Almost five months after its debut on the market with a staggering $250 million price tag—and only a few weeks following the death of its longtime owner, billionaire telecom pioneer Gary Winnick, who passed away at age 76—the Bel Air estate known as “Casa Encantada” has reappeared for sale with a significantly reduced asking price of $195 million. In 2019, the property was also quietly listed off-market at $225 million.
Originally designed in the 1930s by architect James Dolena for Hilda Boldt Weber—a former New York City nurse who became wealthy after marrying Cincinnati glass manufacturer Charles Boldt and inheriting his fortune—the mansion was sold to Conrad Hilton for $225,000 in 1950. After Hilton’s death in 1979, David Murdock acquired the estate for $12.4 million in 1980, later selling it to Winnick and his wife Karen for $94 million in 2000. This transaction was notable as it set a residential record for California at the time and involved both cash and large land parcels.
Set on an 8.4-acre hilltop overlooking the Bel Air Country Club golf course, the H-shaped mansion is accessed through a motor court with a fountain and a grand neoclassical entrance. It offers seven bedrooms and 20 bathrooms within its 40,000 square feet. The estate features luxurious amenities including a pool pavilion with a bar and movie theater. Inside, the 60-room residence includes a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase, dual living and dining rooms, a wet bar-equipped den/card room, and a walnut-paneled study/office. The 3,500-square-foot master suite includes two sitting rooms and baths.
The property, which is isolated from neighboring homes, includes a subterranean tunnel connecting two golf course holes and boasts views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Its resort-like grounds feature rose, herb, and tropical gardens, an 80-foot pool, a north/south tennis court with a viewing pavilion, an additional sports court, and various spots for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.
In addition to the Bel Air estate, co-listed by Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency and Drew Fenton of Carolwood Estates, Winnick’s widow is also selling a Charles Gwathmey-designed apartment on the 20th floor of New York City’s Sherry Netherland Hotel, listed for just under $4.5 million.
