The sprawling New Mexico estate of legendary actor Gene Hackman has been listed for sale for $6.25 million, nearly a year after he and his wife were found dead at the property.
A Property Shrouded in Tragedy
The 95-year-old star of The French Connection and his wife of 34 years, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered at their 13,000-square-foot, gated Santa Fe compound in February 2025. A maintenance worker made the grim discovery. Police video footage from an initial walk-through revealed a home in complete disarray, littered with loose items and food.
Authorities also found dead rats, rat feces, and nests throughout the estate, creating conditions ripe for hantavirus. The rare rodent-borne disease was later confirmed to have killed Arakawa. It was ruled that Hackman had survived for roughly a week on his own, potentially unaware of his wife's passing, before succumbing to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's.
From Distress to Market Readiness
The 53-acre compound, which Hackman and Arakawa originally purchased in the 1990s and significantly rebuilt, has since been transformed. Listing agents Tara S. Earley and Ricky Allen of Sotheby's International Realty told The Wall Street Journal that the couple's personal effects have been cleared and the property has been professionally staged for sale.
The custom-built main residence, constructed in 1997, is a three-bedroom home made of glass, stone, and steel. It features an open-concept kitchen, grand living and dining areas, and a primary suite with a sitting area, office, and spa-like baths. The property boasts spectacular views stretching from the Jemez Mountains to Colorado.
A Celebrity Home Without the Premium
Despite its connection to a Hollywood icon, the agents stated they priced the home based on fair market value rather than adding a 'celebrity premium'. Tara Earley acknowledged that some buyers may be deterred by the deaths that occurred there, while others will not be affected.
"We are selling the property on its virtues and all of the positives," Earley said. The estate's special features are extensive and include:
- A library, gym, game room, and media room
- A wine cellar, secluded putting green, lap pool, and hot tub
- A separate three-bedroom guest house
- A studio space added in 1997
To deter the merely curious, the agents have implemented a strict policy: all interested buyers must provide proof of funds before any viewing of the six-bedroom, ten-bathroom compound can be arranged.
