Gene Hackman's 'rat-infested' mansion could sell for eye-watering sum

The Santa Fe mansion where and his wife Betsy Arakawa spent their final days could sell for a whopping figure when it finally goes on sale. With a mystery currently surrounding the heavyweight's will after he left his three adult children out of his estate, it's unclear just where the money will go when the house does sell.

Gene, who at the age of 95 in February from heart disease and complications, left everything to his wife Betsy. But as Betsy died around a week before him aged 65 from hantavirus, his children may now have to fight for his £62million estate, which stipulated his money would go to charity.

Gene's Santa Fe compound has been valued between $3.8million and $4million in property records, but according to Daily Mail, the home could fetch a whopping $5million (£3.7million). A Coldwell Banker estate agent told the publication: "The home is big, stylish and has great bones so there will be interest.

"Even though two people passed away in the house, there will still be plenty of offers." They explained that Gene's Hollywood links will likely drive up the price even further, as well as the house likely being sold in spring or summer rather than the colder winter months.

The home is located within a gated community on six acres, with an impressive view of the Rocky Mountains. Sadly, the couple were found dead inside in February 2025, along with their dog Zinna. Two surviving dogs were rescued from the property and rehomed in separate states.

Reports also revealed that the house was "rat-infested", with the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducting an assessment on their property. Dead rodents and rats' nests were found in "eight detached outbuildings", turning the property into a "breeding ground" for the rodent-borne hantavirus.

The primary residence was deemed to be "low-risk", but traps were found in surrounding buildings, hinting that the couple were aware of the problem and were trying to battle the rats. Rat droppings - which spread the virus - were found in three garages, two casitas and three sheds on the property.