Gene Hackman’s expansive estate in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is now on the market for $6.25 million, nearly one year after the deaths of the acclaimed actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple’s bodies were discovered on February 26, 2023, prompting an investigation into their deaths. Authorities believe that Arakawa, a 65-year-old pianist, likely succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome around February 12, while Hackman, who was 95, passed away due to heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor.
The couple had lived in the 13,000-square-foot compound for several decades, purchasing it in the 1990s. Their home is situated on 53 acres in the exclusive Santa Fe Summit community. Agents from Sotheby’s International Realty confirmed the listing to The Wall Street Journal, highlighting the property’s unique features, which include a library, gym, game room, media room, and a guesthouse with three bedrooms.
Property Features and Market Appeal
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the property, agent Tara S. Earley emphasized the estate’s many virtues. She noted that while the couple’s deaths may deter some potential buyers, many will appreciate the positive aspects of the home. The exterior boasts a pool, hot tub, and a secluded putting green, all set against stunning city and mountain views.
“The Hackmans embraced Santa Fe, and Santa Fe embraced them,” Earley remarked, reflecting on the couple’s presence in the community. “You would see them in town, and they were not treated as celebrities.” This connection to the local area may enhance the property’s appeal to prospective buyers who value the rich cultural landscape of Santa Fe.
Financial Considerations and Future Implications
Gene Hackman’s will bequeathed his entire estate, valued at an estimated $80 million, to Arakawa, despite having three adult children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese. Arakawa was named the successor trustee of Hackman’s living trust, with provisions for charitable trusts in the event she could not inherit. The future of the proceeds from the sale of their home remains uncertain, as it will depend on the stipulations outlined in Hackman’s will and living trust.
As the listing of the Santa Fe estate unfolds, it reflects both the personal history of a beloved couple and the complexities of estate management following their passing. The real estate market will be watching closely to see how this unique property fares in the coming months.
