Neverland Valley Ranch
Neverland Ranch amusement rides pictured in August 2008
Location5225 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos, California, United States
Coordinates34°44′28″N 120°05′30″W / 34.74107°N 120.09158°W / 34.74107; -120.09158
StatusDefunct
OwnerRonald Burkle
Area2,700 acres (1,100 ha)
Neverland Ranch gates

Sycamore Valley Ranch,[1] formerly Neverland Ranch[2] or Neverland Valley Ranch, is a developed property in Santa Barbara County, California, located at 5225 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos, California, on the edge of Los Padres National Forest. It was the home and private amusement park of American entertainer Michael Jackson from 1988 until 2005.[3][4][5] The ranch is about 5 miles (8 km) north of unincorporated Los Olivos, and about eight miles (13 km) north of the town of Santa Ynez.

Originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, the estate was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch shortly after it was purchased by property developer William Bone in 1981.[3] In 1988, the ranch was sold to Michael Jackson, who renamed it after Neverland, the fantasy island in the story of Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up.[3][4] Jackson first went to the ranch when he visited Paul McCartney, who was staying there during their filming of the "Say Say Say" video in 1983. According to Jackson's sister La Toya, he expressed interest in someday owning the property at that time.[6]

Jackson left the property in 2005 shortly after his acquittal on child molestation charges and never returned; he owned it until his death in 2009. After several price drops, American billionaire businessman Ronald Burkle, a close family friend of Jacksons, purchased it in 2020 for $22 million.

Background

The estate was originally known as the Zaca Laderas Ranch at the time of its purchase by the property developer William Bone in 1981.[3] Bone renamed the estate the Sycamore Valley Ranch and moved there with his family. Bone commissioned the architect Robert Altevers to design the principal buildings on the ranch, and the pair spent two and a half years researching potential designs and ideas. The 13,000-square-foot (1,200 m2) main house was completed in 1982, based on a design by Altevers,[7] with formal gardens, a stone bridge, and a four-acre (1.5 ha) lake with a five-foot (1.5 m) waterfall. Bone later said that in building the house he had "...a desire to express everything I had learned in 15 years of home building...I achieved here all the things I wanted to do in my business but could not".[8] He had considered converting the property to a country club but did not do so.[9]

Residence of Michael Jackson

Neverland's train station, Katherine Station, with floral clock[10]

Prior to taking up residence at the ranch, Jackson lived with his family at Hayvenhurst. He purchased the estate from Bone in March 1988[11] for an unknown amount. Some sources indicate $19.5 million[12][13] while others suggest it was closer to $30 million.[14][15] The property was initially purchased by a trust with Jackson's lawyer, John Branca, and his accountant, Marshall Gelfand, as trustees, for reasons of privacy. The arrangement was later rescinded by Jackson in April 1988 and he became the ultimate owner of the property.[16] It was Jackson's home as well as his private amusement park, with numerous artistic garden statues and a petting zoo.

The property included three railroads: one 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge named "Neverland Valley Railroad", with a steam locomotive named Katherine after his mother (Crown 4-4-0 (2B), built-in 1973), and two coaches. The other was a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge, with a C. P. Huntington replica locomotive made by Chance Rides.[17] There was also a custom-made private electric train that was purchased by Jackson for his own children, Michael Jr, Paris, and Prince II. The train was manufactured in 2001 by a German company Elektro-Mobiltechnik. The train was set up in the yard at Neverland behind the main house and had 100 feet (30 m) of track.[18]

There was also a Ferris wheel, Carousel, Zipper, Octopus, Pirate Ship, Wave Swinger, Super Slide, roller coaster, bumper cars, and an amusement arcade. The master closet also contained a secret safe room for security.

Some of the events that took place at the Ranch included the wedding of Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky in 1991 and the live Oprah Winfrey interview of Jackson in the year 1993.[19] In 1995, Jackson and his then-wife Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson hosted children from around the world for a three-day World Children's Congress, a series of seminars and workshops on issues facing kids around the globe, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the United Nations.[20]

Neverland Ranch was searched extensively by police officers in connection with the People v. Jackson trial after he was charged with multiple counts of molesting a minor in 2003. Jackson was acquitted of all charges. However, Jackson stated he would never live at the property again as he no longer considered the ranch a home and did not return to Neverland.[21] Jackson's sister, La Toya, wrote of her experience staying at the ranch during her brother's trial in her 2012 memoir Starting Over.[22] The main house at Neverland Ranch was closed as a cost-cutting measure, while Jackson lived in Bahrain at the hospitality of Sheik Abdullah, the ruler's son.[23]

Neverland Ranch had a central role in the allegations against Jackson of child sexual abuse; it is one of the main sites where Jackson's accusers have said the sexual abuse took place. The ranch's association with sexual abuse allegations was described as a possible reason for a significant decrease in value.[24][25]

Financial status

Reports of foreclosure proceedings against Neverland Ranch were published in 2007.[26][27] A spokesperson for Jackson said that the loan was merely being refinanced and Jackson (later his estate) remained the majority stake holder, with a legal retention of 87.5% of the ranch.[28][29]

Former zoo buildings, July 2009

On February 25, 2008, Jackson received word from Financial Title Company, the trustee, that unless he paid off $24,525,906.61 by March 19, a public auction would go forward of the land, buildings, and other items such as the rides, trains, and art.[30][31] On March 13, 2008, Jackson's lawyer L. Londell McMillan announced that a private agreement had been reached with the private investment group, Fortress Investment, to save Jackson's ownership of the ranch.[32] Before the agreement, Jackson owed three months' arrears on the property.[32] McMillan did not reveal the details of the deal.

On May 12, 2008, a foreclosure auction for the ranch was canceled after Colony Capital, an investment company run by billionaire Tom Barrack, purchased the loan, which was in default. The selling price was $22.5 million.[21][33] In a press release, Jackson stated, "I am pleased with recent developments involving Neverland Ranch and I am in discussions with Colony and Tom Barrack with regard to the Ranch and other matters that would allow me to focus on the future."[34][35]

On November 10, 2008, Jackson transferred the title to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company, LLC, and neighbors reported immediate activity on the property, including the amusement rides being trucked along the highway.[2] Jackson still owned an unknown stake in the property, since Sycamore Valley Ranch was a joint venture between Jackson (represented by McMillan) and an affiliate of Colony Capital.[36][37][38][39] The Santa Barbara County Assessor's Office stated Jackson sold an unknown proportion of his property rights for $35 million.[40][41] Subsequent news reports however, indicated that Colony Capital had invested only $22.5 million in the property.[42] In any event, reliable sources indicate that Colony is the majority owner.[43][44][45]

Kyle Forsyth, Colony's project manager, described the estate's Tudor-style buildings and savanna-like grasslands as "English country manor meets Kenya." Colony hoped to sell the ranch, located in Santa Barbara County, in its entirety. Subdividing it, says Forsyth, "would destroy it".[46]

The Zipper, Lolli Swing and Spider rides were purchased by Helm and Sons Amusements which also purchased rides for Jackson while Neverland's private amusement park was in operation.[47] Butler Amusements, of Fairfield, California purchased six of the rides.[48] Since their sale, these rides have appeared at county and state fairs across California, Oregon and Washington, sometimes with signs describing their Neverland origin.[49][50] Archway Amusements Corp of Imperial, Missouri purchased the 65 feet (20 m) ferris wheel which was originally custom made for Jackson in 1990 for $215,000 by the manufacturer Eli Bridge Company of Jacksonville, Illinois.

Some rides were more permanently installed. The Dragon Wagon kiddie coaster is in operation at Coney Island, New York City.[48] The Sea Dragon swinging ship ride was purchased in 2008 by Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.[51] The bumper cars were permanently installed at CalExpo, site of the California State Fair.[52] In 2013, the billionaire British heir and businessman Jo Bamford made plans to buy the ranch, but never finished the deal.[53]

Death of Michael Jackson

Fans visiting the makeshift memorial set up outside the Neverland Ranch entrance shortly after Jackson's death.

Following Jackson's death, press reports during June 28–29, 2009, claimed that his family intended to bury him at the Neverland Ranch, eventually turning it into a place of pilgrimage for his fans, similar to how Graceland has become a destination for fans of Elvis Presley.[54] Jackson's father Joseph Jackson later denied the reports.[55][56] Construction equipment and gardeners entered the grounds on July 1, prompting speculation that preparations were being made for something related to Jackson's death, but local officials stated that a burial there would be only allowed if the owners of the ranch would go through a permitting process with county and state government before establishing a cemetery at the site. Jackson's 2002 will gives his entire estate to a family trust.[57]

The ranch was the setting for two media appearances on July 2, 2009. Jermaine Jackson took The Today Show's Matt Lauer on a tour of the main house,[58] and he was interviewed on the grounds of the house by Larry King for his show.[59] In January 2013, musical artist Lady Gaga announced her willingness to help Jackson's children in keeping the ranch by investing in the property.[60]

Restoration

Aerial view of Neverland Ranch after the carnival rides were removed.

The amusement rides and animals were gone by 2009,[42] replaced with a meditative zen garden and a section decorated with Peter Pan, Jackson's favorite fictional hero.

In May 2015, it was announced that the Neverland Ranch, renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch, would be put up for sale with an initial price tag of $100 million. By that time, Colony NorthStar had completed extensive renovations to the property.[45] Many people, including fans, protested and disagreed with the decision. Jermaine Jackson, elder brother of Michael, wrote an open letter to Colony NorthStar expressing his disagreement with their decision.[61]

As of May 2016, the 2,700-acre (1,100 ha) ranch, jointly owned by the Jackson estate and Colony NorthStar,[62] was put up for sale by Sotheby's International Realty with an asking price of $100 million.[63] The price included the 12,598-square-foot (1,170.4 m2) six bedroom Normandy-style mansion, the four-acre lake with waterfall, a pool house, three guest houses, a tennis court, and a 5,500-square-foot (510 m2) movie theater and stage.[64][65] The train station and railway tracks were also included. According to Time, the owners were seeking a buyer who did not plan to turn the ranch into a Jackson museum.[66][67]

Due to lack of interest, the asking price of the ranch had fallen to $67 million by February 2017.[68][69] The property was still on the market in early 2018, at the same price, with Coldwell Banker.[70][71] In February 2019, the asking price was reduced to $31 million.[72] The listing agent for the ranch said nothing had changed except the price. The structures and landscaping are still maintained.[73]

In December 2020, billionaire Ron Burkle, a former family friend of Jackson, purchased the property for $22 million as a "land banking opportunity".[74][75]

References

  1. ↑ Poulsen, B. R. Characterization of pathway engineered strains of filamentous fungi in submerged cultures. ISBN 9085041546. OCLC 1016620715.
  2. 1 2 "Neverland Never More" Archived 2017-01-28 at the Wayback Machine, by William Etling (author of Sideways in Neverland: Life in the Santa Ynez Valley), EdHat.com, 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Frozen in Time". Billboard. Associated Press. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2019-12-14.
  4. 1 2 Hannah Ellis-Petersen (2014-08-01). "Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch expected to fetch up to $85m". The Guardian. Retrieved 2019-12-14.
  5. ↑ Sophie Smith (March 4, 2019). "Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch returns to the market amid documentary controversy". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  6. ↑ La Toya Jackson; Jeffré Phillips (2012). Starting Over. Simon & Schuster. p. 69. ISBN 978-1-4516-2059-7.
  7. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch relisted – with a big price cut". CNBC. March 2017. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  8. ↑ "Neverland". Architectural Digest. October 31, 2009. Archived from the original on 2020-12-04. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  9. ↑ Ryon, Ruth (20 March 1988). "Hot Property: Michael Jackson to Be Home on the Range". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  10. ↑ Paul Theroux (October 14, 2016). "Michael Jackson's Iconic Neverland Ranch". Architectural Digest.
  11. ↑ Soriano, Cesar G (2003-11-24). "At Neverland, they believe". USA Today.
  12. ↑ "Neverland Ranch, former home of Michael Jackson, on the market for $100M". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  13. ↑ McMullen, Troy. "A $33 Million Price Cut for Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  14. ↑ Ryon, Ruth (1988-03-20). "Michael Jackson to Be Home on the Range". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  15. ↑ "Vegas Hosting Big Jackson Family Auction". Fox News. Associated Press. 2007-05-29. Archived from the original on 2013-05-24. Retrieved 2019-02-21.
  16. ↑ J. Randy Taraborrelli (2010). Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story. Pan. p. 386. ISBN 978-0-330-51565-8.
  17. ↑ "Surviving Steam Locomotive Search". steamlocomotive.com.
  18. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Train Is Coming to Auction". 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
  19. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Neverland remains in limbo years after his death | The Star". thestar.com. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  20. ↑ Kleid, Beth (April 17, 1995). "Magic Mountain Pulls Ads: Magic Mountain, at..." Los Angeles.
  21. 1 2 "Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Devalued in Real Estate Market". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  22. ↑ La Toya Jackson; Jeffré Phillips (29 May 2012). Starting Over. Simon and Schuster. p. 297. ISBN 978-1-4516-2059-7.
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  24. ↑ music, Guardian (28 February 2019). "Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch cuts sale price by $69m" – via www.theguardian.com.
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  26. ↑ "Neverland in Foreclosure?". TMZ.com. 2007-11-06. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  27. ↑ "Foreclosure Detail Report" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  28. ↑ "MJ Estate Second Accounting". scribd.com.
  29. ↑ "Jackson 'will not lose Neverland'". BBC News. 2007-11-10. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
  30. ↑ Notice of Trustee's Sale Archived 2009-03-25 at the Wayback Machine, Santa Barbara County Recorder via Fox News Record no. 2008-0010131, February 25, 2008
  31. ↑ "Neverland Ranch Set for Auction". Forbes. Associated Press. 2008-02-26. Archived from the original on March 17, 2008.
  32. 1 2 "Michael Jackson 'saves Neverland'". BBC News. 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
  33. ↑ "Foreclosure auction on Jackson's Neverland Ranch is canceled". CNN. Associated Press. 2008-05-13. Archived from the original on May 14, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  34. ↑ "Neverland Ranch Note Sold to Colony Capital" (Press release). Business Wire. 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  35. ↑ "Neverland Ranch foreclosure auction canceled". Associated Press. 2008-05-12. Archived from the original on May 18, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  36. ↑ Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Is Sold Archived 2009-07-27 at the Wayback Machine. TaleTela. Retrieved on 2011-05-18.
  37. ↑ Neverland May Be Jacko's Ticket to Vegas Archived 2017-12-07 at the Wayback Machine. TMZ.com. Retrieved on 2011-05-18.
  38. ↑ Jacko gives up Neverland ranch deed Archived December 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  39. ↑ Adams, Susan (2009-04-14). "Ten Most Expensive Michael Jackson Collectibles". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2012-05-25.
  40. ↑ Michael Jackson Lets Neverland Fly Away Archived 2011-06-29 at the Wayback Machine. E! Online (2008-11-12). Retrieved on 2011-05-18.
  41. ↑ People - Entertainment Archived 2018-06-30 at the Wayback Machine. smh.com.au (2008-11-13). Retrieved on 2011-05-18.
  42. 1 2 Leitereg, Lauren Beale, Neal J. (30 May 2015). "Former Neverland ranch for sale at $100 million". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2018-06-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  43. ↑ 4-traders. "Colony Capital Inc : Colony Capital Inc share news and information | Nyse: | 4-Traders". www.4-traders.com. Retrieved 2018-06-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  44. ↑ Brenoff, Ann (7 January 2009). "Michael Jackson leases Bel-Air mansion for $100,000 a month". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  45. 1 2 Carlyle, Erin. "Sale Of Michael Jackson's $100 Million Neverland Ranch Would Be Win For Colony Capital". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  46. ↑ smith, Ethan. (2009-06-13) Economic Reality Prompts a Makeover at 'Neverland' - WSJ.com Archived 2017-08-12 at the Wayback Machine. Online.wsj.com. Retrieved on 2011-05-18.
  47. ↑ Burciaga, Mathew. "Rides from Neverland Ranch to be featured at 2018 Santa Barbara County Fair". Santa Ynez Valley News. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  48. 1 2 "Neverland rides deliver thrills in a new setting". Los Angeles Times. 2009-09-30. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  49. ↑ California State Fair 2009 Press Release Archived January 12, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  50. ↑ Doyle, Jim (2009-07-04). "Ride from Jackson's Neverland ranch at fair". SFGATE. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  51. ↑ Swietek, Wes. "Piece of Jackson's Neverland now in BG". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  52. ↑ "California State Fair Preview". 2014-07-09. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  53. ↑ "JCB the heir is unable to take over US company in the middle of legal battle with best friend". Astra Herald. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  54. ↑ Michael Jackson wanted to be buried at Neverland mansion Archived 2011-01-19 at the Wayback Machine The Daily Mirror June 28, 2008
  55. ↑ Michael Jackson will not be buried at Neverland Ranch Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine New Musical Express 29 June 2009
  56. ↑ Michael Jackson's Family Still Considering Funeral Plans Archived 2010-04-26 at the Wayback Machine MTV website June 29, 2009
  57. ↑ "Jackson family says the singer's will has surfaced". Yahoo News. Los Angeles. Associated Press. June 30, 2009. Archived from the original on July 3, 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  58. ↑ Celizic, Mike (2 July 2009). "Jermaine Jackson: 'I wish it was me'". Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  59. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Brother Jermaine Celebrates King Of Pop On 'Larry King'". MTV. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  60. ↑ "Lady Gaga wants to restore Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch". NME. London. 2013-01-16.
  61. ↑ Taylor, Candace (28 May 2015). "Michael Jackson's Onetime Neverland Lists for $100 Million". Wall Street Journal. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2015-05-29.
  62. ↑ McMullen, Troy. "A $33 Million Price Cut for Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  63. ↑ "5225 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos,California,93441 United States". sothebysrealty.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  64. ↑ "Why Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Still Isn't Sold". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  65. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Famed Neverland Ranch Listed for $67 Million". InStyle.com. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  66. ↑ "You Can Buy Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch". Time. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  67. ↑ "Inside Sycamore Valley Ranch, Formerly Known as Neverland Ranch - Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Blog - Luxury Home & Style". Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Blog - Luxury Home & Style. 2017-05-02. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  68. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch back on market for $67M". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2017-03-02.
  69. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Famed Neverland Ranch Listed for $67 Million". InStyle.com. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  70. ↑ "Sycamore Valley Ranch Formerly Neverland Ranch | Joyce Rey". Joyce Rey. Archived from the original on 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  71. ↑ "On the grounds of Michael Jackson's $100M 'Neverland Ranch'". CTVNews. Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  72. ↑ Respers France, Lisa (February 28, 2019). "Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is back on the market at a reduced price, report says". CNN. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  73. ↑ "Neverland No Longer, Michael Jackson's Ranch Gets Massive $69M Price Cut". realtor.com. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  74. ↑ "Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch sold for a song ten years after his death". 7News. 24 December 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  75. ↑ Clarke, Katherine (2020-12-24). "Once Asking $100 Million, Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch Sells to Billionaire Ron Burkle for $22 Million". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
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