‘Legendary’ Beverly Hills Mansion Once Owned by Michael Caine and Ricky Martin Finds Buyer—For Less Than Half Its $75 Million Asking Amount
A Beverly Hills estate steeped in Hollywood history has sold at a significant discount—four months after it was listed for a staggering $75 million.
The luxury residence, built in 1956 and located in the Benedict Canyon area, has an amazing celebrity lineage that started with the actor’s family. Doris Daywho owned the 2.37-acre property for several years before passing it on to another Hollywood legend: Michael Caine.
After Caine, 92, the Tuscan residence was transferred to another star, a singer. Ricky Martinwho lived in the luxury property from 2004 until 2006, when he sold it Michael Smiththe CEO of natural gas trader Freeport LNG, and his wife, Irisfor $15 million.
The Smiths spent nearly two decades living in the house—one of several in their impressive estate—before putting it on the market in August 2025 for $75 million, five times what they paid.
But despite its impressive A-list credentials, the high-priced residence struggled to find a buyer, and a few weeks later, that price dropped to just under $50 million. At the same time, the listing was picked up by a real estate agent Carl Gambinoof the Gambino Group at Compass.
Now, the residence has officially changed hands again—albeit at an even steeper discount, with records showing it was snapped up for $35 million, less than half the price it was listed for a few months ago.
Although the buyer is not yet known, records show the deal closed on December 30, with Gambino representing both sides of the sale.
Gambino declined to comment on the details of the sale. However, the property’s listing description provides an amazing insight into the luxury that the new homeowner will enjoy—not least the amazing sense of privacy from the grounds that surround the main living area of the parcel.
Spread across that parcel are several different buildings, as well as a wealth of outdoor amenities, including a lighted tennis court, a playground, and a guard house—where “home, border, and base security systems” are monitored.
The grounds include a luxury residence, a guest house, a floodlit tennis court with a field, a separate children’s playground and playground, and a dedicated guardhouse—all surrounded by tall grass, lush gardens, and mature landscaping,” reads the description.
“This unique Beverly Hills property offers an unparalleled combination of privacy, history, and panoramic views that present a rare opportunity to own one of the most spectacular and impressive estates in the area.”
At the heart of the estate sits the six-bedroom mansion, described as offering the best of both worlds in sophistication and luxury and proud living spaces that feel spacious and cozy at the same time.
While the residence retains many of its design details, the listing notes that it recently underwent a “multi-year renovation and reimagining,” helping to prepare the storied property for its next chapter.
In keeping with California design trends, this property emphasizes the marriage of indoors and outdoors, featuring multiple terraces and balconies, as well as living areas that open to beautiful views.
Several rooms in the main residence boast outdoor space, including the master suite, which “showcases its terrace with city and sea views,” as well as a private living room, two bathrooms with dressing areas, large closets, and a common room described as “perfect for a nursery, massage room, office and additional wardrobe.”
However, while the mansion has all kinds of amenities, including a private home theater with its own dining room, and a large kitchen, the crown jewel of the property is undoubtedly its plum site on the hill, which offers amazing views of the entire area.
According to the listing, the home was carefully designed to take full advantage of those vistas, even with a pool that offers a beautiful ocean view.
“From the moment you arrive, the most impressive feature is the panoramic view—from Mid-Wilshire, over Santa Monica and the ocean, all the way down the coast to Malibu,” the description says.
“These sweeping vistas can be enjoyed from almost every part of the estate, including all the basic rooms, balconies, yards, and gardens. Even the pool is there to allow for ocean views while swimming.”
An orchard, a botanical garden, a rose garden, and a 20-car parking lot provide unique outdoor offerings for the residence.
