If you ever travel to Mill Basin on the southeast side of Brooklyn, you might find yourself surprised by the opulence on display with the houses there, of a style more appropriate to the French Rivera than a distant area of one of New York’s outer boroughs. But approach the house at 139 Bassett Avenue and you might find yourself hard-pressed to say it really belongs anywhere except a Tim Burton film.
The mansion here is a mishmash of styles, from classical to neon and everything in between. But while the house is visually interesting, its history is just as fascinating and complicated.
The Turano Mansion was built in the 1980s by Anthony Casso, a member of the Lucchese crime family. It’s said that after construction he even had the architect, Anthony Fava, killed so he couldn’t reveal any secrets. Not that that stopped the FBI from raiding the house and searching it, going so far as to punch holes in the walls in their search for bodies.
The house was later sold to brothers Michael and Gerard Turano in 1995, two gynecologists with a lot of money to burn. They repaired the damage and then upgraded the house further, adding such amenities as a private dock in the rear and even an ice cream parlor. They live there now with their mother Dorothy, a former community board member.
A frequent guest to the Turano household was New York State Senator Carl Kruger, who was sometimes publicly stated to be in a relationship with Dorothy. However, rumors persist that he was actually involved with Michael. The two were charged with bribery in 2011 and Kruger would later go to prison, while the Turano family has since kept to themselves.
Know Before You Go
To reach the house by public transit, take the B/Q to Kings Highway and transfer to the B100, taking the bus to East 66th Street and Bassett Avenue.
The house is still a private residence, so keep your distance and be respectful.
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