By Shannon Larson, The Boston Globe
2 minutes to read
Share
Send this article to your social connections.
A seaside estate in Beverly that was the scene of a brazen heist in March hit the market this week with a price tag of nearly $23 million.
Known as “Rock Edge,” the Georgian Revival-style mansion sits atop a rocky bluff and boasts 400 feet of private beachfront, according to the listing.
The 3.16-acre estate dates back to the early 1900s, when many wealthy families from Boston bought up land along the scenic North Shore coastline and built lavish summer homes designed by famed architects. The property is one of many stately homes lining Paine Avenue, located in the historic Prides Crossing neighborhood.
The property was commissioned by Marion Sargent, a descendant of Thomas Jefferson, whose husband made a fortune in the textile industry.
After Sargent’s death in 1924, the deed was passed to her niece, Eleonora Sears, a wealthy Boston Brahmin considered a pioneer in women’s sports. A prominent socialite, Sears regularly attended society events and often hosted other well-connected guests at the sprawling mansion. She lived there until her death in 1968.
The Benevento family purchased the property in 1970. In the following years, the estate underwent an extensive renovation overseen by Charlie Benevento, who owns Benevento Companies in Wilmington, according to previous marketing materials.
The 27,300-square-foot mansion has 13 bedrooms, 14 full baths, and four half baths, according to the listing. The home boasts 16-foot ceilings, formal living and dining rooms with ocean views, a private guest wing, and a 1,500-square-foot marble kitchen.
The living room features floor-to-ceiling windows and opens up to a veranda that faces the water. The estate includes a separate carriage house, according to the listing.
The mansion also has a pool and direct access to a private beach. Cabanas original to the property were restored for people to relax in while enjoying the outdoors.
In March, two masked thieves entered the mansion through an unlocked door in the early morning hours and stole $8 million worth of valuables, according to police. A caretaker at the home was also assaulted and left tied-up in the garage.
Following an investigation that led detectives from a casino in Everett to a jeweler in New York, authorities in April arrested 25-year-old Emajae Brown in connection with the robbery. Police identified him as the former boyfriend of a housekeeper who worked at the mansion.
On Wednesday, Brown, who is being held without bail, pleaded not guilty to an array of charges in Essex Superior Court, including armed burglary, assault with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping. Authorities believe two people participated in the break-in, but have not yet announced any additional arrests.
Now the homeowner is looking to part ways with the estate. Thomas J. Swan III, a business lawyer and investment banker, purchased the home for more than $18.2 million in 2023. Tracy Campion of Campion and Company is the listing agent.
Brown is accused of stealing numerous valuables, including cash, gold items, expensive watches, and collectibles. He also allegedly fled the scene in a Porsche stolen from the property that was later recovered. A grand jury indictment signed last month specifically references stolen gold coins.
Brown is next expected to appear in court for a hearing in early July.
