Inside Donald Trump’s Seven Springs estate and golf course that the New York Attorney-General aims to seize – realestate.com.au

In a significant legal move against Donald Trump, New York Attorney-General Letitia James and her team have initiated steps to seize assets from the former president, following his inability to post bond in the $464m (A$710m) civil fraud ruling against him.

The Post reports that Ms James filed judgments in Westchester County, signalling the state’s readiness to take Trump’s golf course and private estate, famously known as Seven Springs, located north of Manhattan.

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These judgments were formally entered with the clerk’s office in Westchester County on March 6, merely a week subsequent to Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling, which held Trump — and his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization — liable for the staggering $355m, plus interest.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump stand together as they speak with the media after voting at a polling station setup in the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center on March 19, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by JOE RAEDLE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA)

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Attorney-General Letitia James speaks during a press conference following a verdict against former U.S. President Donald Trump in a civil fraud trial on February 16, 2024 in New York City. Picture: Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA)

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James has set a deadline of March 25 for Trump to fulfil the bond requirement linked to the judgment, although Trump’s legal team has indicated posting the bond is an “impossibility,” after approaching more than 30 firms. Here are the properties at stake.

Inside Trump’s Seven Springs estate

Trump’s Seven Springs estate in Mount Kisco, New York. Pictures: The Washington Post via Getty Images

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Nestled within the serene landscapes of Westchester County lies the opulent Trump Seven Springs estate, a prestigious 230-acre haven spanning three towns: Bedford, Armonk and Chappaqua.

Originally built in 1919 by Eugene Meyer, former publisher of the Washington Post and chairman of the Federal Reserve, the mansion was acquired by the Trump Organization in 1996, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its storeyed history.

The estate was crafted over five years with the labour of 500 Italian masons and other artisans from across the globe.

Trump’s children grew up on the estate, and would often visit during the summers and weekends. Picture: Trump Organization via The Post.

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The stately interior. Picture: Trump National Golf Club via The Post

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Beyond the main mansion, the estate boasts carriage houses, each with its own unique charm, and a Tudor-style mansion constructed in 1919 by H.J. Heinz, founder of Heinz ketchup and a close associate of Meyer.

Donald Trump’s vision for Seven Springs was ambitious and initially sought to transform it into a luxurious golf course.

Yet, despite two decades passing since its purchase, no greens have been laid. Instead, the estate has evolved into a secluded retreat for the Trump family.

Purchased for $7.5m in 1996, Trump’s plans for an 18-hole golf course faced fierce opposition from neighbouring towns concerned about traffic and environmental impact on Byram Lake, a vital water source for Mount Kisco.

The main home is more than 4,600 sqm. Picture: Trump Organization / Trump National Golf Club via The Post

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Despite years of effort, Trump ultimately abandoned the golf course project, leaving Seven Springs as a cherished family sanctuary.

Eric Trump fondly recalls his upbringing at Seven Springs, where summers and weekends were spent on its sprawling grounds, including the palatial 4,645 sqm main home.

“My father, during the summers, would always put us to work,” Eric said in a 2014 interview with Forbes.

The grand hall adorned in chandeliers and marble. Picture: Trump Organization via The Post

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“We were literally riding mowers around, we were mowing all the fields, cutting down trees and fallen trees, cutting rebar and laying marble and doing electrical work, doing demo work.”

From assisting in maintenance tasks to exploring the woods and fishing on Byram Lake, the estate was a playground for the Trump siblings.

The carriage house served as their cherished retreat until Eric eventually moved on.

“It was home base for us for a long, long time, until I finally bought another house and moved out,” he said.

Seven Springs boasts 60 rooms, 15 bedrooms, and an array of amenities including three pools, a bowling alley and hiking trails.

Inside Trump National Golf Club

Trump National Golf Club boasts an 18-hole course. Picture: Trump National Golf Club via The Post

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Trump National Golf Club Westchester, in Briarcliff Manor, stands as a premiere private golf club spanning 140 acres of lush landscape, boasting an 18-hole course complimented by a sprawling clubhouse.

Originally established in 1922 under the moniker Briarcliff Country Club, the venue underwent several transformations, known subsequently as Briar Hills Country Club and Briar Hall Golf and Country Club.

Amenities include an expansive heated pool. Picture: Trump National Golf Club via The Post

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In 1996, the property found itself under the ownership of Trump, who acquired it for $7.5m and promptly rebranded it to honour its location within Westchester County, akin to his other golf properties.

Under Trump’s stewardship, the club witnessed extensive renovations, culminating in its grand reopening in 2002, marked by the meticulous redesign of both the clubhouse and course, masterminded by architect Jim Fazio.

Trump himself presided over Trump National Golf Club LLC, responsible for managing the Westchester club, from August 2000 until Jan. 19, 2017, the day preceding his presidential inauguration.

The clubhouse. Picture: Trump National Golf Club via The Post

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Over the years, the club has boasted an illustrious membership roster, counting esteemed figures like former Yankees manager Joe Torre, along with Hollywood icons Jack Nicholson and Clint Eastwood.

The club’s amenities feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre, tennis courts, heated swimming pool complete with a spa area and even a designated kiddie pool for the younger members.

Inside the clubhouse, members are treated to amenities such as well-appointed men’s and women’s locker rooms, a kids’ game room and a cafe/restaurant.

Many in the real estate industry have slammed this civil real estate case as outrageous.

Kevin O’Leary, renowned entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” personality, didn’t hold back in his condemnation of a New York judge’s decision to slap Donald Trump with a jaw-dropping $355m fine.

In a scathing rebuke, O’Leary branded the ruling as “unjust,” “appalling” and ultimately “un-American.”

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron’s verdict not only levied the hefty fine, which has since amassed a hefty interest, against Trump — but also imposed a temporary ban on his business activities within his native New York.

An appeal judge has ruled against the ban pending appeal.

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This story first appeared in The Post and was republished with permission.