If walls could talk, the ones inside Bing Crosby’s Hillsborough estate would have stories that stretch from Hollywood’s golden era to the present day. Now listed for $40 million, this French chateau-inspired mansion is as much a time capsule of Old Hollywood luxury as it is a monument to fine craftsmanship.
As an interior designer, I’ve seen my share of over-the-top celebrity homes—from gold-plated kitchens to indoor shark tanks. But there’s something about the understated grandeur of this estate that stops you in your tracks.
- 📍 Location: Hillsborough, California
- 💰 Estimated Price: $40 million
- 🏗️ Year Built: 1929
- 🌳 Size of Land: 5.38 acres
- 🏠 Size of House: Approximately 14,000 square feet
- 🛏️ Rooms: 11 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, and 5 half bathrooms
The Architectural Grandeur of Bing Crosby’s Estate
The aerial view of this estate gives you a sense of its sheer scale. Built in 1929, the mansion draws inspiration from European chateaus, featuring steep slate roofs, dormer windows, and a white brick exterior with an aged patina that adds character.
The home sits on over five acres of manicured gardens, complete with a turreted wing, arched loggias, and expansive terraces. These details evoke the grandeur of classic European estates, while the mature trees and lush greenery add an air of seclusion and tranquility.
I’ve designed homes that try to capture this timeless appeal, but few succeed as effortlessly as this one. The combination of historic materials and old-world charm makes this mansion feel palatial yet inviting.
The Red Door: A Grand Welcome
As you approach the entrance, one detail stands out—the deep red arched front door. Framed by a wrought iron balcony, this entrance is a statement piece.
I always tell my clients that the entryway sets the tone for the entire home. This one says: elegance, confidence, and just a touch of Hollywood drama. The contrast between the whitewashed brick and bold crimson door is stunning—one of those small design choices that makes a lasting impact.
The Grand Foyer: Where Old Hollywood Meets European Craftsmanship
Step through that iconic red door, and you’re met with a foyer that exudes sophistication. Paneled gray walls with gold-accented sconces set a refined tone, while the crystal chandelier overhead bathes the space in soft light.
But the real showstopper? The intricately hand-carved wooden staircase, originally sourced from William Randolph Hearst’s collection. Yes, the same Hearst Castle that inspired Xanadu in Citizen Kane. This is a piece of history within a piece of history.
I’ve worked on high-end renovations where clients wanted staircases to be purely functional. This one, however, is an architectural statement. It commands attention without being flashy or excessive—the mark of true luxury.
The Library: A Scholar’s Retreat with Vintage Hollywood Charm
I have a soft spot for classic wood-paneled libraries, and this one is perfection. Rich oak paneling covers the walls, lending an atmosphere of warmth and tradition. The black marble fireplace with gold veining adds contrast, while the built-in bookshelves and a laddered bookcase complete the scene.
This is the type of space where ideas take shape—where scripts were likely read, contracts signed, and maybe even a few recording sessions brainstormed.
The vintage chess set on a black marble coffee table? That’s a detail that tells a story—one of quiet evenings, whiskey in hand, contemplating the next Hollywood move.
The Formal Living Room: A Study in European Opulence
If the library is moody and introspective, the formal living room is a celebration of grandeur. Think golden gilded moldings, intricate ceiling plasterwork, and a Rococo-style marble fireplace.
The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, creating an ethereal glow that enhances the cream-colored sofas and silk-upholstered Louis XVI chairs. It’s a room designed for hosting, for laughter, for storytelling—the very essence of Hollywood’s golden age.
I’ve seen modern homes that try to replicate this level of detail, but it rarely feels as effortless as it does here. This isn’t just luxury—it’s art.
The Dining Room: A Floral Fantasy with Venetian Elegance
Now, let’s talk about the circular dining room—arguably one of the most unique spaces in the estate. The walls are covered in hand-painted floral panels, evoking the charm of a Parisian garden pavilion.
A Venetian glass chandelier, with its delicate leaf-like details, hangs above a French provincial dining table. The high-backed carved chairs and pastel-hued palette make this room feel like it belongs in a fairytale chateau.
I’ve seen dining rooms go through countless trends—minimalist, industrial, farmhouse chic. But this? This is pure, timeless romance.
The Home Office: A Workspace Rich in Old-World Character
Every home office tells a story, and Bing Crosby’s private study is a narrative in heritage, craftsmanship, and quiet luxury. Walking into this space, you immediately feel its weight—not in a heavy, overbearing way, but in the seriousness of its character.
The massive wood-paneled walls are a work of art, exuding the richness of classic European craftsmanship. A heavy carved wooden fireplace mantel, adorned with ornate motifs and a subtle cross at its peak, adds warmth both literally and figuratively.
Above the fireplace, gold records and vintage memorabilia remind you that this isn’t just any home office—it belonged to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated entertainers. A massive antique desk, bathed in the glow of a green glass banker’s lamp, creates an inviting space for creativity, reflection, and business.
I always tell my clients: a well-designed home office should feel like an extension of the owner’s mind. This one? It feels like a quiet retreat for a man who shaped an era—where contracts were signed, scripts were read, and melodies were first imagined.
The Master Bedroom: Regal Luxury with a Hollywood Flair
Bing Crosby’s master suite is a masterclass in Old Hollywood glamour. From the moment you enter, the rich red and gold tones make an immediate impact. The four-poster bed, draped in deep brocade fabric, transforms the space into something regal yet intimate—as if it were plucked straight from a classic European château.
A hand-carved fireplace, framed by ornate sconces, provides warmth on chilly nights, while the high ceilings and soft ivory carpeting add a sense of expansiveness.
This bedroom doesn’t whisper luxury—it declares it. The dramatic canopy, the lush drapery, and the opulent textures create a space that feels both grand and deeply personal.
Could this room be updated for a modern buyer? Possibly. But there’s something about its unapologetic embrace of vintage opulence that makes it one of the most striking rooms in the home.
The Blue and Gold Guest Bedroom: Vintage Venetian Elegance
Guest rooms often get overlooked in estate design, but this one is a jewel box of vintage Venetian inspiration. Draped in powder blue and soft gold hues, the room feels like a Parisian dream—light, airy, and meticulously detailed.
The tufted blue velvet bed, paired with embroidered golden linens, sets the stage for comfort and refinement. But the real showstoppers? The ornate Venetian glass mirrors that reflect the soft glow of a crystal chandelier, creating a sense of romantic grandeur.
An antique wooden dresser, featuring hand-painted floral motifs, adds an artistic touch, while floor-length drapes frame the tall windows, offering views of the estate’s gardens.
The Estate Gardens: A Verdant Escape with European Charm
The grounds of Bing Crosby’s Hillsborough estate feel more like a private European park than a backyard. The lush, emerald-green lawns, meticulously maintained hedgerows, and towering trees create a tranquil, storybook-like atmosphere.
At the back of the home, a covered loggia with stately white brick archways offers a shaded outdoor retreat, where one can imagine afternoon tea, elegant garden parties, or simply quiet reflection. The turreted wing, with its wrought-iron balcony, adds another layer of storybook charm, reminding us of the French chateau inspiration that defines this estate.
It’s easy to see how this landscape served as a sanctuary for Bing Crosby and his family. Unlike today’s ultra-modern estates with infinity pools and glass-walled patios, this garden has a sense of serenity that feels deeply rooted in history.
What is the address of Bing Crosby’s property?
Bing Crosby’s former property is located at 1200 Jackling Drive, Hillsborough, California, 94010. This French chateau-style estate spans over five acres in the prestigious Hillsborough Oaksbridge neighborhood.
How much is Bing Crosby’s house worth?
The estate is currently listed for $40 million. This asking price could potentially set a record for the Hillsborough area.
Comparison of Bing Crosby’s Estate to Other Celebrity Homes
| Celebrity | Location | Home Style | Price (Latest Sale/List) | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bing Crosby | Hillsborough, CA | French Chateau | $40 million (Listed) | Grand staircase from Hearst Castle, Venetian chandeliers, hand-painted dining room |
| Elvis Presley | Memphis, TN | Colonial Revival | $100 million (Graceland estimated value) | Private music room, themed jungle room, Elvis’s memorabilia |
| Frank Sinatra | Palm Springs, CA | Mid-Century Modern | $4.25 million (Sold) | Piano-shaped pool, recording studio, desert views |
| Marilyn Monroe | Los Angeles, CA | Spanish Colonial | $8.35 million (Sold) | Original architecture from 1929, arched doorways, terracotta roof |
| Elon Musk | Hillsborough, CA | 1912 Mansion | $30 million (Sold) | Library with hidden passageways, hilltop location, Beaux-Arts design |
What notable features does Bing Crosby’s estate include?
The 14,000-square-foot mansion boasts 11 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. It features frescoes, ornate fireplaces, hand-carved woodwork, a library with desert landscape paintings, a smoking room with a built-in bar, and a dining room adorned with a Venetian-glass chandelier.
Who owned the estate before Bing Crosby?
The estate was commissioned around 1929 by local businessman Lindsay Howard as a wedding gift for his wife. Lindsay was the son of Charles Howard, the owner of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit.
I’ve toured hundreds of high-end properties, but few leave a lasting impression like this one. Bing Crosby’s Hillsborough estate is not just another celebrity home—it’s a living piece of history.
This mansion doesn’t follow trends; it defines them. From the grand staircase to the Venetian chandeliers, every inch tells a story of elegance, entertainment, and artistry.
Whoever buys this home won’t just be acquiring real estate. They’ll be inheriting a legacy—one built on music, cinema, and timeless design.
And that? That’s something you can’t put a price on.
