Photos: $45 Million Home For Sale

February 9, 2012

“Chelston”, one of Bermuda’s most impressive and historic properties has been listed for sale via Christie’s International Real Estate local affiliate John Sinclair for $45 million. The photos below, courtesy of JP Rouja/LookBermuda [link], show a glimpse of the property, which is located on Grape Bay Drive in Paget.

Originally constructed in 1939–1941 for California oil baron Carbon Petroleum Dubbs, “Chelston” was conveyed to the US government in 1964.

The prestigious Paget property served as the official Bermuda residence of the United States Consul General for more than 30 years.

During that time famous guests included President George Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle, Senator John Kerry, Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former Democratic Presidential contender Michael Dukakis, actor Michael Douglas and model/actress Brooke Shields, to name a few.

The 10,000-square-foot main house occupies a commanding position approximately 200 feet above sea level with panoramic views of the sea, the city of Hamilton and the gardens and sweeping lawns that comprise the 14-acre estate.

A team of international architects, builders, and craftsmen spent three years renovating the property which boasts 15 bedrooms and 19 baths in all, including three guest cottages and a staff cottage.

Deluxe features include a salt-water aquarium with a living coral reef in the library, a home cinema, a gym, a nearly Olympic-size swimming pool, a rare outdoor Chinese stone fireplace in the shape of a five-armed dragon and a croquet lawn.

With 15 bedrooms and 19 baths in all, including three guest cottages and a staff cottage, the main house is on three levels with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple sets of French doors and generous room proportions.

The lower level includes a well-equipped home cinema, a family room and a gym, as well as a two-bedroom/two bathroom manager’s suite.

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Comments (27)

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  1. Victor says:

    How unfortunate that Premier Ewart Brown is no longer in charge – he is the one leader who would have know what to do with a property such as this, a veritable national treasure. As Premier Cox evidently has so much on her plate, perhaps this is Deputy Premier Burgess’ moment to shine by stepping up to the wicket.

    • Tommy Chong says:

      First of all this is a private estate so government has no say to what happens to it.

      Second of all I’m sure the vast majority feel we are fortunate not to have EX PREMIER ewart in charge. What would he do if he purchased the property? Make another stem cell clinic with it? He surely lived up to, “Taking Bermuda to the next level” in the environmental department & help traffic congestion here by hooking up his mate zane with a plp seat.

    • lol says:

      HAH! If Ewart was still the Premier, he’d have the government buy it to be used as the Premier’s house and he’d entertain celebrities and dignitaries.

      • lol says:

        And for some reason the government would end up paying $60 million for it instead of $45 million.

        • Victor says:

          Tommy,

          Tut, tut now…

          Surely an esteemed Global figure of Dr. Brown’s eminence deserves such a spread; a small price for a grateful country to pay to ensure that such a beloved elder statesman continues to live in the style to which he is accustommed. Also, it happens to be considerably bigger than Sir. John Swan’s mansion on the other side of Gratebay Road: My guess is that in a pique of hubris, Lady Swan will undertake extensive renovations, Wanda not one to be outdone will commence her own, and the construction industry will boom again…All because of this act of generosity by us ordinary folks who have the fortitude to vote PLP no matter what and I really mean no matter what.

          By the way Tommy, I gather the property is overrun with bluebirds; I imagine the good doctor would like them culled before he views the place. Any ideas short of sending up 42nd St Crew and MOB?

  2. a happy bermudian says:

    what a property…. i remember my dad telling me about carbon petroleum dubbs when i was little – and his daughters methyl and ethyl??

  3. Graeme Outerbridge says:

    No way this place is worth 45million^^

    • Tina says:

      Agreed. So Overreaching. The decor looks like White House 1980′s.

    • Ryan says:

      The property is worth whatever people will pay for it. If someone does actually pay $45 M for it (which I doubt someone will), then Chelston is, indeed, worth $45 M.

    • Arch says:

      You have to take into consideration the property, its very large. You’re not just buying the home but the land. Which can easily fit 4 more houses of that scale…

  4. reality check says:

    gov should buy it and rent out the rooms for income

    • mike says:

      If gov’t buy it that means tax payers are going to buy it. Take our money to buy it then take more of our money to pay it off. Yeah that’s a great idea..

  5. gee like who has that type of money in these times,but the famous,dont think that leaves the people in power now they have no money,not unlease they buy it for the premier the people of our country tax payers,lol time will tell.interesting,why would they need something like this anyway.

  6. tricks are for kids says:

    Who do I make the cheque payable to?………..

  7. Necromonger says:

    I’ll pass, the neighbourhood is a little stuff..!! But JWS is a good neighbour…. I think???

  8. Necromonger says:

    Stuffy…!!

  9. Computer Guy says:

    This property is definitely worth 45 million dollars. I’ve done work there numerous times for my job and this place is not just a mansion and a swimming pool. It includes 2 or 3 guesthouses (which would each be worth be at least 1.5-2 million on their own) and the property goes from South Shore Road, all the way down to the shoreline. The caretaker has to use a golf cart/scooter to get around. It would just take too long to walk everywhere. I’m surprised it’s not worth more.

  10. wow!!! smh!!! says:

    wow this is a beautiful property but not even the rich and famous are spending $$ like this right now. the whole world is in recession and even though there are ppl that have this kind of money, they are not spending it because of the times we are in.
    how long has this house been empty i wonder? They could definately put more houses on this property so ppl will have somewher to live and they would make that money if the rents are resonable.

    • Hexeis says:

      I think if you were rich and famous, more so the rich part, now is a great time to buy property; they can probably negotiate a great ‘deal’. Not everyone ‘i.e. every person in the world’ is suffering. Lucky them really.

  11. Aquarius says:

    and some of us can only dream of owning a crappy condo.. many not even qualifying for financing to achieve even that… those are the peoples who are “laid off” etc too.

  12. What next! says:

    It’s a bit much but would make a great guest house if the tourism industry ever gets back on its feet. It would have the small hotel feel.

    Too bad they ticked off Ms. Winfry she might have purchsed it.

  13. Spectators Corner says:

    Govrment house is old and termite rdden so perhaps they can purchase this property and do away with the old gov.house

    • kevin says:

      Great idea! they could turn Govt house into a seniors home LOL!!

  14. cynthia hicks says:

    a person could only dream!!!!