If You Have to Ask... Home Price Through the Roof

July 14, 2007 — -- With 29 bedrooms, three swimming pools, a movie theater and a disco, the Beverly House is no ordinary home -- and comes with no ordinary price tag.

The 1920's-era pink stucco Beverly Hills estate is priced at $165 million, and is believed to be the priciest residential listing in the United States.

Watch Brian Rooney's report on the $165 million home tonight on "World News." Check your local listings for air time.

The broker selling the Beverly House, Kurt Rappaport, says it's important to put the price in perspective.

"If people will spend $50 million on a jet, they'll spend $80 million for a boat, why not spend $165 million for one of the great estates in the world?" he asks.

The house is rich in history:

In 1947, publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst bought it for his mistress Marion Davies for about $120,000.

John and Jackie Kennedy spent part of their honeymoon at the Beverly House and later used the house as Kennedy's West Coast campaign headquarters.

A famous scene in "The Godfather" -- when a movie producer gets an offer he can't refuse -- was filmed at the estate.

The brokers know that curiosity about the house will far exceed demand, so there will be no open-house. Viewing is strictly by appointment.

While $165 million may be the most expensive house listing in America, there are others not far behind.

A Saudi prince is asking $155 million for an Aspen, Colo., home

Donald Trump wants $125 million for his Palm Beach getaway

And a 10-bedroom estate in Montana is going for $155 million.

But asking price and sale price are two different things.

"There are now six properties in the United States priced at $100 million or more," said Rick Goodwin, the publisher of Unique Homes Magazine, "and not one of them has sold yet."

ABC News' Brian Rooney reported this story for "World News."