Michael jackson's neverland ranch up for sale

Photo: WKHarmon

Give Me Half a Chance, wealthy Michael Jackson fans will be crying to themselves this week, as Neverland is put up for sale.

The infamous ranch was bought by Michael Jackson in 1987 for $19.5 million. "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" became the motto of the King of Pop, who turned it into nothing less than a personal amusement park, adding everything from theme park rides to a zoo. I Wanna Be Where You Are, thought many onlookers, as he turned his purchase into a dream home.

The estate was also used to back a $24.5 million loan, though, which Jackson defaulted on, causing investment firm Colony Capital LLC to acquire a stake in the property in 2008. Since his tragic death in 2009, the home fell into disrepair, while the attractions and animals were sold - do not Blame It On the Boogie, though, as this was part of the firm's plan to strip, renovate and put the property up for sale.

Now, "Sycamore Valley Ranch" (located in Los Olivos) is on the market for $100 million. The estate now includes the main mansion, guesthouse, basketball court and private cinema, but has lost the theme park rides and orangutans. What is left of Neverland? A fire department building, explains the Wall Street Journal, as well as two lakes, a llama and a train station. And, inside the property, a stage with "trap doors for magic shows".

The listing is shared between Suzanne Perkins of Sotheby’s International Realty, Harry Kolb of Sotheby’s and Jeffrey Hyland of Hilton & Hyland. "Extensive prequalification" will be required for any curious buyers, the agents told the WSJ.

"Our seller is not encouraging a lot of showings,” added Mr. Hyland. “We’re not going to be giving tours,” commented Ms. Perkins.

"We hope and trust that any new owners of Neverland will respect the historical importance and special nature of this wonderful property," the Jackson estate said last year. "Michael’s memory lives on in the hearts of his fans worldwide."