Zillow Gone Wild showcases the wildest houses money can buy. Some are beyond extravagant, others are just plain weird. Still others have incredible stories or outrageous designs. No matter what, they find the craziest houses on the market. But what if we told you about a prime candidate for Zillow Gone Wild right here in Mahwah, New Jersey? It’s got luxury on steroids, a rich history dating back to the 19th century and a scandalous story
First, a little luxury and opulence.
Imagine living in a 50,000-square-foot mansion constructed in 1907 with the finest materials. Park wherever you’d like in the 8-car garage. Stroll among the fountains, formal gardens, and enjoy the scenic mountain views on your 12.5 gated acres. Sip a craft cocktail in the library or the massive great hall. Luxuriate in any one of the 21 bedrooms knowing that at least one of the 26 bathrooms is only steps away.
After a few sets of tennis on your personal court, cool off in either the indoor or outdoor pool, work up a little more sweat in the expansive gym, or unwind in the spa or massage room. Entertain guests in your personal game room, home theater or billiard den. All of that and so much more for a mere $33 million.
And perhaps a dash of history.
In 1872, the Darling Estate spanned 1,100 acres and included a house and horse racetrack overseen by Alfred B. Darling. The property changed hands in 1901 when wealthy businessman George Crocker bought it to build his dream house.
The Crocker Mansion was inspired by the elegant Jacobean-style Bramshill House in England. He paid top dollar for the finest woodwork, intricate stonework, and exquisite craftsmanship throughout the house. After four years of construction, it was completed for roughly $2 million (approximately $70 million today).
When Crocker passed away in 1909, the renowned banker Emerson McMillin purchased the house. From 1927 until 1984, the 75-room mansion was home to the Immaculate Conception Seminary. It was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1995 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
If that’s not Zillow Gone Wild enough for you, let’s add a sinister angle to this story.
The Crocker Mansion, currently the most expensive New Jersey home listing, was owned by a Chinese billionaire until it was seized by the feds in March 2023. Guo Wengui was indicted on charges of money laundering, securities fraud, bank fraud and wire fraud. Federal prosecutors claim he masterminded a $1 billion scheme, using phony investment opportunities to grift thousands of online followers.
The man lived large, purchasing the home for $21 million in 2021 and spending lavishly on a $4.4 million custom Bugatti car, a $62,000 television set, as well as Chinese and Persian rugs to furnish his Mahwah estate. Guo is still awaiting sentencing and could be deported to China, where he is a wanted man.
If you want a taste of scandal, 55,000 square feet of elegance, and a bit of history only 25 miles from Manhattan, 675 Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah can be yours for $33 million.
