For many of us, the death of comedian and Oscar-winner Robin Williams last August seemed as sudden as it was tragic. He was an iconic figure in the world of comedy and film, whether he was lending his voice to animated films regarding dancing penguins (Happy Feet) or portraying a psychology professor grappling with his own bouts of depression alongside Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting). He brought laughs to many — who could forget the role in which he dons an absurd amount of makeup and a Scottish-sounding accent just to be a little closer to his children? — so it’s only fitting that his sprawling Napa estate was dubbed – (aka “Villa of Smiles”) upon its completion more than a decade ago. Now his home is on the market.
Nestled in the Mayacama foothills between Sonoma and Napa, the 640-acre ranch offers more than just five bedrooms and 6½ baths for a cool $25.9 million. A 3,200-square-foot guest house accompanies the main home, one outfitted with an infinity pool, a private tower, a small bass pond, a horse barn, and a bounty of other luxurious amenities that only complement the tennis courts and the nearby vineyard grown to produce cabernet sauvignon and merlot wines. The house itself is built of Portuguese limestone, and if that weren’t enough, it offers a climate-controlled wine cellar and oak-paneled library, in addition to a dedicated home-theater setup. Although the estate was originally put on the market for $35 million in 2012, it was recently relisted at the discounted price just prior to his death due to lack of interest.
“There are bills to pay,” said Williams in a brief interview with Parade magazine. “My life has downsized — in a good way. I’m selling the ranch up in Napa. I just can’t afford it anymore.” Williams’ death was ruled a suicide. He is survived by his wife Susan Schneider as well as three adult children from two previous marriages.
