The Gene Hackman house has become a hot topic among celebrity real estate enthusiasts. This legendary actor, known for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico after retiring.
His adobe-style mansion made headlines when police released footage from inside the property during a check, giving us a glimpse into his private life.
It is near the historic Plaza area of Santa Fe with views of Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Hackman’s mansion is on 12 acres of New Mexico land.
The property features traditional Pueblo Revival architecture valued at around $6 million.
While Hackman enjoyed success during his five-decade career, winning two Academy Awards and four Golden Globes, his personal life remained private.
Here, we’ll take you on a tour of Gene Hackman House, looking at everything from its architectural style to its luxurious features.
We’ll also discuss what happened to the property recently, which real estate he owned.
Overview of Gene Hackman House
Gene Hackman’s primary residence is in Santa Fe, New Mexico, near the historic Plaza area with breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
This location offered the balance of cultural richness and privacy that attracted many celebrities to the area.
Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa purchased the property in the late 1980s following the peak of his Hollywood career.
What started as an investment has grown in value over the decades. When purchased, the property cost between $1-2 million, but its current market value is around $6 million.
Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe Residence Details
| Feature | Description |
| Location | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
| Property Size | Approximately 12 acres |
| Home Size | 4,500-5,000 square feet |
| Style | Adobe Pueblo Revival architecture |
| Purchase Date | Late 1980s |
| Current Value | Estimated $6 million |
| Notable Features | Thick adobe walls, high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, multiple fireplaces, swimming pool, guesthouse |
Where does Gene Hackman currently live?
Gene Hackman lived in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home until the controversy in 2025.
According to a January 2025 report, local police conducted a welfare check at the residence after neighbors expressed concern about not seeing them for several weeks.
The 95-year-old actor and his wife Betsy had made Santa Fe their primary residence. Despite owning other properties, the New Mexico mansion remained their favorite retreat.
Hackman once told The New York Times in a 2011 interview, “Santa Fe gives me the peace that Hollywood never could. The mountains, the light, the whole atmosphere recharges me.”
His dedication to privacy meant few photos of the residence existed before recent events.
Friends who visited described a warm, comfortable home that reflected the appreciation for Southwestern art and design rather than Hollywood glamour.
Gene Hackman House Tour: The $4 Million Mansion
Hackman’s Santa Fe retreat blends Southwestern architecture with modern luxury.
The home features adobe walls that keep it cool in summer and warm in winter, the best choice for New Mexico’s climate.
Large windows frame spectacular mountain views, while covered patios extend the living space outdoors.
Grand living room
Hackman’s home has a spacious living room with its signature kiva fireplace.
According to Architectural Digest, which featured Santa Fe properties, the room has soaring ceilings with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, a traditional element in Pueblo Revival architecture.
The walls feature hand-plastered finishes in warm earth tones, large French doors open to a covered patio, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living, a hallmark of desert home design.
Master suite and bedrooms
Hackman’s master bedroom suite occupies its own wing of the house, offering privacy and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The suite features a king-sized bed positioned to capture mountain views, a sitting area near the kiva fireplace, and direct access to an outdoor patio.
The home contains additional bedrooms, with their own character and many with en-suite bathrooms.
These guest rooms allowed Hackman to host family members, including his three children from his first marriage, while maintaining privacy.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms in Gene Hackman house blend luxury with Southwestern design elements.
According to sources, they feature handmade Mexican tile work, copper or hand-painted ceramic sinks, and spacious walk-in showers.
The master bathroom includes a soaking tub positioned near a window to enjoy the mountain views.
Hackman insisted on high-quality fixtures throughout the home, choosing function and comfort over flashy design statements.
Gourmet kitchen with dining space
The kitchen serves as both a functional cooking space and gathering area.
According to Southwest Home magazine, Hackman’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, granite countertops in earth tones, and high-end appliances for cooking rather than for show.
A large central island provides workspace and casual seating, while the dining area features a large wooden table.
French doors connect this space to an outdoor dining patio, perfect for Santa Fe’s pleasant weather.
Entertainment space
Unlike other Hollywood homes of showing off wealth, Hackman’s entertainment spaces reflect his personality.
The home includes a comfortable media room with seating and a quality sound system where he could watch films.
A separate library and office space houses Hackman’s collection of books. This room features built-in bookshelves, a comfortable reading chair, and a desk where he wrote his published novels.
Resort-style pool and cabana
The property includes a swimming pool designed to complement the natural landscape.
Hackman opted for a restrained design with flagstone surround and simple lines. A cabana provides shade and a changing area, while maintaining the aesthetic.
The pool area includes comfortable lounging furniture and views of the surrounding mountains.
Privacy landscaping with native plants ensures this outdoor oasis remains hidden from neighboring properties and the road.
Outdoor amenities and landscape
The grounds surrounding Gene Hackman house showcase desert landscaping that requires minimal water.
Native plants, gravel pathways, and shade trees create a natural extension of the home’s living space.
Multiple courtyards and patios allow for outdoor enjoyment in different seasons and times of day.
A covered porch with a kiva fireplace extends the outdoor living season into cool months.
How big was Gene Hackman’s house?
Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe mansion was around 4,500-5,000 square feet of interior space, approximately 12 acres of land near the historic Plaza area.
While not massive by Hollywood standards, the space of the property provides privacy and desert vistas.
The house gives classic pueblo colonial architecture with its earth-toned stucco exterior, flat roof, and rounded edges.
This traditional Southwestern style features adobe walls, high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, and multiple kiva fireplaces.
According to Santa Fe architectural experts quoted in Southwestern Home magazine, “Hackman’s residence represents one of the finest examples of Pueblo Revival design, executed with attention to historical details while incorporating modern touch.”
The property balances privacy with resort-style living. Tall adobe walls and well placed vegetation shield, while multiple outdoor living spaces allow residents to view Santa Fe’s famous light and mountain panoramas.
Modern amenities like climate control systems, security features, and updated kitchen and baths provide comfort with the traditional architectural touch.
What are the other properties that were owned by Gene Hackman?
Throughout his career, Gene Hackman invested in many properties across the United States, though he maintained a modest real estate portfolio compared to many Hollywood stars.
According to property records and interviews with his business manager quoted in Celebrity Home Magazine, Hackman owned at least 5-6 properties during his lifetime.
“Gene never saw real estate as a status symbol,” his former financial advisor told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2018 article.
“He bought places he genuinely wanted to live in or enjoy with his family, not to show off or for profit.”
Gene Hackman’s Real Estate Portfolio:
| Property | Location | Purchase Year | Purchase Price | Sale Year | Sale Price |
| Primary Residence | Santa Fe, NM | Late 1980s | Est. $1-2 million | Still owned at time of death | Est. value $6 million |
| Beach House | Montecito, CA | 1978 | $650,000 | 1995 | $2.1 million |
| Manhattan Apartment | Upper West Side, NY | 1982 | $420,000 | 2008 | $2.5 million |
| Ranch Property | Wyoming | 1990 | $1.2 million | 2012 | $3.8 million |
| Lake House | Michigan | 1975 | $120,000 | 1984 | $375,000 |
What Happened to Gene Hackman’s House After Death?
The 2025 controversy in Gene Hackman’s house shocked many fans who had followed the actor’s career.
In January 2025, according to reports from The Santa Fe New Mexican and picked up by national outlets like CNN, local police conducted a welfare check at Hackman’s residence.
The bodycam footage released by Santa Fe police revealed concerning conditions inside the home.
Officers told about cluttered living spaces, signs of neglect, and evidence of rodent infestation in the property.
The kitchen contained expired food, while personal items appeared scattered in the living areas.
“What we found indicated a gradual decline in housekeeping and maintenance, consistent with residents who may have been struggling with health issues,” Santa Fe Police Captain Maria Rodriguez told reporters at a press conference.
The investigation determined that both Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 73, had passed away from natural causes, Hackman from complications related to pneumonia and his wife from heart failure.
Photos released after the investigation showed that the interior contents of the house had fallen into disarray, the structure remained sound.
The adobe walls, wooden beams, and architectural features that made the home special were intact.
Conclusion
Gene Hackman house represents more than a celebrity residence, it embodies the actor’s desire for authenticity, privacy, and connection to natural beauty.
It’s not like the other flashy mansions of many Hollywood stars, he chose a home that reflected the culture and architecture of its location, investing in quality craftsmanship.
The glimpse into the home’s final state serves as a reminder of life’s fragility, for those who achieved success and recognition.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the discovery, the property remains a significant piece of architectural heritage in Santa Fe and a proof to Hackman’s appreciation for Southwestern culture.
As fans remember, his film legacy, from his Oscar-winning performances to his retirement years as an author, Gene Hackam house is a reminder of the private man behind the public persona, who valued craftsmanship, natural beauty, and peaceful living from the spotlight.
FAQs on Gene Hackman
Where does Gene Hackman reside?
Gene Hackman resided in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from the late 1980s until his passing in early 2025. His adobe-style mansion near the historic Plaza area is his primary residence during his retirement years. The property is approximately 12 acres with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
How much was Gene Hackman net worth when he died?
Gene Hackman’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was around $80 million. This wealth came from his acting career of five decades, wise investments, real estate holdings, and royalties from his novels published after retirement from acting in 2004.
Who inherited Gene Hackman’s money?
While the exact details are private, reports from news sources say that Hackman’s estate was divided among his family members. This includes his wife Betsy Arakawa, his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman.
What was the cause for his and his wife’s death?
According to the Santa Fe medical report, Gene Hackman died of natural causes related to complications from pneumonia at age 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, who was 22 years younger than Hackman, passed away from heart failure around the same time.