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Tuesday, 21 August, 2001, 09:16 GMT 10:16 UK
Sinatra mansion for sale
Frank Sinatra
Sinatra was born in a poor area of New York
The Californian mansion where Frank Sinatra lived for 15 years has been put up for sale by his widow for $12.5m (£8.6m).

The 14-room home in Beverly Hills, which comes complete with piano, was the final home of the singing legend before his death in 1998.

The singer's widow decided to put the house up for sale after buying a penthouse for a reported $3m (£2.4m) in nearby Westwood, Los Angeles.

Sammy David Jr and Frank Sinatra
Sammy Davis Jr and Sinatra were part of the Rat Pack
The mansion was built in the 1960s but was rebuilt in the 80s, adding another floor, just before the Sinatras bought it.

Sinatra's life started in less grand surroundings.

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey - a down-at-heel suburb of New York - the son of Italian immigrants, Sinatra started as a singing waiter but by his twenties was performing with his hero Bing Crosby.

In the 1950s he was part of the original Rat Pack, alongside Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin.

His hits such as My Way and New York, New York have ensured his status as a singing legend.

Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby
Sinatra sang with Bing Crosby in the 1940s

A guest book offers an insight into the glamorous times the house has seen.

Estate agent Jeff Hyland of Hilton and Hyland, said: "You recognize every name as world famous people.

"The Pecks, the Annenbergs, the Wilders. You name them and all those people were there."

Mr Hyland added that Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen had been guests at Sinatra's 80th birthday party, joining the veteran singer around the piano.

The home also was the venue for Sinatra's weekly card game with friends.

The house features an art gallery, gymnasium, swimming pool and two artificial waterfalls.

As well as the master bedroom suite there is a guest suite, two maids' quarters and a kennel.

See also:

18 Apr 01 | Music
Sinatra is voice of the century
17 Apr 01 | Music
Picture gallery: Frank Sinatra
30 Oct 00 | Entertainment
Sinatra 'loathed' My Way
16 May 98 | Sinatra
Frank Sinatra obituary
15 May 98 | Sinatra
Frank Sinatra's love and marriage
21 May 98 | Sinatra
Cannes mourns Frank Sinatra
14 Apr 99 | Entertainment
Lennon named greatest singer
12 Aug 98 | Entertainment
Frank Sinatra Jr blocks kidnap movie
13 Nov 98 | Entertainment
Fans flock for Frank discussion
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