Legendary mobster Al Capone's Palm Island manse is being sold. Capone's grandson, Chris Knight Capone, author of the memoir Son of Scarface (www.sonofscarface.com), is staying at the estate until the deal closes. The historic home, listed at $6.7 million, is presently owned by Hank Morrison, who purchased the house in 1970. Capone's wife sold the home in 1958.
According to Knight Capone, ``A middle-aged entrepreneur is purchasing the home and has plans to remodel.''
Knight Capone says he hopes that the new owner will try to restore as much of the house as possible.
``This house holds a lot of history. All the fixtures are original, even the windows, toilets, sinks -- you name it. Even the 60 x 30 in-ground pool which my grandfather installed. . . . My grandfather had the lime imported to have this beautiful grotto built, which has always been the centerpiece of this beautiful estate.''
As for staying in the house, Knight Capone says it's a surreal experience.
``My grandfather passed away here 62 years ago, my grandmother sold the place 51 years ago. For me to be here in 2009, to see and feel the estate in its original state when my grandparents owned it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.''
At the house, Knight Capone also feels a certain understanding of his late father, William Knight, Capone's son who lived under an assumed identity for obvious reasons.
''My father loved boating,'' Knight reminisces. ``The port terminal is right across the street. I feel my father's presence here as I look out above the blue water and understand why my dad loved the sea so much. To him, it was freedom . . . from his father's notorious name. His life was the sea and now I get it. If you were Capone's son, where would you go hide? The sea! Who would find you? They didn't have GPS back then.''
Fans of the paranormal wonder if the place is haunted. Knight Capone wouldn't say it's haunted, but says he definitely feels his grandfather's presence.
``The present owner has a few pictures around the house of my grandpa. The resemblance between my grandfather and me is so remarkable, I feel like I am looking at myself.''
It helps that Capone had so much to do with the construction of the house.
``The house is built like a rock from the walls, to the finite details of the fixtures, the moldings are just amazing. Gramps knew how to build a strong home for his family to live securely and privately. The strength in the walls of this compound I compare to the strength he built in his name. The Capone legacy is still alive in all minds around the world. His legacy still lives and so does his original homestead. If only these walls could talk.''
If only indeed.
