A Day at the Bing Crosby Estate
Recently I got a message from a friend that stopped me mid-scroll: an invitation for coffee at the legendary Bing Crosby Estate—currently listed at a jaw-dropping $40 million, breaking records in Hillsborough. How could I say no?
Little did I know I'd soon be confronting a question that defines my approach to design: How do we truly honor a space's soul while making it our own?
I drove up the winding driveway on a bright March morning. Friends greeted me, each just as curious as I was about what we’d find behind those iconic red double doors.
As the massive doors swung open, we stepped into another era: high ceilings, detailed plasterwork, and a striking chandelier defined the timeless elegance of the space.
Our delightful host, Jennifer Gilson, shared captivating stories about the home. Built in 1929 by architects John Bakewell Jr. and Ernest Weihe, the estate belonged first to Charles Howard—owner of the racehorse Seabiscuit—before becoming Bing Crosby and his wife Kathryn’s home in 1965.
Each room had its own charm, but the formal dining room stopped me in my tracks. An oval room featuring a Venetian chandelier and hand-painted rose garden walls by artist Albert Proom—it felt like entering a living painting! The hallways lined with Bing Crosby’s personal photos and memorabilia added intimacy, making us feel like guests in his home.
But what we discovered next surprised me even more.
Ascending to the second floor, we saw Bing Crosby’s personal touch in every corner—from his-and-hers closets brimming with hats, bags, and coats to his cozy office filled with family keepsakes, books, and countless memories.
But what captivated me most was the home's pièce de résistance: a hand-carved wooden staircase banister from William Randolph Hearst's personal collection. The details were so intricate, I could have stared for hours.
As our tour ended, I kept thinking: how do we preserve the spirit of extraordinary spaces while making space for the present?
This question guides my work at Saga Interiors, particularly with California’s most beloved style: Mediterranean. These homes carry history and timeless beauty, yet too often I've witnessed houses lose their essence to passing trends or misguided renovations—original beams stripped away, niches concealed, facades altered.
I was born in Iran, raised in Sweden and came to the US in my early 20s. As someone shaped by multiple cultures myself, I try to bring to Saga Interiors a deep sensitivity to reading and respecting legacy.
My mission - and one supported by our incredible clients - is to make sure these homes continue telling stories in the architectural voices they were meant to speak, while embracing the new stories of those who live in them today.
And this visit to Bing Crosby’s estate reinforced my dedication to creating spaces that respect history while fitting beautifully into your life.
Stay inspired,
Mahsa
Invitation for Coffee at the Bing Crosby Estate
Entry hall
Cigar Room
Erin Calihan, Sarah Emmott and I in the fabulous dining room at the Bring Crosby Estate
Dining Room
Bing Crosby’s Office
Grand staircase with hand-carved wooden banister
