Media tycoon William Randolph Hearst’s love nest for his mistress is on sale for $26M

New York Post - May 15th, 2025
Open on New York Post

The iconic Ritz Tower residence, a lavish two-story penthouse built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst for his mistress Marion Davies, is now on the market for $26 million. This marks the first sale of the 21st century for the historic co-op, which features 17th-century cathedral glass windows, monastic doors, and panoramic views of Manhattan from its triple-terraced layout. The listing is managed by Michael Kotler of Douglas Elliman and is located on the 19th and 20th floors of 465 Park Avenue. Originally commissioned by Hearst, the residence once served as a love nest for his long-term affair with Davies, an affair that not only influenced his personal life but also left a mark on American culture as the inspiration for the film “Citizen Kane.” The grand home includes a private elevator and a variety of luxurious and historic features, including a restored ceiling fresco from a Venetian palace.

The residence’s history is intertwined with the storied lives of Hearst and Davies, whose relationship led to Hearst's estrangement from his wife, Millicent Willson. Despite Davies’ own success in the film industry, her association with Hearst often overshadowed her career. The Ritz Tower, once an apartment hotel, became a symbol of Hearst's extravagant lifestyle and his eye for dramatic interior design. However, the opulence came at a cost; the couple was evicted in 1938 when Hearst defaulted on mortgage payments during the Great Depression, forcing them to move to California. The sale of this palatial home today not only provides a glimpse into a bygone era of media and cultural history but also raises questions about the legacy of wealth, love, and ambition in America.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article presents an intriguing narrative about a historically significant property linked to William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies. It is well-written and engaging, with a clear structure that effectively conveys the opulence and historical context of the residence. However, the story could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency in verifying historical claims. While it captures interest through vivid descriptions and a focus on luxury real estate, its impact and public interest appeal are limited to niche audiences. Overall, the article provides a compelling yet somewhat narrow perspective on the property's sale and history.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story appears to be largely accurate, with verifiable claims about the sale of a residence at 465 Park Avenue, reportedly commissioned by William Randolph Hearst for Marion Davies. The article accurately reports the listing price of $26 million and attributes the listing to Michael Kotler of Douglas Elliman. However, some historical claims, such as the authenticity of the 17th-century cathedral glass windows and the specifics of Hearst's financial difficulties leading to eviction, require further verification. Overall, the story aligns well with known historical accounts, but some details would benefit from additional source confirmation.

7
Balance

The article provides a focused narrative on the historical and architectural significance of the property, with a primary emphasis on Hearst and Davies' relationship. While it highlights the opulence of the residence and Hearst's dramatic life, it does not explore other perspectives, such as those of current residents or historians who might offer additional insights into the building's history. The story could be more balanced by including viewpoints on the cultural or architectural impact of such properties in modern New York.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the property's history and current sale. The language is descriptive and engaging, effectively conveying the opulence and historical significance of the residence. However, the tone could be perceived as slightly sensational, particularly in its portrayal of Hearst's life and relationship with Davies, which may affect perceived neutrality.

6
Source quality

The article relies on historical references and statements from Michael Kotler, the listing agent, which provides a degree of authority and relevance. However, it lacks diverse sources that could enhance credibility, such as historians or independent real estate experts. The reliance on a single source, particularly one with a vested interest in the sale, suggests a potential conflict of interest that could affect impartiality.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about the property's historical significance and Hearst's life, but it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to verify claims about the property's features and history. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as the listing agent's role in the story. Greater transparency in how the information was gathered and verified would strengthen the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://streeteasy.com/building/465-park-avenue-new_york/1920w
  2. https://www.trulia.com/home/465-park-ave-19-20w-new-york-ny-10022-452022306
  3. https://www.bhsusa.com/manhattan/midtown-east/465-park-avenue-1920w/coop/1113166539
  4. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/465-Park-Ave-19-20W-New-York-NY-10022/452022306_zpid/
  5. https://cbwarburg.com/press-report/fame-slept-here-william-randolph-hearsts-stately-park-avenue-home-for-sale/