Baseball Star's Austin Mansion Demolished; Insurance Company ...

Maybe your like

Statesman LogoHearst Newspapers LogoSkip to main contentNews//

Courts

Baseball star’s Austin mansion demolished; insurance company refuses to pay, he saysBy Ryan Autullo, [email protected]March 18, 2020

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz filed a lawsuit in Austin last week stating an insurance company refused to cover damages after his Steiner Ranch mansion was demolished due to the presence of mold. [Alex Gallardo/The Associated Press]Austin American-Statesman

Major League baseball star Clay Buchholz says his family’s multimillion-dollar mansion in Austin’s Steiner Ranch community was demolished due to the presence of mold and his insurance company is refusing to cover the full cost of the damages.

The claims are spelled out in a lawsuit Buchholz and his wife, Lindsay, a former “Deal or No Deal” briefcase model, filed March 13 in Travis County District Court. It states the couple and their children also suffered serious illnesses after Crestbrook Insurance Company prematurely deemed their residence habitable after an inadequate inspection and refused to relocate the family to a temporary home with safe conditions.

Article continues below this ad

The couple’s infant son, according to the lawsuit, now requires medical treatment after staying in a room where high levels of mold were discovered.

The Buchholz couple is asking for a declaration from a civil District Court judge that their policies cover the losses, which they have calculated at over $1 million. The insurance company has refused to pay the large majority of that amount, according to attorney Tim Cleveland, who is representing the couple in the litigation.

A representative for Nationwide Private Client, which is the company Crestbrook Insurance does business under, declined to comment Wednesday about the specific allegations from Buchholz but released a general statement about the company’s practices for investigating member claims.

Statesman Logo

Want more Statesman?

Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search.Add Preferred Source

“We are aware of the litigation and are evaluating it at this time,” the statement read. “Due to privacy concerns, we can't comment on this situation. At Nationwide, we always put our members first. The company investigates and considers the individual facts and circumstances of each claim in light of the applicable insurance policy provisions as well as any applicable state laws, prior to making a decision.”

Article continues below this ad

Buchholz, a native of Lumberton in east Texas, has pitched 13 seasons in the major leagues, most of them in Boston where he won World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2007 and 2013 and twice was named an All-Star. His career record is 90-69. His career earnings top $63 million, according to the website spotrac.

Buchholz, 35, is currently a free agent after pitching in 12 games last season with Toronto. The start to this season has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buchholz in 2017 purchased the 12,444 square foot home along Lake Austin on Flat Top Ranch Road. It was appraised by the county at $4.6 million, but Buchholz likely purchased it for closer to $6.4 million — the amount the pitcher’s attorney says Crestbrook had agreed to provide in general insurance.

Others with mansions on the same road as Buchholz include former professional baseball players Kevin Millar and John Lackey. Former NBA star Chris Bosh also owns a home.

Article continues below this ad

After buying their home, the Buchholzes purchased $1.6 million in insurance to cover damage to the property from things like algae, slime and mold, according to the suit.

In the spring of 2019, the family discovered water damage and mold throughout the home, the lawsuit states. Crestbrook, the family alleges, advised them to seal off two rooms to contain the spread of mold, but failed to conduct a comprehensive examination that would have showed the presence of mold elsewhere.

The family, by staying in the home, suffered what the lawsuit describes as serious physical symptoms and illnesses, including migraines, respiratory difficulties and inflammation, rashes and sinus complications.

Article continues below this ad

At Crestbrook’s direction, the Buchholzes retained a restoration company that demolished the home, taking it down to the studs on most of the inside. It is still in that condition today, according to Cleveland, the attorney.

The Buchholz family currently lives in a rental property in the Austin area and intends to return to their house when it is again habitable, the lawyer said.

Ryan [email protected] Popular1.Did the time change today? Why daylight saving time exists2.Replay: Texas beats South Carolina for first SEC Tournament title3.Terror on West Sixth Street: Timeline breaks down every moment4.Texas football, baseball player Jonah Williams suffers injury setback5.Texas football target Dillon Mitchell runs sub-10 second 100-meter dashMore NewsInside the Titanic: new Austin exhibit explores lives on board10 things you need to know before heading to SXSW 2026$3.4M Hill Country estate north of Austin sells through luxury auctionCan you get kicked off a plane for being barefoot? What airlines allowWe are closer to nuclear war than most Americans realize | OpinionBest OfCommunity's ChoiceThe best bingo halls in AustinYour next favorite game night starts here. Bingo in Austin

Community's ChoiceLooking for better rates? These local credit unions are worth a lookWhen every percentage point counts, these Austin credit unions deliver wins for your wallet.

Community's ChoiceThe best plumbers in Austin, according to local homeownersEven if it’s 2 a.m. or Sunday morning, these plumbers won’t leave you in distress.

Community's ChoiceThe best plastic surgeons in AustinThe community chose these surgeons for results that look real, feel right and last.

Community's ChoiceThe top 5 law firms in Austin you’ll wish you found soonerVoted the best by locals, these Austin law firms have proven results in personal injury, divorce, estate law and more.

Editor's Picks Texas forward Madison Booker celebrates after their win against South Carolina in an NCAA college basketball game in the final of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Greenville, S.C.

Texas forward Madison Booker celebrates after their win against South Carolina in an NCAA college basketball game in the final of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Greenville, S.C.

Longhorns Women's BasketballLive updates: Rivals Texas, South Carolina play for SEC championship Mole negro with duck at El Naranjo.

DiningThe women redefining Austin’s restaurant scene Texas Longhorns outfielder Aiden Robbins (43) throws from the outfield in the sixth inning as the Texas Longhorns play the USC Upstate Spartans on Friday, March 6, 2026 at UFCU-Disch Falk Field in the first game of a three-game series.