Unlike the fictional Roy clan from HBO’s Succession, the fate of the Murdoch family media empire—from which the Emmy-winning series drew its inspiration—still hangs in the balance. And now, a dramatic real-life finale of sorts is upon us: 93-year-old patriarch Rupert Murdoch is currently facing off with three of his children in court to determine who will take the reins of his corporate kingdom after his death. The Australian-born media mogul owns Fox News as well as News Corp., the latter of which includes The Wall Street Journal, The Times (of London), and The Sun.
As it stands, Rupert’s trust grants equal power to his four adult children, Lachlan, Elisabeth, Prudence, and James, on the News Corp. and Fox Corp. boards. But now the magnate wants to alter the 1990-established trust to grant full power to his eldest son, Lachlan, who has helmed both companies as chairman since his father stepped down in 2023. Prudence, Elisabeth, and James, in turn, are fighting to prevent that change to the trust. A lot is at stake; thanks to their ubiquitous global brands, the family’s fortune is currently estimated to be $20.5 billion.
Given the primetime-TV-worthy dynamic unfolding in the courts, AD is taking a look into the Murdoch family’s real estate holdings—which include a $200 million ranch and a California mansion featured in the credits of a popular sitcom. From Los Angeles to London, read on to learn more about some of the Murdoch family’s properties.
Rupert Murdoch’s Australian ranch
Before his rise to prominence in America, Rupert owned a ranch in his native Australia known as Cavan Station. The massive estate, located in New South Wales, was acquired in the 1960s and produces fine Saxon merino wool. Though the billionaire and his family have accumulated many other sprawling properties in Europe and the United States over the years, Cavan Station has remained one of the Murdochs family’ main gathering spots. In 2023, the media tycoon spent $15.5 million on a neighboring plot of land that spans roughly 1,870 acres—an enormous addition, but a drop in the bucket compared to the 24,700 acres that make up Cavan Station.
A record-setting $44 million NYC apartment
With 20 rooms over three floors and almost 8,000 square feet, this gem in Rupert’s real estate portfolio is perched on the top floor of a building on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue. Acquired for $44 million, it was, at the time of purchase in 2004, the most expensive residence in Manhattan. Rupert’s ex-wife Wendi Deng is said to have spent over $6 million renovating it, including nearly $400,000 to add a gym.
A luxe London penthouse
In 2005, the Murdochs bought a penthouse in London’s Mayfair district, an ideal base for Rupert’s visits to his offices in the British capital. It’s a contemporary space, adorned with Australian works of art that the media tycoon has collected over the years. The penthouse features a roof terrace and a glass ceiling which opens to the sky.
A $29 million Los Angeles wine estate
In 2013, Rupert Murdoch fell for this winery nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles. The property, named Moraga, once belonged to Victor Fleming, the director of Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. The billionaire bought it for the modest sum of $28.8 million, pledging to continue the estate’s wine-growing heritage (and the price of its bottles, which go for up to $175). The home on the property spans over 7,500 square feet. Other buildings on the grounds include a two-bedroom guesthouse and an administrative building.