Luxury Tucker?s Town mansion GoldenEye has been sold to an overseas buyer from the McGraw-Hill publishing empire, has learned.

The palatial property on ?Billionaire?s Row? ? once described as the most expensive house in Bermuda ? hit the headlines last year when its Bermudian owners sued Government over a policy banning locals from selling homes to foreigners.

After a lengthy legal battle, Government agreed to consider an application from an international buyer if one could be found. Two sources confirmed this week that the home has been snapped up by an executive from McGraw-Hill, a global firm specialising in publishing, financial information and media services that made $6 billion in 2005.

According to court documents, the Marshalls originally hoped to sell GoldenEye for about $45 million, having spent more than $30 million developing it.

The asking price in 2005 was said to be $35 million, although it was advertised by Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty late last year for $22 million. One industry insider told us of speculation that it eventually went for $17.5 million.

Mr. and Mrs. Marshall argued in court that the ban on selling to foreigners effectively scuppered their chances of selling GoldenEye as no Bermudian could afford the hefty price tag.

The property, named because of its spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset, boasts 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens, a pool and a two-bedroom guest cottage.

Extra features include a gym, wine cellar, bar/snooker room, putting green and gazebo. Its buyer will have some very well-known and well-heeled neighbours.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi and former White House candidate Ross Perot all live on the same road in Tucker?s Town.

Mr. and Mrs. Marshall and their lawyer Saul Froomkin did not return calls.

Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty declined to comment and a spokesman for McGraw Hill was unable to confirm or deny the reports yesterday.