Schilling buying Bledsoe's three-level mansion

MEDFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- Drew Bledsoe is finally unloading his old home -- to Curt Schilling.

Schilling told The Associated Press on Monday that he's buying the former New England Patriots quarterback's 20-room, 26-acre estate in this affluent Boston suburb.

The property has been on the market since August 2002 after Bledsoe was traded to the Buffalo Bills. It was originally listed for nearly $9 million, but by the fall the price had dropped to $6.5 million. The Boston Red Sox pitcher said he paid much less than $6.5 million but declined to give the price.

Schilling will make at least $12 million next season and agreed to a two-year extension through 2006 worth $25.5 million.

The three-level mansion includes a home theater, wine cellar, spa, exercise and billiard rooms and mahogany bar opening to a pool area adorned with a waterfall.

"We both have the same interests, same hobbies, same ideas for a home," Schilling said by telephone.

The home is more than 20 miles from Fenway Park.

"I don't need to be right next to the park," he said. "I enjoy the ride in and out sometimes."