A sprawling Connecticut mansion with a notorious financial history is back on the market. The 52,000-square-foot estate was previously owned by Mike Tyson and later by rapper 50 Cent. Its new listing price is set at $9.9 million.
The property’s story is one of extreme wealth, rapid downfall, and alleged curses. Nearly every owner has faced severe financial ruin or bankruptcy. Its journey from a fraudster’s palace to a rapper’s albatross is now a legendary cautionary tale.
A House Built on Fraud and Scandal
The mansion was constructed in 1985 by Benjamin Sisti. Sisti was the co-founder of Colonial Realty, a massive real estate syndication firm. He spent $2.3 million to build his dream home in Farmington, Connecticut.
Behind the scenes, Sisti’s company was a Ponzi scheme. According to Reuters, the fraud collapsed in 1990, devastating thousands of investors. Sisti declared bankruptcy and was later sentenced to nine years in federal prison. His mansion was seized by a bank and sold at auction.
From Tyson’s Palace to 50 Cent’s Burden
Boxing legend Mike Tyson purchased the foreclosed property in 1996 for $2.8 million. He poured millions into extravagant upgrades. These included a private nightclub he named “Club TKO” and an indoor basketball court.
Tyson’s finances famously imploded shortly after. He declared bankruptcy in 2003. The mansion was transferred to his ex-wife as part of their divorce settlement. She quickly sold it to rapper 50 Cent for $4.1 million that same year.
50 Cent famously showcased the home on MTV Cribs in 2007. However, the property became a massive financial drain. He listed it for years with no success. In 2015, court filings revealed the home cost him $70,000 a month in upkeep. He eventually declared bankruptcy and sold the estate for a loss of $1.2 million in 2019.
Info at your fingertips
Who originally built the mansion?
Real estate mogul Benjamin Sisti built the mansion in 1985. His company, Colonial Realty, was later exposed as a massive Ponzi scheme. This led to his imprisonment and the property’s first foreclosure.
How much did 50 Cent pay for the house?
50 Cent purchased the estate from Mike Tyson’s ex-wife, Monica Turner, in 2003. The sale price was $4.1 million. He owned it for 16 years before selling it at a significant loss.
Why is the mansion considered cursed?
The property is called cursed because nearly every owner has faced financial disaster. This includes bankruptcy, foreclosure, or severe monetary loss shortly after acquiring the home.
What is the mansion’s square footage?
The primary residence is approximately 52,000 square feet. It sits on over 17 acres of land and includes a guest house, a private lake, and a tennis court.
Who owns the mansion now?
Florida businessman Casey Askar purchased the home from 50 Cent in 2019. Askar, a fast-food franchise owner, is the current seller listing the property for $9.9 million.
Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from reputable news outlets and public court records. All financial figures are a matter of public record.
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