The sprawling Santa Fe estate belonging to the legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman has been officially listed for sale, just over a year after he and his wife were found dead at the property. The asking price has been set at $6.25 million.
The Tragic Discovery at the Santa Fe Compound
In February 2025, a maintenance worker made a grim discovery at the remote 53-acre compound. Hackman, aged 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 61, were found deceased inside their 13,000-square-foot main residence. Police reports described the home as being in a state of disarray and infested with rats.
Subsequent investigations revealed that Arakawa's death was caused by hantavirus, a rare and serious disease transmitted by rodents. It is believed that Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, passed away approximately a week later from complications related to heart disease.
A Property Transformed for the Market
The vast property, which includes a main residence, a guest house, and a separate studio, has undergone a significant transformation since the tragedy. All personal effects belonging to the late couple have been removed, and the entire compound has been professionally staged to appeal to potential buyers.
Listing agents are taking a cautious approach to the sale. In an effort to deter those motivated by morbid curiosity, they are requiring any serious prospective buyer to provide proof of funds before viewing the estate. They have emphasised that the $6.25 million price tag reflects the fair market value of the substantial land and buildings, not any macabre celebrity premium.
Legacy and a Solemn Sale
The sale marks a poignant final chapter for the New Mexico retreat of the two-time Oscar-winning star of films like The French Connection and Unforgiven. The requirement for proof of funds underscores the agents' intent to find a respectful buyer for a property with a complex and sorrowful recent history.
While the celebrity connection is undeniable, the focus remains on the estate's inherent value—its privacy, size, and Southwestern architecture—as it seeks a new owner to write its next chapter.
