Elizabeth Holmes' Bay Area estate sells for record $85M

A Historic Estate in the Bay Area Sells for a Record-Breaking Price

One of the most iconic properties in the Bay Area has been sold for the first time in its 114-year history. The expansive 74-acre estate known as Green Gables was recently purchased by an anonymous buyer for a staggering $85 million. This sale marks a significant milestone, not only because it is the first time the property has changed hands but also because it sets a new benchmark for real estate transactions in the region.

The property was initially listed for $135 million in 2021 and then again for $110 million in 2024. Despite the price reductions, the final sale amount far exceeded expectations, making it the most expensive property sale in the Bay Area this year—by more than $30 million.

A Property Steeped in History and Architectural Excellence

Green Gables is not just a home; it's a historic landmark that has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The estate features an impressive array of structures, including seven buildings, 34 bedrooms, and 26 bathrooms. It also boasts multiple pools, such as a football field-sized Roman swimming pool, a tennis court, equestrian barns, a dairy, and beautifully landscaped gardens that add to its enchanting appeal.

The property’s architectural significance is unmatched. It was designed by the renowned firm Greene and Greene, which played a pivotal role in the Arts and Crafts movement. The estate was originally built for Mortimer Fleishhacker Sr., a prominent entrepreneur who founded Great Western Power, which later became part of Pacific Gas & Electric.

Another notable figure in the property’s history is William Wurster, a mentor to Bernard Maybeck. He designed a six-bedroom home on the grounds in 1931 for Eleanor Fleishhacker Sloss, the daughter of Mortimer Fleishhacker Sr. In the 1950s, landscape architect Thomas Church, known for designing over 2,000 private gardens and contributing to campus plans at UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and Woodside Priory School, created the pool house and cabana for the estate.

A Home with a Rich Legacy

Throughout its long history, Green Gables has been associated with many notable individuals. In more recent years, the property gained attention when disgraced former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes lived there during her criminal trial.

Compass agents Brad and Helen Miller were instrumental in facilitating the sale. Helen shared her experience of visiting the property for the first time: "My husband and partner, Brad, and I remember that first evening we drove up the long estate driveway to the main house, only to be greeted by a sensory experience we will never forget as we took in the artistry of the large main home, the one-of-a-kind enormous rear lawn, the spectacular and colorful surrounding gardens and the football field-sized lower Roman Pool, all framed by an unobstructed view of the Western Hills with the fog lapping over its crest as the sun was setting. It is mind-boggling!"

Other Notable Real Estate Listings in the Bay Area

In addition to Green Gables, several other high-profile properties have recently hit the market in the Bay Area:

• A $3 million San Francisco Tudor features a secret underground garage and elevator.
• A historic Eichler home in the Bay Area, complete with luxury updates, is now on the market for $1.4 million.
• A $3.5 million Bay Area home, once part of a long-lost mansion, includes a ballroom and stables.
• An Apollo 9 astronaut has listed a serene Bay Area home for $2.5 million.

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