If you looked at a photo of the mansion at 2458 National Drive in Mill Basin, Brooklyn without knowing where it was taken, you might assume it was the elaborate home of some wealthy person in Miami or Los Angeles. Its somewhat incongruous waterfront vibe might be one reason the mansion, currently listed at a price of $18 million, has been on the market for one price or another since 2013.
The house made headlines in 2013 when it was listed with a $30 million price tag. That ambitious price point made the home the most expensive in Brooklyn, but it wasn't to be, and the house remained unsold, perhaps due to its mobbed up history. It was built decades ago by John Rosatti, a multimillionaire who also happened to be a known associate of the Columbo crime family. Then, in the late 90s, he ran into some legal problems (go figure), and ended up selling it to its present owner, Russian heiress Galina Anisimova, who's having an unexpectedly hard time getting rid of it.
The property, which also includes a 7,800 square foot guest house, has 5,500 square feet of space outdoors, with several terraces to enjoy the waterfront view, and according to its present real estate listing it has the capacity to serve as a resort-quality "private island paradise" for whoever its next owner turns out to be. There's a five car garage, swimming pool, spa, dry sauna, and a large media and recreation room, altogether described as "[i]narguably the most sizable, impressive and architecturally unique property on the Brooklyn waterfront." On the third floor of the main house, you'll find some unusual touches, including a solarium, and a Zen meditation room. Of course, the listing also describes the property as "rarely available" when it's been on the market since 2013, so you might want to check it out in person before you place a bid.
