Staten Island mansion owned by ‘Big Paul’ Castellano listed for $18 million – and will break a borough record by millions

It’s a stately Staten Island mansion on 1.75 acres on affluent Todt Hill overlooking the Verrazzano Bridge — and a past crowd. And now, once again, this 33,000-square-foot mansion is aiming to break the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the borough.

For $18 million, a house hunter with deep pockets can now buy the fancy estate once owned by Gambino family crime boss Paul “Big Paul” Castellano. Castellano commissioned it in 1976 after succeeding his brother-in-law, Carl Gambino, as syndicate donor. The complex was completed in 1980 – and is where Castellano resided until his death in 1985, when John Gotti killed him by four men wearing black Russian wool hats outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan.

News of the listing, located at 177 Benedict Road, was first reported by the Staten Island Advance. What’s more, it’s also the most expensive home for sale in the borough right now, according to StreetEasy. (Just across the street, at No. 176, is Staten Island’s second-most expensive listing: an 11,000-square-foot condo that was listed for $8.95 million in September with the Corcoran Group.)

Under another brokerage, the former Castellano property was aiming for a lower price of $16.8 million when it was listed in October 2023. However, after about a year for sale, that listing was pulled from the market.

Even then, a sale at that price would have broken a major Staten Island multimillion-dollar sales record. The current Staten Island home sales record was set in 2023, when another nearby luxury spread sold for $4.6 million.

Castellano famously designed the property with a pillared portico and a circular drive with a fountain to resemble the White House. The White House was also known to mobsters and the FBI during Castellano’s ownership — and, in 2015, it was the stage for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign fundraiser. The property, which has only ever had three owners, was last traded in 2000 for $3.1 million. The years after Castellano have also seen significant renovations.

The current listing agent, Melsa Skrapalliu of RJM Realty Empire Inc., told The Post that the house is much more than its Castellano past.

“When taken into account [the house]buyers are invited to look beyond its historical significance and appreciate the personal touch that defines this estate,” she said. “Each renovation and design choice reflects the owner’s unique style, transforming the property into an elegant and inviting space that has been waiting for countless celebrations and cherished family moments. This man is not only a testament to his illustrious past; it is a vibrant, emotionally resonant environment where memories were made and lives lived a legacy of beauty, warmth and joy, offering future owners a place to create their own lasting memories.”

Her listing describes the many benefits of the gated property — among them landscaped grounds and resort-style amenities. These state-of-the-art amenities include a home theater, a gym with a sauna, a beauty salon, a wine cellar, a 13-car showroom and a sunroom. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, a commercial kitchen, outdoor entertaining areas and a custom pergola adorned with Italian fountains.

Listing images also show gardens with colorful flowers, a sweeping staircase topped with a twinkling chandelier, a luxurious formal dining room with decorative coffered ceilings, multiple fireplaces and a beautiful wood-paneled billiards room.

In total, there are eight bedrooms and 17 bathrooms.

“With … stunning views from every angle, this home is an escape where you can effortlessly balance work and leisure,” the listing description says. “Just minutes from the city, this property is truly unique.”