Tour Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch

[Guest Kurt]

Nestled into the rolling landscape of the Santa Ynez Valley, with its dramatic mountain ranges, flaxen-colored fields, and century-old live oaks, this irreplaceable estate exudes the ambience of a grand European manor while remaining an inviting, comfortable, livable oasis.

Formerly known as Neverland Ranch, the estate consists of approximately 2,700 acres and blends effortlessly with the natural surroundings. The land borders the Los Padres National Forest, providing the property with utmost privacy and serenity as well as an inspiring uninterrupted view. Meticulous landscaping — which includes lush formal gardens with seasonally changed plantings — provides vibrant color for much of the year.

The centerpiece of the ranch is a truly impressive 12,000-square-foot main residence, fashioned after the majestic manors that line the coast of Normandy. Tucked between two lakes and standing in the shade of towering trees, it is accessed via a stone bridge and circular motor court paved with indigenous stone.

Splendid in its architectural planning, it features a magnificent formal living room; a handsomely proportioned dining room capable of accommodating two tables; a kitchen with distinctive Old World and copper accents as well as commercial-grade appliances; a relaxed, rustic family room with a Bouquet Canyon stone fireplace; a breakfast room with a garden and lake view; a luxurious master wing with two lavish baths and a library or study; upper-level guest suites affording consummate privacy; and a delightful recreation room.

The interiors boast extensive use of high ceilings, indigenous stone, warm oak, patterned and exposed brick, dark lacquered beams, elegant marble, Portuguese tile, rough-hewn timber, and floor-to-ceiling and mullioned windows.

The vistas — over patio areas and lush formal gardens toward grassy fields and mountains — create a feeling of being embraced by the land.

A breezeway connects the main residence to the office, conference, and four-bay garage complex. Stone pathways meander through the spectacular grounds, linking the home with lakes, a meadow, and the outdoor entertaining areas —among them a barbecue and kitchen pavilion, a swimming pool with undulating French grey bottom, and a spa set amid stalwart stone boulders.

An inviting guesthouse offers four luxuriously sized and distinctively designed guest suites, and the European-style hunting lodge features a subterranean wine cellar and overlooks the estate’s championship tennis court. A leisurely walk from the main residence is the 50-seat movie theater and dance studio.

The property also includes multipurpose barns, a petting zoo, staff housing, an additional two-bedroom guesthouse, an administration building, and a paved helipad. All water needs are sourced through multiple private on-site wells.

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[admin]

I wonder if Michael Jackson was trying to create his own private Disneyland? (I assume because of the shape of the architecture and the name Neverland)

A LOT of $ must have been pumped into this place.