PALM BEACH, FL--For months, the exterior was all the public had seen of the Bernie Madoff's seven point six million dollar Palm Beach mansion.
A white on green two story wooden home - hidden behind a wall of ficus, the shade of a large banyan tree, lazy palms and thick bamboo. Forbidden by warning signs and a lock box from taking a glimpse inside - until now.
If you were expecting your first glimpse inside to evoke a gasp of amazement - images of extravagance and lavishness - you may be disappointed. Not that its Mexican tile floors and wooden ceilings aren't tasteful.
The house is not on the same luxury level of some its posh Mediterranean neighbors. "Great for a summer home - also a winter vacation home for anyone," said Deputy US Marshal Barry Golden who served as a tour guide for a camera to record the house's interior.
Backing to the Intracoastal Waterway with views that are far more breathtaking than the 65-hundred square foot two-story home itself... the value says Golden, sounding more like a sales agent than a federal agent - is the home's location, location, location.
"A view of downtown Palm Beach. A spectacular view. This would probably be one of the selling points of this property," said Golden.
The Marshal's Service will list this home - as it has other Madoff properties including his summer house in Montauk, Long Island - and a four bedroom duplex in midtown Manhattan.
This property, though, is the residence that Ruth Madoff tried to claim as her primary residence. After all it has her name on the deed. But after an investigation, the feds concluded the Madoffs spent most of their time residing in New York. They weren't buying it, and seized the house in April.
Inside the five bedroom home? - Sparsely furnished bedrooms - like a guest room with a brass bed and wood armoire. A luxurious den with leather couches and bar stools leading to a fairly standard all-white kitchen.
There's a dining area with nautical artwork, a telescope, Asian urns and other furnishings likely for sale too. Courtyards framed by French doors run the length of the interior. Outside there's a dark pool shaded by lush landscaping... and a walkway leading to a long private dock, which can accomodate an 80 foot yacht.
It is the home's private amenities, says Golden - its waterfront location and Palm Beach address that will bring a hefty price.
But the home's infamy will likely bring bidders as well.
After all... it was in his den that Bernie Madoff no doubt rubbed elbows with Palm Beach's elite. It was in his dining room that clandestine deals were likely made - feeding the largest Ponzi scheme this country has ever known.
This house - the view - the lifestyle paid for with other people's money. And misery.
