Inside Bitter Real Estate Battle Over Late Guggenheim Exec’s $400 Million Estate—as His Former Mansion Is Listed for $17 Million

An awe-inspiring California mansion that belonged to a late Guggenheim Partners financier has been put on the market for $17 million—amid an ongoing battle over his staggering $400 million fortune.

Scott Minerd, a prominent figure in the financial world, died just four days before Christmas 2022 of a “probable cardiac arrest,” according to Vanity Fair. He left behind an incredible estate estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

That estate included high-value properties, including a pair of penthouse apartments in Miami, as well as a mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, all of which were put on the market in the wake of his tragic death at age 63.

However, his estate was understood to have included two “multimillion-dollar” dwellings in California that he purchased—and then allowed two of his closest friends to live in “rent-free,” Vanity Fair reports.

Those homes are now at the center of a bitter legal battle after their two occupants—Minerd’s longtime friend, Teri Chiota, and his personal trainer, Alex Figueroa—claimed that the financier had promised them they could keep the homes as a reward for “making themselves available” to him “24/7.”

According to the outlet, Chiota “walked, boarded, and cared for” Minerd’s rescue dog, Gracie, while Figueroa trained him at the gym. The latter also claimed in court documents that he had a romantic relationship with the businessman.

Vanity Fair reports that Minerd’s estate is being represented by his longtime business associate, Robert Fedoris, who has hit back at the claims—arguing that there is no proof Chiota was offered a home by Minerd at any point.

According to property records, Minerd owned multiple homes in California, including two properties in Venice Beach, one of which was purchased for $1.1 million in 2012, while the other was sold for $1.6 million in 2013.

Both homes are still registered under Minerd’s name—although it is not known whether these properties are the addresses being fought over by Chiota and Figueroa.

While that bitter legal battle rages on, several of Minerd’s other homes, those in which he is known to have lived with his husband, Eloy Mendez, are being sold off.

One of his two Miami penthouses, which he purchased just over a year before his death, was sold for $8.25 million in October 2024, while the other is on the market for $9.95 million.

Both condos are located on the 51st floor of a luxury high-rise and boast “breathtaking” views of Biscayne Bay.

Meanwhile, Minerd’s expansive Rancho Santa Fe mansion, which boasts six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, is on the market for $16.95 million—marking the second time it has been listed since his death.

Minerd purchased the home in 2016, according to records, before transferring the dwelling to an LLC.

In July 2024, over a year after his passing, it was put on the market for just under $10 million and found a buyer within two months.

That buyer now appears to have relisted the home after just six months, this time with a much heftier price tag attached to it, having put almost a million dollars into upgrades. They include improving the landscaping, electrical, plumbing, and finishes; adding a paddleball court with a viewing pavilion; and transforming the four-stall barn into four luxury guest casitas.

However, its listing agent insists that the home was not purchased with a view of turning it into a lucrative flip.

“This is a perfect example that life is about change,” says listing agent Jason Barry, of Barry Estates. “Many times our clients’ desires take them in new directions, as is the case here.”

There are some features of the home that needed no improvement, like its prestigious location in Covenant. Covenant is registered as a California Historical Landmark for its status as a historic planned community. It’s also one of the fanciest in the area.

The original rancho played a fascinating role in the landscape of Southern California history. In 1906, the Santa Fe Railway purchased the land grant to plant a blue gum eucalyptus tree plantation to use as railroad ties. But the wood proved too soft to hold railroad spikes.

So the railroad then formed the Santa Fe Land Improvement Co. to develop a planned community that became known as Covenant, where those eucalyptus trees still flourish.

Other florae also flourish on this estate—like the fragrant orange grove, the vineyard, the palms, and the grassy playing field that was formerly an equestrian arena.

The property, and the entire area, are suitable for horses—and it’s more than suitable for humans as well.

The estate includes an elegant Mediterranean-style main house, with high vaulted ceilings, arched windows and passageways, thick plastered walls, plus rich wood, marble, and tile flooring.

A massive great room with a vintage bar leads to a double-island kitchen with plenty of prep space.

Luxurious amenities include a spacious office, a walk-in wine cellar, an elaborate gym, a game room and theater, and a primary suite with two showroom closets.

Just outside there’s a resort-style pool, several children’s play areas, and a guesthouse. 

Of great concern to California homebuyers these days is fire insurance, which is unavailable in some areas. Fortunately, that’s not the case with this property.

“While obtaining fire insurance was not easy, the estate is fully insured,” says Barry. There’s a large reservoir nearby, and the microclimate in the area bears more humidity than many other SoCal locations.

“It is rare to find an equestrian 6-acre estate with panoramic views looking all the way to Mount Soledad in La Jolla,” says Barry. “The estate is now in perfect condition.”