Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe Estate Lists for $6.25 Million Following Tragic Deaths of Actor and Wife

Late Oscar winner’s longtime New Mexico residence enters market nearly one year after couple found deceased

Key Information:

• Hackman’s 13,000-square-foot gated Santa Fe property listed at $6.25 million
• Six-bedroom estate includes artist’s studio, lap pool, and extensive woodland acreage
• Actor and wife Betsy Arakawa discovered deceased in February 2025

Historic Property Enters Market

Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe, New Mexico estate has been listed for sale nearly twelve months after the legendary actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased at the residence. According to Wall Street Journal reporting, the 13,000-square-foot gated home where the couple resided since the 1990s carries an asking price of $6.25 million, with listing representation by Tara S. Earley and Ricky Allen of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Extensive Estate Features

The six-bedroom property, situated within The Summit—a gated community positioned north of downtown Santa Fe—includes numerous amenities such as a putting green and an artist’s studio.

Hackman shared with Architectural Digest in 1990 that Santa Fe captured his attention after filming multiple projects there. “It possessed a certain magic,” he remarked at that time. The French Connection Oscar winner personally participated in every aspect of renovating the home following his purchase.

Property Preparation

All personal belongings of Hackman and Arakawa have been removed from the estate, which has undergone professional staging, according to WSJ reporting.

“Some prospective buyers will be reluctant to purchase a property where deaths occurred,” Earley acknowledged to the publication. “Other buyers remain unaffected by such circumstances. We’re marketing the property based on its merits and all positive attributes.”

Architectural Details

The main residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, a living room with exposed beam details, and a library where the couple enjoyed watching films together. Both the primary house and guest house contain three bedrooms. The property encompasses acres of forested land and includes a lap pool plus a pagoda-covered hot tub.

Tragic Discovery Timeline

The listing arrives nearly one year following the February 26, 2025 discovery of Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies inside the home in advanced states of decomposition.

Hackman was located in a mudroom of the residence, while Arakawa was discovered collapsed in a bathroom, according to a search warrant affidavit reviewed by journalists. One of the couple’s three dogs was also found deceased.

Medical Findings

Weeks following the discovery of their bodies and completion of autopsies, authorities revealed a timeline and causes of death.

Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a flu-like illness linked to rodent droppings exposure.

Hackman passed away approximately one week later from a combination of severe cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Evidence suggested he likely remained in the residence with his wife’s body for several days.

Memorial Service

A memorial ceremony honoring both the actor and the pianist took place in Santa Fe during April 2025.

Real Estate Considerations

The property’s listing presents unique challenges given the circumstances surrounding the deaths. However, listing agents emphasize the estate’s substantial positive qualities—its architectural features, prime Santa Fe location, extensive amenities, and historical connection to one of cinema’s most celebrated performers.

Hackman’s Santa Fe Connection

The actor’s deep connection to Santa Fe extended beyond simple residence. His involvement in the property’s transformation from acquisition through decades of occupancy reflected his genuine appreciation for the region’s cultural atmosphere and natural beauty. The estate served not merely as a retreat from Hollywood but as a place where Hackman could pursue artistic interests and enjoy a more private existence with Arakawa.

Property Market Context

At $6.25 million, the estate represents a significant Santa Fe real estate offering. The combination of size, location within a prestigious gated community, amenities, and celebrity provenance positions the property for potential interest from buyers seeking both luxury and historical significance, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the previous occupants’ deaths.

Legacy Considerations

The sale marks the conclusion of Hackman’s decades-long chapter in Santa Fe, closing a residence that witnessed his transition from active filmmaking to retirement and ultimately became the location of the couple’s final days. For future owners, the property represents both a substantial real estate acquisition and a piece of Hollywood history, forever connected to one of American cinema’s most accomplished performers.

The listing agents’ approach—acknowledging the deaths while emphasizing the property’s virtues—reflects the delicate balance required when marketing a residence with such recent tragic history, recognizing that different buyers will weigh these factors differently in their purchasing decisions.