Will Madoff's Montauk Home Move Quickly?

By Allison Mezzafonte (Subscribe to Allison Mezzafonte's posts)
Sep 9th 2009 5:10PM

Categories: Celebs, Luxury Living, Famous Homes, House Tours, News & Trends

Sure, it's beautiful but is it full of bad vibes? Photo: Corcoran

As reports emerge about potential buyers and hoards of interested viewers, it seems as though Madoff's Montauk beach house may be snatched up faster than expected despite the circumstances under which it hit the market. The home, listed at $8.75 million, went on the market on Sept. 1 and already there are two confirmed bidders. As reported on CNN, it took only four days for Montauk real estate broker Joan Hegner to land two bids on the house and over a dozen prospective buyers. More are expected later this week. "We have people coming from Florida, from Germany," she is quoted as saying on CNN. "Since Tuesday, it's been bedlam. My poor dog is neglected."

We can't help but wonder: While the place is spectacular and the views breath-taking, would you want to live in a home tainted by the memory of what investors believe to be the biggest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history? All three homes after the jump!

Bernie Madoffs Vacation Home

The view of Madoff's former vacation home from the beach in Montauk, New York, photographed on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009. He bought the relatively modest property in 1979 and estimated its value last year at $3 million. Now it's on sale by federal authorities for $8.75 million.

Robert Mecea, AP

The pool is attached to the house by a wraparound deck.

Robert Mecea, AP

A view of the pool and the ocean from the front porch of the house.

Robert Mecea, AP

The beach is just 150 feet away--a distance no longer allowed by zoning laws.

Robert Mecea, AP

The dining room has a view of the ocean. The dining furniture, like everything else in the home, is for sale.

Robert Mecea, AP

Artwork from Madoff's Montauk home will also be auctioned.

Robert Mecea, AP

Duck decoys tagged for auction.

Robert Mecea, AP

The living room has a cathedral ceiling and a stone fireplace.

Robert Mecea, AP

The master bedroom.

Robert Mecea, AP

The master bath.

Robert Mecea, AP

Madoffs New York City Penthouse

The U.S. Marshals Service plan to put Bernie Madoff's former 4,000-square-foot New York City duplex penthouse on the market as early as this week. Madoff, now serving a 150-year sentence for fraud, holed up in this Upper East Side luxury apartment as his scheme unfolded.

Seen here, the apartment's wrap-around terrace with views of Manhattan in every direction.

Mary Altaffer, AP

This staircase joins the duplex's two floors. Bedrooms are located on the lower floor, contrary to standard layouts.

Mary Altaffer, AP

The living complete with parquet floors, oriental rugs and a piano -- is that the Steinway being auctioned off?

Mary Altaffer, AP

The super-traditional master bedroom has been cleared out of personal belongings.

Mary Altaffer, AP

A quaint eat-in-kitchen with bright New York City views

Mary Altaffer, AP

An elegant dining room for the most formal of dinners. Chandelier is to be sold separately.

Mary Altaffer, AP

The kitchen has an island range and what appears to be an indoor grill in the background. Large, by New York City standards.

Mary Altaffer, AP

One of the Madoff's bathrooms, complete with an exercise bike.

Mary Altaffer, AP

Inside Bernie's office

Mary Altaffer, AP

The at-home office where Ruth Madoff conducted business of her own.

Mary Altaffer, AP

Madoffs Florida Home

The Madoff's former Palm Beach Florida residence will likely have a market price of $7.45 million, down from a $9.3 million just last year. The 8,700-square-foot house has five bedrooms and seven baths.

J Pat Carter, AP

Antiques line the walls of this expansive home.

J Pat Carter, AP

The formal dining room has a casual feel with slip-covered chairs.

J Pat Carter, AP

High white ceilings create an open and airy feel in the master bedroom.

J Pat Carter, AP

A view of the master bedroom

J Pat Carter, AP

Views of the Florida Intercoastal waterway can be seen from the window in this living room.

J Pat Carter, AP

One of the guest rooms

J Pat Carter, AP

Antique fishing rods hang dress the wall of this room.

J Pat Carter, AP

All items in Madoff's study have been tagged for auction.

J Pat Carter, AP

A large swimming pool sits behind the Madoff home.

J Pat Carter, AP

Comments (5)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Trudy 9-11-2009 @ 4:36PM

Looking at all these suppoedly luxious and very expensive homes. Not one of them to me looked warm or inviting. They all seemed so cold, but then again that's the way I see a lot of rich peoples homes. They are supposed to have beautiful things but for the most part the things are just plain old cold, especially in Jewish homes. For the most part they like living near water and have a lot of light polished wood and they are simply cold and dry and no life in them. What kind of living is that? I guess the way they steal and get get get more and more money their homes just look dark, dead and no life, and just drab. Even if I had a lot of money I wouldn't want any of these houses. 'Cause that's just what they are HOUSES and not HOMES.

Lois 9-24-2009 @ 9:09PM

I take offense to your comment about Jewish homes and the decor.

How many Jewish homes have you been in?

Essie 9-12-2009 @ 2:11AM

Well, if I could get a home like that in Montauk for that price I would snap it up in a flash, bad vibe or not!!! Just scrub it down, repaint and forget about Bernie and his crime. Besides, the money will go to his victims!! That house is amazing!!! (Not the decorating, just the house itself.)

rachel 9-12-2009 @ 12:01AM

"...especially in Jewish homes." REALLY? You're going to make an incredibly ignorant generalization like that? Wow.

rimney 9-26-2009 @ 6:30PM

all trudy commented on is house decor! are you so vain and superficial that that comment bothered you? she did not say Jews are cheap! i really hate how our society as a whole has become such a bunch of whiners! and yes the houses are stale and sterile and i've been in many jewish homes and a lot are. by the way i'm jewish and that comment does not concern me as much as your whiney responses!