Are you eager to own a piece of musical history? Do you have a bank balance that would turn most of us green with envy? Then you might just be interested in owning Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.
If you had to name some of the most famous homes owned by iconic musicians, both Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch might just top the list. Now, the famed property is up for sale at a reduced, but still eye-watering price.
First opened back in 1988, Neverland Ranch was the Californian property that became famous for being the home of Michael Jackson. Sitting on 3,000 acres, the location hosted numerous events by Jackson, and has become iconic for its garden, statues, petting zoo, and on-site amusement park.
While Jackson had bought the property for close to US $20 million back in the late ’80s, it suffered a large amount of financial problems in 2007, and his 2009 passing saw his family and close friends attempting to turn it into a memorial to the late singer.
Back in 2016, Neverland Ranch first went up for sale with a $100m price tag. After a lack of interest, this price fell down to US $67m, but as The Wall Street Journal reports, the famed location is now on the market once again, this time, for the bargain basement price of US $31m.
As CBS notes though, the timing of this sale appears to be the result of a number of factors.
While agent Kyle Forsyth explains that now is the right time to sell “with the drought ending and the Santa Ynez Valley in full bloom”, others feel the impending release of Finding Neverland may help draw attention to the location.
Check out the trailer for Leaving Neverland:
As previously reported, the controversial Finding Neverland documentary is set to air in early March, and despite positive responses during its premiere at Sundance, has received widespread negativity from fans of Michael Jackson.
The documentary, which focuses on sexual abuse allegations against the artist, saw Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck come forward to discuss their claims that they were targeted by Michael Jackson during their childhood.
While the men claim that they received death threats in the wake of the documentary’s premiere, the estate of Michael Jackson have been less than impressed with its content, calling it a “tabloid character assassination”.
“The film takes uncorroborated allegations that supposedly happened 20 years ago and treats them as fact,” Jackson’s estate explained. “We are extremely sympathetic to any legitimate victim of child abuse. This film, however, does those victims a disservice.”
As USA Today reports, the family of Michael Jackson has now spoken in a new interview, claiming that Robson’s changed testimony is the “ultimate betrayal”.
“They weren’t interested in gathering any evidence that wouldn’t corroborate what they’re saying,” Marlon Jackson explained. “That wasn’t the plan. It was a one-sided documentary.”
“It’s never been about justice for him,” added Taj Jackson. “It’s always been about fame and money.”
If you’re interested in a look at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, some sneaky photographers managed to score some interesting photographs back in 2014.
Check out Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’:
