The massive estate of Indianapolis businesswoman and philanthropist Christel DeHaan, who passed away in June 2020, recently sold for a record-breaking $14.5 million. According to a press release, the Linden House property is the best-selling residential property in Indiana history.
Colorado-based M Development won the bid for the property, and RH, formerly of Restoration Hardware, will lease the property.
RH’s goal is to open the showroom with RH-branded products in the summer of 2023, according to a press release. The newly repurposed property will also include a restaurant, wine bar and interior design and outdoor furniture galleries.
Proceeds from the record-breaking sale will benefit Christel House International, the non-profit organization DeHaan founded to support education for impoverished children worldwide. The organization operates schools in Indianapolis, Mexico, Indiana, Jamaica, Mexico and South Africa; and also provides five years of post-graduation support through its college and career program.
Real estate in Indianapolis: Christel DeHaan’s $14 million home has been described as “a veritable sanctuary.” It’s in the market.
Located at 4501 N. Michigan Road, the property is close to Butler University, Newfields and the White River. It is located on more than 150 hectares that were formerly the site of the Benedictine monastery of St. Maur.
“Nowhere else in the city will you find a property with such a commitment to design and aesthetics,” reads an Instagram post from Encore Sotheby’s International Realty. “Every part of the house, the surrounding patios, formal gardens and lush landscaping is stunning and functional depending on its intended use.”
The 41,762 square foot, 7 bedroom property was launched in January and listed on Encore Sotheby’s International Realty for $14 million.
The palatial home features 10 full baths and 7 half baths, along with a spa, outdoor and indoor pools, hot tub, steam room, tennis court, billiard room and a 5-car garage, IndyStar previously reported. Additional features include cathedral ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, a catering kitchen and a butler’s pantry.
Outside, the property sits on a 35-acre lake and features outdoor patios and courtyards.
The property was jointly listed by Mike Johnson of residential real estate agent Encore Sotheby’s International Realty and Stan Burton of commercial real estate agent Avison Young.
In a statement, Johnson said co-listing Linden House was “an exciting opportunity and the culmination of my 25-year career.”
Real estate in Indianapolis: The buyer is attempting to repurpose Christel DeHaan’s property into a home furnishings showroom and restaurant
“Indianapolis residents will soon have the opportunity to witness the splendor of this amazing property and private gardens,” Johnson continued.
DeHaan was born in Germany and raised by her mother after her father was killed by American bombs during World War II. She later immigrated to Indiana.
In addition to her philanthropic work with Christel House International, DeHaan was known for co-founding the Indiana-based timeshare company Resort Condominiums International, which she sold in 1995 for $825 million.
Attorney Timothy Ochs of Ice Miller’s Indianapolis office, representing M Development, did not immediately respond to IndyStar’s request for comment.
IndyStar reporters Ko Lyn Cheang and Alexandria Burris contributed to this report.
