A secluded 156-acre estate in Bradford, New Hampshire, known as the final hiding place of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell before her 2020 arrest, is facing significant challenges on the real estate market. Despite its expansive grounds and custom-built homes, the property's direct association with the high-profile criminal case appears to be deterring potential buyers, leading to a notable price reduction just months after its initial listing.
Key Takeaways
- A New Hampshire property where Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested has had its price cut by $130,000 to $2.37 million.
- The 156-acre estate includes two separate residences, a private pond, and extensive walking trails.
- Maxwell was arrested at the location on July 2, 2020, after nearly a year in hiding.
- Real estate experts suggest the property's notorious history is the primary reason for its difficulty in attracting a buyer.
A Property Defined by Its Past
The sprawling compound in Bradford was listed for sale during the summer with an asking price of $2.5 million. However, after just three months on the market without a sale, the price was quietly lowered to $2.37 million. This $130,000 adjustment suggests that the property's luxury features are being overshadowed by its infamous connection to Maxwell.
Federal agents apprehended Maxwell at this remote location on July 2, 2020, ending a nearly year-long manhunt. She had retreated to the property following the death of her associate, Jeffrey Epstein, in August 2019. Authorities were able to locate her by tracking data from her cellphone to the rural New Hampshire address.
Who is Ghislaine Maxwell?
Ghislaine Maxwell is a British socialite and a longtime associate of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. In 2022, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in recruiting and sexually abusing underage girls for Epstein. Her appeal to the US Supreme Court was recently rejected, keeping her case in the public consciousness.
Details of the 2019 Purchase
The estate was last sold in December 2019 for $1.1 million. The transaction was conducted through a limited liability company named Granite Realty, LLC. Public records and court documents later linked this entity to Maxwell and her then-partner, tech executive Scott Borgerson. This purchase occurred as Maxwell was actively avoiding public scrutiny.
During legal proceedings, prosecutors highlighted the opaque nature of Maxwell's finances, pointing to numerous bank accounts and complex financial transfers. The purchase of the New Hampshire property was seen as part of her effort to conceal her assets and whereabouts.
Inside the Secluded Compound
The property listing focuses entirely on the estate's physical attributes, making no mention of its controversial history. The 156 acres are surrounded by conservation land, ensuring privacy and offering expansive mountain views.
The compound includes two separate dwellings: a main timber-frame residence and a detached guest barn. Both structures are equipped with two bedrooms. The main house features a great room with a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace, providing a dramatic centerpiece. A sunroom with a wood-burning stove offers additional living space with views of the surrounding landscape.
Property at a Glance
- Acreage: 156 acres
- Original Price: $2.5 million
- Current Price: $2.37 million
- Dwellings: 2 (main house and guest barn)
- Bedrooms: 4 total (2 in each dwelling)
- Amenities: Workshop, equipment garage, private trails, waterfall-fed pond
Outdoor features are a key selling point, including open fields, a workshop, an equipment garage for maintenance, and a network of private walking trails. A pond fed by a natural waterfall adds to the property's tranquil and secluded atmosphere. Despite these high-end amenities, buyer interest has remained low.
The Challenge of Selling a Stigmatized Home
Real estate professionals note that a property's history, especially one involving a notorious crime, can be a major liability. Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, commented on the challenges facing the Maxwell property.
"It’s not famous in a good way. The backstory may be enough to quash any interest from a buyer, let alone not wanting to give their money to Maxwell or anyone connected to her by buying the home."
Ameer explained that the issue extends beyond simple stigma. Many potential buyers may have strong moral objections to a transaction that could financially benefit Maxwell or her associates, even indirectly.
"There may be people who feel morally opposed to having anything to do with this property because of Maxwell’s prior actions, particularly that this home was used as a hiding place before she was arrested. The negative publicity surrounding this property is going to be difficult to overcome, no matter what."
An Opportunity for a Bargain?
While many are repelled by the property's history, Ameer acknowledged that its notoriety could attract a specific type of buyer—one looking for a deal. "On the flip side, are there buyers who look for opportunities like this? Absolutely," she stated. "They may be able to separate the backstory and use this as a chance to negotiate a deal on a luxury property."
This situation often leads to a significant price reduction for stigmatized properties. Even with the current $130,000 price cut, the property may need to see further reductions to attract a serious offer. However, should a sale occur near the current asking price of $2.37 million, it would still represent a profit of over $1.2 million compared to the 2019 purchase price, more than doubling its value in just a few years despite its infamous history.
