Century-Old Celebrity Haunt in the Hills Was Once Bugsy Siegel’s Gambling Den

Crazy for an elaborate mansion with a celeb-pedigreed past, as well as some pretty awesome views of Lake Hollywood and the iconic Hollywood Sign to boot? Well, you just might actually have a prayer of snagging the keys, because this illustrious Mulholland Highway estate once owned by the Material Girl herself is now for sale, asking a cool $21 million.

Known as Castillo del Lago, the idiosyncratic Hollywood Hills estate was built and designed by noted architect John DeLario for oil magnate Patrick Longan almost a century ago, but has underdone numerous renovations and expansions through the years. Famously occupied by Madonna in the mid-1990s and subsequently home to commercial director Joe Pytka, the mansion was rumored to have served as a gambling den operated by Bugsy Siegel in the ’30s; it was also used in the filming of “Beverly Hills Cop” in the ’80s. The place last sold to Russian-American fashion designer Leon Max for $7 million in 2010.

Tucked away on a nearly 3-acre hilltop parcel secured by a lengthy gated driveway, the Spanish-style structure boasts nine bedrooms and six baths spread across just over 10,500 square feet adorned with wood-beam ceilings, terracotta floors, custom wrought-iron details, arched doorways and colorful tilework. Amenities include an office, a screening room, wine cellar, gym that opens to a spacious terrace and kitchen-equipped staff quarters.

Upon entry, a double-height foyer displays a spiral staircase tower that connects the home’s multiple levels, which also can be reached via a vintage wood-paneled elevator. From there, a fireside living room is spotlighted by a soaring ceiling bolstered by stenciled wood beams and French doors spilling out to a spacious terrace overlooking the lake, and a formal dining room sports a dramatic honeycomb ceiling.

Other highlights include a cozy library flaunting a fireplace and built-in bookshelves, along with a “classic period-style” kitchen decked out with a center island, high-end appliances, additional prep areas and adjoining breakfast room. A posh master wing has separate sitting areas and access to the signature tower with lounge seating, and features dual baths.

As for the picturesque grounds, the backyard is laced with towering palms and rose gardens, and hosts a lap pool surrounded by a grassy lawn, courtyard holding a fountain and fireplace, and wisteria-covered al fresco dining terrace. Rounding it all out: an attached two-car garage flanked by a large motorcourt.

The listing is held by Linda May and Brett Lawyer of Carolwood Estates.