15 Most Famous Mafia Mansions


 

For the mafia, power and wealth have always been the ultimate goals, and they pursued them with relentless determination. This pursuit often came at a brutal cost, leading to violent power struggles, territorial wars, and gruesome murders.

However, while these groups were worth millions and even billions in some cases, it was the mafia bosses, perched atop these criminal empires, who reaped the rewards of their nefarious endeavors, accumulating vast fortunes.

Take for example, Al Capone had an estimated net worth of $100 million while John Gotti stood at $30 million. These criminal masterminds, with their ill-gotten gains, didn’t just satisfy their desires for luxury and opulence; they reveled in lives of extravagance.

They drove the finest cars, wore the most lavish attire, and, perhaps most notably, resided in some of the most beautiful mansions money could buy. In this article, we embark on a captivating journey to explore the 15 most famous mafia mansions.

Each is a testament to the astonishing wealth amassed by the untouchable overlords of organized crime.

1. Al Capone’s Florida Mansion

Located on Palm Island in Miami Beach, Florida, Al Capone’s mansion is a historically significant property that was once owned by the notorious American gangster Al Capone. Today, it serves as a private residence and is not accessible to the public.

The mansion was acquired by Al Capone in 1928 during the height of his criminal empire. It was strategically chosen due to its secluded location, offering Capone a degree of privacy and security.

The mansion itself is an imposing Mediterranean-style villa, reflective of the opulence often associated with Capone’s lifestyle.

The property spans multiple lots and includes numerous buildings. The main villa features luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool, a private beach, and lush landscaping.

The estate was surrounded by high walls and had a gatehouse, contributing to its exclusivity and seclusion.

During his ownership of the mansion, Capone used it as a retreat from the criminal activities of Chicago. It is said that he used secret tunnels and passageways within the property to avoid law enforcement and rivals, further emphasizing his focus on security.

Capone’s Florida mansion is not just famous for its association with the gangsters but also for the lavish parties and gatherings that took place there during his time. The estate became a symbol of his wealth and influence within the criminal world.

Today, the mansion stands as a historical relic of the Prohibition era and the heyday of organized crime in the United States. Despite being a private home, its historical value and link to Al Capone continue to attract individuals who are interested in the time of the American mafia.

2. Paul Castellano’s Staten Island Mansion

Paul Castellano’s Staten Island mansion was a luxurious and notorious property associated with the former boss of the Gambino crime family, Paul Castellano. Located in the upscale Todt Hill neighborhood of Staten Island, New York, this mansion was a symbol of Castellano’s power and wealth within the mafia.

The mansion’s grandeur was undeniable. It featured a massive brick facade, a large circular driveway, and well-manicured lawns, making it an imposing presence in the neighborhood. The mansion’s design and size were indicative of Castellano’s status as a high-ranking member of the mafia.

Inside the mansion, there were opulent living spaces, including lavish bedrooms, a grand dining room, and multiple lounges. The property was also equipped with security measures, reflecting Castellano’s concerns about potential threats from rival mobsters or law enforcement.

Paul Castellano’s mansion was not only a symbol of his wealth but also served as the backdrop for various mafia meetings and gatherings. It was during one such meeting on December 16, 1985, that the mansion gained infamy.

Castellano and his bodyguard, Thomas Bilotti, were gunned down in front of the mansion in a shocking and highly publicized assassination that sent shockwaves through the mafia world.

The assassination of Paul Castellano in front of his Staten Island mansion marked a pivotal moment in mafia history. It was orchestrated by John Gotti, who subsequently assumed control of the Gambino crime family. This event cemented Gotti’s notoriety and his rise to power within the mafia.

Today, the mansion still stands as a significant historical site associated with organized crime. While it has changed ownership since Castellano’s death, the events that unfolded there continue to be a part of the lore surrounding the American mafia, making it one of the most famous mafia mansions in history.

3. Tony Accardo’s River Forest Mansion

Tony Accardo, a prominent figure in the Chicago Outfit, once resided in a luxurious mansion located in River Forest, Illinois. This mansion is a significant part of the history of organized crime in Chicago and the United States.

The mansion’s exact address was 915 Lathrop Avenue, and it was situated in a neighborhood known for its upscale homes. Tony Accardo’s choice of location for his residence demonstrated his desire for a discreet and affluent lifestyle away from the public eye.

The River Forest mansion was a sprawling property, featuring impressive architecture and luxury amenities. It was a two-story home with a brick exterior, and it boasted a large, well-manicured lawn. The interior of the mansion was lavishly furnished, showcasing Accardo’s wealth and status within the criminal underworld.

Throughout his time as a key figure in the Chicago Outfit, Accardo used the River Forest mansion as both a personal residence and a meeting place for high-ranking members of the mafia. It was during these gatherings that crucial decisions and strategies related to organized crime activities in Chicago were discussed.

It is now a private residence and is not open to the public. Here’s our list of the most famous Chicago gangsters!

4. Vito Genovese’s Mansion

Phil Stanziola, World Telegram staff photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Vito Genovese was a powerful Mafia boss who led the Genovese crime family from the 1950s to the 1960s. He was known for his ruthless ambition and his lavish lifestyle.

In 1957, Genovese purchased a mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, for $250,000. The mansion was located on a 20-acre estate and had seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a swimming pool.

The Genovese mansion is a two-story, Georgian-style house with a brick facade and a slate roof. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the Long Island Sound. The interior of the mansion is decorated in a lavish style.

The floors are made of imported marble, the countertops are made of granite, and the fixtures are gold-plated. The mansion also has several unique features, such as a hidden staircase and a secret room.

Genovese used the mansion as a place to entertain his fellow mobsters and to conduct business. He also used it as a hideout when he was on the run from the law.

In 1959, Genovese was arrested on narcotics charges. He was released on bail and returned to the mansion, where he continued to run his crime empire. However, in 1962, Genovese was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He died in prison in 1969.

After Genovese’s death, the mansion was sold to a private owner. It has since been owned by several different people, including a Saudi prince and a Russian billionaire.

In 2013, the mansion was put on the market for $150 million. It was eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $100 million.

5. Albert Anastasia’s New Jersey Mansion

mullica, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Albert Anastasia, a notorious figure in the American mafia, had a significant presence in the criminal underworld during the mid-20th century. Initially, he was the head of the Gambino crime family and later the Luciano crime family.

Located in the town of Fort Lee, New Jersey, Anastasia’s mansion was situated in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. Its location allowed him to maintain a low profile while still enjoying the luxurious lifestyle associated with his status in the criminal underworld.

The mansion itself was an imposing and grand residence, featuring an elegant architectural design and lush landscaping. It boasted spacious rooms and lavish furnishings, indicating Anastasia’s affluence and success within the mafia.

Anastasia’s New Jersey mansion served as a meeting place for high-ranking members of the mafia and a location for strategic discussions related to organized crime operations. This mansion played a role in the coordination of criminal activities and the management of Anastasia’s criminal enterprises.

Currently, it is a private residence and is not open to the public. Here’s our list of the most famous New Jersey mobsters and gangsters.

6. John Gotti’s Oyster Bay Mansion

John Gotti, often referred to as the “Teflon Don,” was a notorious figure in the American mafia, specifically as the boss of the Gambino crime family. His mansion in Oyster Bay Cove, New York, was a reflection of his status and influence within the world of organized crime.

Situated in the affluent Long Island neighborhood of Oyster Bay Cove, Gotti’s mansion was strategically located in an area known for its upscale residences. The choice of location allowed Gotti to maintain a relatively low profile while enjoying the luxuries associated with his position in the mafia.

The mansion itself was a grand and opulent estate, featuring impressive architectural design and lavish amenities. It boasted spacious rooms, high-end furnishings, and extensive grounds that included a swimming pool and tennis court, showcasing Gotti’s affluence and success within the criminal underworld.

During John Gotti’s reign as the boss of the Gambino crime family, he became one of the most high-profile mafia figures in the United States. His leadership was marked by both power and notoriety, earning him the nickname “Teflon Don” due to his ability to evade convictions in court.

After Gotti’s eventual conviction in 1992, the mansion changed ownership and has since become a private residence. While it is no longer associated with organized crime, it remains a significant part of the historical narrative of the American mafia, symbolizing the wealth and influence of mafia bosses during Gotti’s era.

7. Sam Giancana’s Oak Park Mansion

Sam Giancana, a prominent figure in the American mafia during the mid-20th century, was known for his leadership in the Chicago Outfit. His mansion in Oak Park, Illinois, was a symbol of his wealth and power within the world of organized crime.

Located in the suburb of Oak Park, Giancana’s mansion was situated in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. This choice of location allowed him to maintain a relatively low profile while still enjoying the luxuries associated with his position in the mafia.

The mansion itself was an imposing and grand residence, showcasing elegant architectural design and luxurious amenities. It featured spacious rooms, high-end furnishings, and well-kept grounds, all of which reflected Giancana’s affluence and success within the criminal underworld.

Throughout his time as a mafia boss, Giancana’s Oak Park mansion served as both a personal residence and a meeting place for high-ranking members of the Chicago Outfit. It was here that critical decisions and strategies related to organized crime operations were discussed and planned.

Sam Giancana’s leadership of the Chicago Outfit was marked by a range of criminal activities, including involvement in illegal gambling, loan sharking, and political corruption. His influence extended into various spheres, and he was known for his connections to both criminal and political figures.

After Giancana’s legal troubles and eventual deportation in the early 1960s, the mansion changed ownership. It is no longer associated with organized crime and has since become a private residence.

8. Carlo Gambino’s Staten Island Mansion

Robert Haber, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carlo Gambino, a prominent figure in the American mafia during the mid-20th century, was known for his leadership as the boss of the Gambino crime family. His mansion on Staten Island, New York, was a significant property that reflected his status and influence within the world of organized crime.

Situated on Staten Island, Carlo Gambino’s mansion was located in an area known for its upscale residences. The choice of location allowed him to maintain a relatively low profile while enjoying the luxuries associated with his position in the mafia.

The mansion itself was an opulent and stately residence, showcasing an elegant architectural design and luxurious amenities. It featured spacious rooms, high-end furnishings, and well-maintained grounds, all of which underscored Gambino’s affluence and success within the criminal underworld.

Throughout his time as the boss of the Gambino crime family, Carlo Gambino’s Staten Island mansion served as both a personal residence and a meeting place for high-ranking members of the family. It was here that important decisions and strategies related to organized crime operations were discussed and planned.

Carlo Gambino’s leadership of the Gambino crime family was marked by a range of criminal activities, including involvement in illegal gambling, loan sharking, and labor racketeering. His influence extended into various illicit enterprises, making him one of the most powerful figures in the American mafia.

After Carlo Gambino died in 1976, the mansion changed ownership and is no longer associated with organized crime. It has since become a private residence.

9. Meyer Lansky’s Miami Mansion

Shabtai Tal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Meyer Lansky, a key figure in American organized crime during the mid-20th century, was known for his involvement in various criminal enterprises. His mansion in Miami Beach, Florida, was a significant property that reflected his wealth and influence within the world of organized crime.

Located in the vibrant Miami Beach, Meyer Lansky’s mansion was strategically situated in an area known for its luxurious residences and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The location allowed him to enjoy the benefits of a coastal lifestyle while conducting his criminal activities.

The mansion itself was an opulent and spacious estate, featuring an impressive architectural design and lavish amenities. It included spacious rooms, high-end furnishings, and well-maintained grounds, all of which exemplified Lansky’s affluence and success within the criminal underworld.

Meyer Lansky’s Miami mansion served as both a personal residence and a meeting place for discussions related to organized crime operations. Lansky was a key figure in the development of casinos and gambling enterprises in Havana, Cuba, and his mansion became a hub for planning and coordinating these activities.

Lansky was also known for his association with other prominent mafia figures, including Charles “Lucky” Luciano. Together, they played significant roles in shaping the structure and operations of the American mafia.

After Meyer Lansky died in 1983, the mansion changed ownership and has since been utilized for various purposes, including as a luxury hotel.

10. Bugsy Siegel’s Beverly Hills Mansion

Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bugsy Siegel, a notorious figure in American organized crime during the mid-20th century, was known for his involvement in various criminal activities. His mansion in Beverly Hills, California, was a significant property that reflected his wealth and influence within the world of organized crime.

Located in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Bugsy Siegel’s mansion was situated in an area known for its luxurious residences and celebrity residents. The choice of location allowed him to enjoy the prestige associated with his criminal enterprises while maintaining a glamorous lifestyle.

The mansion itself was a grand and extravagant estate, featuring an elegant architectural design and lavish amenities. It included spacious rooms, high-end furnishings, and meticulously landscaped grounds, all of which exemplified Siegel’s opulence and success within the criminal underworld.

Bugsy Siegel’s Beverly Hills mansion served as both a personal residence and a gathering place for high-profile individuals, including members of the Hollywood elite and other mafia figures. Siegel was instrumental in the development of Las Vegas casinos, and his mansion became a central location for planning and coordinating these ventures.

Siegel’s notorious involvement in organized crime activities, including illegal gambling and bootlegging, made him a formidable figure within the American mafia. He was also a key player in the establishment of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, which laid the foundation for the city’s later transformation into a major gambling destination.

After Bugsy Siegel’s assassination in 1947, his Beverly Hills mansion changed ownership and has since been utilized for various purposes, including as a private residence.

11. Frank Costello’s Manhattan Apartment

David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Frank Costello, a prominent figure in American organized crime during the mid-20th century, was known for his leadership in the Luciano crime family (later known as the Genovese crime family). While not a traditional mansion, his Manhattan apartment was a significant property that played a central role in his criminal activities and lifestyle.

Located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, Costello’s apartment was situated in a luxurious and upscale building at 115 Central Park West known as The Majestic. The choice of location allowed him to maintain a high-profile presence while conducting his criminal operations discreetly.

The apartment itself was a sophisticated and opulent residence, featuring elegant interior design and upscale furnishings. It provided Costello with a comfortable and well-appointed living space in one of the most prestigious areas of New York City.

Frank Costello’s Manhattan apartment served as both a personal residence and a meeting place for discussions related to organized crime operations. It was here that critical decisions and strategies were discussed among mafia members, including high-ranking figures like Costello.

Costello was known for his involvement in various criminal enterprises, including illegal gambling, labor racketeering, and political corruption. His influence extended into various aspects of New York City’s criminal and political landscape.

Throughout his criminal career, Frank Costello managed to maintain a relatively low-profile public image, earning him the nickname “The Prime Minister of the Underworld.” His ability to avoid convictions and navigate the world of organized crime made him a formidable figure within the American mafia.

 After his retirement in the late 1950s, Frank Costello continued to reside in his Manhattan apartment until he died in 1973. While the apartment is no longer associated with organized crime, it remains a part of the historical narrative of the American mafia.

12. Lucky Luciano’s Bronx Mansion

Remo Nassi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lucky Luciano, a significant figure in American organized crime during the mid-20th century, was known for his leadership in the Italian-American mafia. His Bronx mansion was a substantial property that reflected his stature and influence within the world of organized crime.

Located in the Bronx, New York, Luciano’s mansion was strategically situated in an area known for its Italian-American community and proximity to other mafia figures. The choice of location allowed him to maintain a strong presence within the criminal underworld.

The mansion itself was a grand and spacious residence, featuring an elegant architectural design and luxurious amenities. It included spacious rooms, high-end furnishings, and well-kept grounds, all of which emphasized Luciano’s affluence and prominence within the mafia.

Lucky Luciano’s Bronx mansion served as both a personal residence and a gathering place for discussions related to organized crime operations. It was here that critical decisions and strategies were discussed among mafia members, including high-ranking figures like Luciano.

Luciano was a pivotal figure in the reorganization of the American mafia, creating a structure that emphasized cooperation among various crime families and introduced a more systematic approach to organized crime. His influence extended far beyond New York City and into the national and international realms of organized crime.

After his imprisonment in the 1930s and subsequent deportation, the mansion changed ownership and use.

Luciano also had several other houses, most notably an 8-storey mansion in Cuba.

13. Joe Adonis’ New Jersey Mansion

Smallbones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Joe Adonis, a notable figure in American organized crime during the mid-20th century, was known for his involvement in various criminal activities. His mansion in Fort Lee, New Jersey, was a significant property that reflected his affluence and influence within the world of organized crime.

Situated in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Joe Adonis’ mansion was located in an area known for its upscale residences and proximity to New York City. This choice of location allowed him to maintain a discreet yet opulent lifestyle while conducting his criminal enterprises.

The mansion itself was a spacious and lavish estate, showcasing an elegant architectural design and luxurious amenities. It included expansive rooms, high-end furnishings, and well-maintained grounds, all of which highlighted Adonis’s wealth and prominence within the criminal underworld.

Joe Adonis’ New Jersey mansion served as both a personal residence and a gathering place for high-ranking members of the mafia. It was here that critical decisions and strategies related to organized crime operations were discussed and planned.

Adonis was known for his involvement in various criminal activities, including illegal gambling, extortion, and labor racketeering. His influence extended into various illicit enterprises, making him a prominent figure within the American mafia.

After Joe Adonis’s deportation to Italy in the 1950s, the mansion changed ownership and use.

14. Giuseppe Profaci’s Brooklyn Mansion

Walter Albertin, World Telegram staff photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Giuseppe “Joe” Profaci, a significant figure in American organized crime during the mid-20th century, was known for his leadership in the Profaci crime family, which later became the Colombo crime family. His mansion in Brooklyn, New York, was a significant property that reflected his stature and influence within the world of organized crime.

Located in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City, Profaci’s mansion was situated in a neighborhood known for its Italian-American community and its proximity to other mafia figures. This choice of location allowed him to maintain a strong presence within the criminal underworld.

The mansion itself was a grand and imposing residence, featuring an elegant architectural design and luxurious amenities. It included spacious rooms, high-end furnishings, and well-maintained grounds, all of which emphasized Profaci’s affluence and prominence within the mafia.

Giuseppe Profaci’s Brooklyn mansion served as both a personal residence and a meeting place for discussions related to organized crime operations. It was here that critical decisions and strategies were discussed among mafia members, including high-ranking figures like Profaci.

Profaci was known for his involvement in various criminal activities, including illegal gambling, extortion, and labor racketeering. His leadership of the Profaci crime family was marked by both power and controversy, including internal disputes and conflicts.

After Giuseppe Profaci died in 1962, the mansion changed ownership and has since been utilized for various purposes. It is no longer associated with organized crime.

15. Gaetano Lucchese’s Manhattan Apartment

Gaetano “Tommy” Lucchese, a prominent figure in American organized crime during the mid-20th century, was known for his leadership in the Lucchese crime family. While not a traditional mansion, his Manhattan apartment was a significant property that played a central role in his criminal activities and lifestyle.

Located in the borough of Manhattan, New York City, Lucchese’s apartment was situated in a prestigious and upscale building. The choice of location allowed him to maintain a high-profile presence while conducting his criminal operations discreetly.

The apartment itself was a sophisticated and opulent residence, featuring elegant interior design and upscale furnishings. It provided Lucchese with a comfortable and well-appointed living space in one of the most prestigious areas of New York City.

Gaetano Lucchese’s Manhattan apartment served as both a personal residence and a meeting place for discussions related to organized crime operations. It was here that critical decisions and strategies were discussed among mafia members, including high-ranking figures like Lucchese.

Lucchese was known for his involvement in various criminal enterprises, including illegal gambling, labor racketeering, and extortion. His influence extended into various aspects of New York City’s criminal and labor union landscape.

Throughout his criminal career, Gaetano Lucchese managed to maintain a relatively low-profile public image, earning him a reputation as a shrewd and discreet mafia leader. His ability to avoid convictions and navigate the world of organized crime made him a formidable figure within the American mafia.

After he died in 1967, the apartment changed ownership and has since been utilized for various purposes. It is no longer associated with organized crime.

 

These lavish homes, once the playgrounds of mafia bosses, now stand as reminders of the audacious excesses that characterized the heyday of organized crime. The allure of wealth, power, and luxury drove these crime lords to unimaginable heights, but it was the unyielding pursuit of these desires that often led to their ultimate downfall.

Today, as these mansions have been seized, repurposed, or abandoned, they bear witness to the ever-shifting tides of law and justice. Yet, they also serve as cautionary symbols of the perils of criminal ambition and the enduring fascination that surrounds the mafia’s intriguing, if sordid, history.