Michael Jackson's infamous Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, CA has been stripped of a lot of its fun and put up for sale for $100 million. The makeover at the 2,700-acre property begins with the name—it's Sycamore Valley Ranch now—but all the rides, the orangutans, the full-time fire department (??), and the elephant are gone, according to the Wall Street Journal. What's left? About 22 structures, including the former Neverland Valley Fire Department building, one llama, two lakes, the giant floral clock with "Neverland" on it, and the railroad tracks and train station.
The former Neverland also includes a 12,000-square-foot main house with six bedrooms, a four-bedroom guesthouse, a two-bedroom guesthouse, a pool, barbecue area, basketball court, tennis court, 50-seat movie theater with "private viewing balcony," and a stage with "trap doors for magic shows."
MJ bought the ranch in 1987 for $19.5 million and turned it into his personal playland, but also at some point used it to back a $24.5 million loan. He defaulted on that loan in the early aughts; investment firm Colony Capital bought the note in 2008 and set up a joint ownership with Jackson while also carrying out extensive renovations (with the idea to sell; the state of California showed a little interest at one point). Jackson died in 2009 and Colony has been teasing a sale for years now. There were once rumors that Beyoncé and Jay Z were interested. Presumably those two could manage to get a showing—the brokers involved say potential buyers will need "extensive prequalification" to even get a look at the place.
We're tracking down photos, but meanwhile here's a video tour.
· Michael Jackson's Onetime 'Neverland' Lists for $100 Million [WSJ]
· Take a Video Tour Through Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch [Curbed LA]
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