Bing Crosby Hillsborough House: inside $175,000 His Luxury Hillsborough Mansion

If you love celebrity homes with real history, you are in the right place. Today, we are stepping inside the legendary Hillsborough estate once owned by Bing Crosby, located at 1200 Jackling Drive. This is far more than a luxury mansion—it is a remarkable piece of American cultural history. Much like the fascination fans have with the Dolly Parton house and her Tennessee roots, Crosby’s estate reflects a defining era of stardom and timeless elegance.

Designed in a grand French chateau style, the home features 11 bedrooms and priceless antiques from the Hearst Collection. Whether you love architecture, history, or celebrity homes, this estate offers a rare glimpse into classic old Hollywood living. 🏡

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House _ Property Snapshot

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House Location

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House is located at 1200 Jackling Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010. Nestled at 1200 Armsby Drive in the exclusive Lower North Hillsborough, this legendary estate epitomizes total privacy. The wealthy, shop-free enclave—once home to Elon Musk—offered Bing Crosby a secluded retreat behind tall hedges. Recently renamed from Jackling Drive to honor Kathryn Crosby’s wishes, the manor remains a prestigious landmark for tech billionaires and old-money families seeking quiet California elegance.

My Visit to the Bing Crosby Hillsborough House

As Todd Lynch from Urbansfreaks, walking through the shaded lanes of Hillsborough toward 1200 Jackling Drive felt like stepping into another era. The long, tree-lined approach slowly reveals a whitewashed brick residence that feels closer to a Loire Valley château than a typical California estate.

Inside, the craftsmanship is remarkable — hand-carved banisters, intricate linen-fold paneling, and antique fixtures that reflect a level of detail rarely seen in modern homes, which I saw in Bing Crosby Hillsborough House. Soft light washes across the facade and through tall windows, giving the entire property a cinematic presence. Every corner of the estate feels carefully composed, like a living film set that quietly demonstrates what timeless luxury truly looks like. 🏡✨

Inside the Bing Crosby Hillsborough House Interior and Other features

Step inside the legendary Bing Crosby Hillsborough House, where timeless French Renaissance architecture meets the warmth of a long-cherished family sanctuary. This room-by-room tour reveals the exquisite Hearst Collection antiques and masterful craftsmanship that defined Bing Crosby’s private world in Hillsborough.

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House Entrance

The foyer is immediately striking at Bing Crosby Hillsborough House. Parquet hardwood floors stretch across the ground level, polished to a warm honey tone. The ceilings soar — in some rooms reaching over 14 feet — a feature that gives the entire home an almost cathedral-like presence. Natural light floods in through the tall French windows, catching the dust motes in the air and making the whole space feel alive.

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House Living Room

The formal living room is anchored by an ornate fireplace flanked by French doors that open directly onto the lush grounds at Bing Crosby Hillsborough House. The proportions are grand without feeling cold. Rococo plasterwork adorns the ceiling, and intricate crown moldings frame every wall. When Crosby lived here, a grand piano sat in this room — the same piano that appeared in the 1956 film High Society alongside Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra.

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House Kitchen

The kitchen is generously sized and traditionally designed at Bing Crosby Hillsborough House. High ceilings, classic cabinetry, and professional-grade appliances sit alongside original architectural details. A casual breakfast area connects to the main kitchen, allowing for both everyday family use and large-scale event catering. The layout is practical and flows naturally into the adjacent service areas.

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House Master Bedroom

The master suite is regal in every sense. A hand-carved fireplace anchors the room, framed by ornate sconces. High ceilings with soft ivory carpeting create an expansive, calming atmosphere. The suite includes a private sitting area, generous closet space, and direct access to a private terrace overlooking the gardens. The bedroom declares luxury without apology — layers of fine drapery, antique furnishings, and carefully chosen lighting make this one of the most impressive primary suites I have ever seen.

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House Bathrooms

There are 10 full bathrooms and 5 half bathrooms spread across the four levels in Bing Crosby Hillsborough House. The primary bathrooms feature marble finishes, soaking tubs, and detailed tile work consistent with the 1920s French aesthetic. Rainfall showers and custom vanities have been added in updated areas while preserving the original design language throughout.

Bing Crosby Hillsborough House: Study Room

The wood-paneled study—affectionately known as “Bing’s Den”—stands as one of the most storied sanctuaries within Bing Crosby Hillsborough House. Adorned with antique European paneling acquired from the legendary Marion Davies, the room exudes an intimate, scholarly atmosphere. A striking black marble fireplace serves as the centerpiece, warming the space where Crosby retreated to read and reflect. This deeply personal room acted as a private haven within his larger retreat, blending historic grandeur with the quiet comfort of a dedicated workspace.

Property History

Commissioned in 1929 as a wedding gift for the son of Seabiscuit’s owner, this French Renaissance Revival estate features rare Hearst Collection antiques. Bing Crosby purchased the manor in the 1960s, and it remained a family sanctuary for nearly six decades. Much like the historic interest surrounding the Bob Dylan house in Scotland or his Malibu retreat, this estate captures a unique musical legacy. Following Kathryn Crosby’s passing in 2024, the property sold in June 2025 for $25 million to a buyer committed to its preservation.

Additional Properties — Bing Crosby’s Other Homes

Beyond the gates of his grand Bing Crosby Hillsborough House, Bing Crosby curated a diverse collection of retreats that reflected his love for golf, privacy, and the American West. From mid-century desert oases to rugged Nevada ranches, these additional properties showcase the multi-faceted lifestyle of Hollywood’s most legendary crooner.

Rancho Mirage Estate

Bing Crosby also owned a midcentury modern home in the gated Thunderbird Heights community of Rancho Mirage, built in 1957. This 6,700 sq ft single-level residence sits on 1.36 acres with walls of glass, hand-carved wooden doors, a stone fireplace, and a private theater room. It is famous for hosting President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. The home sold in 2022 for $4.2 million and was relisted in late 2024 at $13.5 million.

Toluca Lake Estate

Crosby’s Southern Colonial-style mansion in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, was a 7,132 sq ft home on 2 acres of gated grounds. It featured 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a billiards room, a den with wet bar, five fireplaces, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a tennis court with grandstands, and a two-bedroom guesthouse. Later owners included Andy Griffith and Jerry Van Dyke. Crosby lived here until a Christmas tree fire gutted the home in 1943 — he was golfing at the time, and the family was unharmed.

Lawson Ranch Elko Nevada

Known as Lawson Ranch, this nearly 3,000-acre cattle property in Elko, Nevada was one of Crosby’s most beloved escapes. He first purchased land in Elko in the 1940s and eventually owned seven properties in the town, even being named honorary mayor in 1948. The main ranch holds a 5,000 sq ft home, three guesthouses, a private airstrip, an airplane hangar, two barns, a repair shop, and around 600 head of Angus cattle. Crosby used it as a hunting and fishing retreat. The ranch was listed in 2019 for $7.28 million.

First Hillsborough Residence

Before moving to 1200 Jackling Drive, Crosby first lived in Hillsborough at 101 Robin Road — a nearly 10,000 sq ft English Country Tudor Manor on 3 acres. It featured 10 bedrooms, 10.5 bathrooms, a ballroom, and a heated swimming pool. The Crosby family settled here in 1963 before relocating to the grander Jackling Drive chateau in 1965.

Bing Crosby: The Legend’s Final Act

Bing Crosby was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Here are six questions and answers regarding his passing, his famous estates, and their current status.

1. How did Bing Crosby pass away?

Bing Crosby died on October 14, 1977, at the age of 74. He suffered a massive heart attack while walking off the 18th green of the La Moraleja Golf Club near Madrid, Spain, having just finished a round of golf. His final words were reportedly, “That was a great game of golf, fellas.”

2. Where is Bing Crosby buried?

He is interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California. Despite his massive global fame, he was given a private, low-key funeral, which was attended only by close family and friends.

3. What happened to his famous Hillsborough estate?

His grand estate in Hillsborough, California—a 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom colonial manor—was sold by his widow, Kathryn Crosby, in the years following his death. The home has changed hands a few times since then, recently hitting the market again in the last few years for over $13 million.

4. Can the public tour Bing Crosby’s former homes?

Generally, no. Most of Crosby’s former residences, including his estates in Hollywood, Hillsborough, and his “Singing Hills” ranch, are privately owned. Unlike Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Crosby’s homes have not been converted into public museums.

5. Are there any Crosby properties you can visit?

While you cannot tour his private residences, fans often visit the Bing Crosby House Museum in his hometown of Spokane, Washington. This was his childhood home, located on the Gonzaga University campus. It houses a large collection of his memorabilia, including his Oscar.

6. Was his “Secret” Nevada ranch ever sold?

Yes. Crosby owned a massive ranch in Elko, Nevada, where he sought refuge from the Hollywood spotlight. This property, known as the PX Ranch, was sold after his death and remains a working cattle ranch under private ownership today.

Bing Crosby Networth: How much money did he have At That Time?

At the time of his death in 1977, Bing Crosby’s net worth was estimated at $10 million, which translates to approximately $50 million in today’s value. Unlike many stars of his era, Crosby was a brilliant businessman who amassed his fortune through savvy investments in Minute Maid Orange Juice, oil wells, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. His financial legacy was further bolstered by the record-breaking sales of “White Christmas” and his pioneering use of magnetic tape technology in broadcasting.

Final Thoughts

The Hillsborough estate of Bing Crosby is far more than a luxury home — it’s a living monument to a golden era of American culture. Set in Hillsborough, every room carries a story, every antique holds provenance. From the Hearst Collection panels to the grand piano tied to High Society, and Bing’s Den with its black marble fireplace — this is history you can actually feel. ✨

And that’s exactly what so many people are searching for now. Not just luxury — but legacy. Homes with depth, character, and a sense of permanence, like Bing Crosby Hillsborough House.

If you enjoy exploring estates like this, don’t stop here — there are many more timeless Homes Tours and design inspirations waiting to be discovered. 🏡