Billionaire pharma heir lists LA mansion for $35M as he builds world's biggest yacht

Billionaire pharma heir wants $35M for LA mansion as he prepares to build the world’s biggest yacht

Swiss pharmaceutical heir and entrepreneur Frank Binder has listed his Hollywood Hills mansion for $35 million, eight years after buying the property. Binder, whose family made its fortune through Swiss pharmaceutical company Merck Serono, bought the mid-century modern home for $33 million in 2018, according to reports by the New York Post, AOL and Robb Report. The listing comes as Binder focuses on his biggest project yet: the construction of Ulyssia, a 323-metre, $2 billion mega-yacht designed as a floating residential community with 122 luxury apartments. Set on a hill overlooking the Sunset Strip and the wider Los Angeles basin, the 10,700-square-foot mansion offers wide views stretching from the city to the ocean. The property is located behind private security gates.

Interior design by Kravitz Design and architectural details

Built in 1964, the estate went through a major, multi-year renovation led by musician and designer Lenny Kravitz through his company Kravitz Design before Binder bought it. The redesign added a strong mid-century style, textured stone walls, custom wood panelling and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that bring in natural light and offer wide views of the Los Angeles skyline. The home has four bedrooms and seven bathrooms spread across several levels. Features include a commercial-grade kitchen with custom cabinets, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a modern screening room and a large primary suite that opens directly onto private terraces overlooking the city. Outside, the property has a cantilevered infinity-edge swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, fire pits and several covered lounge areas designed for entertaining.

Shifting focus to a $2 billion residential ocean liner

Binder’s decision to sell the Los Angeles home comes as he becomes more involved in Ulyssia, which is being promoted as the world’s largest and most advanced residential yacht. The 15-deck vessel is being built with China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding, marine design company Deltamarin and naval architect Espen Øino. It is expected to begin sailing in 2030, according to Yacht Style and Boat International. The ship will have 122 permanent residences ranging from 110 to 1,600 square metres, with prices between €10 million and €100 million. Buyers must have a minimum net worth of $30 million to join the residential community. Planned facilities include a medical and wellness centre operated by Switzerland’s Chenot, two padel tennis courts, two helicopters, submersibles, seven restaurants, a school and a fully equipped marina bay.Binder, who founded Ulyssia Residences AG, plans to keep a 1,000-square-metre penthouse on the top deck, making the vessel his main home around the world.

Real estate dynamics on the Sunset Strip

The $35 million asking price reflects continued strength in the high-end Los Angeles property market, where luxury homes with celebrity connections and clear views remain attractive to wealthy international buyers. The property is represented by real estate agents Branden and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates, along with Carl Gambino of Compass, according to real estate records cited by the New York Post. If the mansion sells close to its asking price, the deal would rank among the highest residential sales recorded in the Hollywood Hills in 2026.

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