A Massachusetts business magnate is reeling after his luxurious $20 million beachside estate in New England was targeted by a masked burglar.
The impressive 27,000-square-foot residence, called ‘Rock Edge,’ became the scene of a robbery when an armed intruder wearing a balaclava broke in at approximately 5:50 a.m. on Saturday in Beverly, just 40 minutes north of Boston, as reported by local authorities.
The opulent estate, reminiscent of a setting from The Great Gatsby, belongs to Thomas J. Swann III. Swann serves as the Co-CEO and Director of The Swan Group, a family-operated holding company that deals in the manufacture and distribution of plumbing, heating, and water products, along with investments in commercial real estate.
The 57-year-old former lawyer and investment banker resides there with his husband, Joe Townley, aged 47, and their two sets of charming twins.
Fortunately, the family was not at the residence at the time of the incident, but their female housekeeper unfortunately encountered the violent intruder.
According to Swann, the intruder ‘dragged’ the housekeeper by her hair and restrained her in the garage before making his getaway in Swann’s Porsche, as he recounted to The Boston Globe.
The caretaker, who was the only person in the home at the time of the incident, eventually broke free and ran to a neighbor’s home, prompting a 911 call around 8.50am, police records reviewed by the outlet stated.
The luxury sports car was later located and recovered, but the suspect remains at large, authorities said.
‘She was forced to move through the house at gunpoint, and at times dragged by her hair down staircases,’ Swan told The Globe, adding that the intruder pistol-whipped his housekeeper.
Thomas J. Swann III, the Co-CEO & Director of The Swan Group, had his stunning $20 million home broken into in Beverly, Massachusetts, on Saturday morning. He is seen posing behind the home with his children
The unknown suspect raided the home, ‘dragged’ Swan’s female housekeeper by her hair, and tied her up in the garage before fleeing the scene in a stolen Porsche, the homeowner said
The former lawyer and investment banker (left), 57, shares the home with his husband, Joe Townley (right), 47, and their two sets of adorable twins. None of them were at the home during the robbery
‘She was in total shock,’ the mogul said. ‘It was extremely traumatic.’
The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released, officials said.
Swan said that his Porsche and other valuable items were stolen from his property, but said he could not specify what they were due to the ongoing investigation.
The Beverly Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police are actively investigating the robbery.
Swan’s neighbors have also been left rocked by the intrusion, especially because violent crime is a rarity in the opulent area.
‘It’s just the most beautiful neighborhood,’ Janet Riley, who lives across the street from the property, told The Globe.
Riley said she noticed commotion at the home as she glanced out of her windows on Saturday morning.
‘I said, “Oh boy, I hope everybody’s OK,’ she recalled, adding that the mansion’s front gates have remained closed since.
Janet Riley, who lives across the street from the property, said Swan’s front gates have remained closed since the robbery
Other locals told the outlet that many residents spend the winters in their second or third homes, but staff, including maids, landscapers, and builders, are seen coming and going throughout the year.
Swan said he believes the incident involved someone who knew his home.
‘It was probably someone familiar with the house,’ he claimed.
When contacted for comment by the Daily Mail, the Massachusetts State Police said: ‘There are no updates to report at this time.’
The Daily Mail contacted Swan and the Beverly Police Department for comment.
The picturesque property has deep historical roots and is best known for its breathtaking shoreline view.
It was commissioned in the early 1990s by Marian Sargent, a descendant of Thomas Jefferson, according to American Aristocracy.
Prior to Swan (pictured with Fox News’ Chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin) purchasing the mansion, Charlie Benevento lived there and oversaw a massive, multi-year renovation alongside interior designer Linda Zarifi
The 11-bedroom, 14-bathroom home was then owned by the Alger family, Detroit-based industrial elites.
In 1940, Eleonora R. Sears, a legendary American tennis champion and socialite, lived in the home until her death in 1968.
Prior to Swan purchasing the mansion, Charlie Benevento lived there and oversaw a massive, multi-year renovation alongside interior designer Linda Zarifi.
Benevento then put it on the market in 2021, selling for more than $18,000 – the most the home has ever sold for.
