rodent issue across the expansive estate grounds.


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