Tom Golisano owns a 20,000-square-foot mansion in Victor, New York, built in 2005 for his daughter Cynthia, who never moved in. The 12-bedroom estate features a home theater, gym, pool, and remains largely vacant despite costing millions to construct.
Canadian geese claimed the sprawling lawn during summer visits, leaving behind their calling cards across the manicured grounds. This became an annual ritual at Tom Golisano’s massive Victor estate, where nature collided with luxury in ways the billionaire never anticipated.
The Tom Golisano house sits on prime real estate in Victor, Ontario County, New York. This 20,000-square-foot mansion represents one of the largest private residences in the Finger Lakes region. Built in 2005, the property cost millions to construct but has remained largely vacant since completion.
Tom Golisano House Location & Lot Details
Victor provides the perfect backdrop for Golisano’s estate. The town sits in Ontario County, roughly 20 miles southeast of Rochester. Rolling hills and pristine lakes define this region, making it a magnet for wealthy families seeking privacy and natural beauty.
The mansion occupies a substantial lot with carefully planned landscaping. Professional crews maintain the grounds year-round, though the famous geese continue their seasonal visits. The property sits close enough to Sodus Lake to enjoy water views while maintaining complete privacy from neighboring homes.
Victor’s location offers easy access to Rochester’s business district while providing a rural retreat atmosphere. The area attracts affluent residents who value space, privacy, and proximity to recreational activities like boating and golf.
Architectural Style & Design
Construction began in 2005 with Golisano’s daughter Cynthia as the intended resident. The design follows traditional architectural principles with modern luxury touches throughout. Colonial Revival influences appear in the facade, while custom stonework and premium brick create visual interest.
The mansion’s exterior combines multiple materials for a sophisticated appearance. Natural stone anchors the foundation, while carefully selected brick creates warmth and texture. Custom woodwork frames windows and doorways, adding handcrafted details that separate this home from typical luxury construction.
Professional architects designed the structure to maximize both grandeur and functionality. The scale impresses visitors, yet the proportions remain balanced and inviting rather than overwhelming.
Interior Features
1. Layout Highlights
The Tom Golisano mansion contains 12 bedrooms spread across multiple floors. Eight full bathrooms and three half bathrooms serve the extensive living space. Three separate family rooms provide options for relaxation and entertainment, while two libraries offer quiet retreats for reading or work.
A complete caretaker apartment allows for live-in staff management. This separate living space includes its kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, ensuring privacy for both residents and employees.
The floor plan emphasizes flow and connection between spaces. Grand hallways link major rooms, while service corridors allow staff to move efficiently throughout the home without disrupting family activities.
2. Luxury Amenities
The home theater rivals commercial venues with professional-grade equipment and tiered seating. Custom acoustic treatments ensure perfect sound quality for movies or presentations. A dedicated home gym includes space for cardio equipment, weights, and personal training sessions.
The kitchen showcases premium appliances and custom cabinetry. A large island provides workspace for meal preparation, while a butler’s pantry offers additional storage and serving areas. Professional-grade ranges and refrigeration systems support large-scale entertaining.
The master suite occupies a substantial portion of the upper level. Vaulted ceilings create an airy atmosphere, while a fireplace adds warmth and ambiance. Custom millwork and high-end finishes throughout the suite reflect the home’s luxury standard.
Exterior Amenities
A swimming pool with accompanying cabana provides outdoor entertainment options. The pool area includes professional landscaping and multiple seating areas for guests. The cabana offers changing rooms, storage, and a convenient location for pool equipment.
The circular driveway accommodates multiple vehicles while maintaining an elegant approach to the main entrance. Guest parking areas ensure adequate space for large gatherings without crowding the primary drive.
Extensive landscaping includes mature trees, seasonal plantings, and professionally maintained lawns. The grounds require ongoing maintenance but provide a park-like setting that enhances the property’s value and appeal.
Construction Cost & Valuation
Building costs in 2005 likely exceeded several million dollars, given the size and luxury finishes. Current market conditions suggest the property would cost significantly more to construct today, making the existing structure a substantial asset.
Tax assessment battles emerged in 2010 when officials lowered the property’s assessed value. These disputes highlight the challenges of valuing unique luxury properties in smaller markets like Victor.
The home’s current market value depends on factors including condition, local demand, and comparable sales. Properties of this size and caliber rarely change hands in the Victor market, making accurate valuation difficult.
- Original Purpose: Tom Golisano commissioned the mansion specifically for his daughter Cynthia in 2005
- Builder’s Intent: The Paychex founder and Buffalo Sabres owner wanted to provide a luxury family home in the scenic Finger Lakes region
- Daughter’s Decision: Cynthia never established permanent residence in the Victor mansion despite the custom construction
- Vacant Status: The property has remained largely vacant since completion, with only occasional family visits
- Maintenance Routine: Professional staff conduct regular upkeep and seasonal maintenance activities
- Family Asset: The mansion remains part of Golisano’s real estate portfolio rather than a commercial investment
- Local Impact: The vacant status has sparked curiosity among Victor residents about plans for the estate
Notable Anecdotes
The goose story became legendary among residents and visitors. Each summer, flocks of Canadian geese would settle on the pristine lawns, leaving their mark across the carefully maintained grounds. Staff would spend considerable time cleaning up after these uninvited guests, creating an ongoing battle between nature and luxury.
Local community members have mixed reactions to the massive estate. Some appreciate the property’s contribution to the tax base and local employment through maintenance contracts. Others question the wisdom of building such a large home that remains largely unused.
- 2005-2010: Construction completed and property maintained as vacant family estate
- 2010: Tax assessment dispute resulted in lowered property valuation by local officials
- 2011: The Last major media coverage detailed the mansion’s features and vacant status
- 2012-2020: Property maintained through regular upkeep with no significant renovations or public listings
- 2021-2023: Continued private ownership with ongoing maintenance contracts for grounds and interior
- 2024: No public records indicate sale attempts or major structural changes to the original design
- 2025: Current status remains as part of Golisano’s real estate portfolio alongside his Naples, Florida, primary residence
The mansion’s status as a family asset rather than a primary residence continues to generate interest among real estate watchers and residents curious about one of the area’s most substantial private properties.
Conclusion
A 20,000-square-foot estate in Victor appeals to buyers seeking privacy, luxury, and access to recreational activities. The Finger Lakes region attracts affluent families who value natural beauty and small-town atmosphere while maintaining access to urban amenities.
Victor offers excellent schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The town provides municipal services appropriate for luxury properties while maintaining the rural character that attracts wealthy residents.
Potential uses for the property extend beyond private residence. The scale and amenities could support corporate retreats, special events, or conversion to a luxury inn. The home’s design allows for multiple family configurations or extended guest accommodations.
The Tom Golisano house represents both a family legacy and a remarkable example of luxury construction in upstate New York. Whether it remains a private estate or finds a new purpose, this Victor mansion continues to stand as one of the region’s most impressive residential properties.
