Neverland Ranch Sells for a Fraction of Original Price

Michael Jackson's property was listed at $100M in 2016, just sold for $22M
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 25, 2020 4:33 AM CST
Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Sells for a Fraction of Original Price
This Dec. 17, 2004, file photo shows the rear entrance to pop star Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch home in Santa Ynez, Calif.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file)

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in California has found a new owner in billionaire businessman Ron Burkle, the AP reports. Burkle views the 2,700-acre property in Los Olivos, near Santa Barbara, as a land banking opportunity, his spokesman said Thursday in an email. The Wall Street Journal reports the property was sold for $22 million to Burkle, an associate of the late pop star and co-founder of the investment firm Yucaipa Companies. The asking price of the property was $100 million in 2016 then dropped to $67 million a year later.

In addition to a 12,500 square-foot main residence and a 3,700 square-foot pool house, the property boasts a separate building with a 50-seat movie theater and a dance studio. Other features on the ranch are a “Disney-style” train station, a fire house, and barn. Burkle’s spokesman said the billionaire had been eyeing Zaca Lake—which adjoins the property—for a new Soho House, a members-only club with locations in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Toronto. Burkle ultimately decided the location was too remote and expensive for a club. Burkle is the controlling shareholder of Soho House. After Burkle saw the property from the air, he put in an offer to purchase.

(More Neverland Ranch stories.)

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