Footage shows inside Michael Jackson’s transformed Neverland ranch after being left to rot
- Neverland, the ranch of the late Michael Jackson, has been given a new lease of life
- Some of the attractions have been restored
- New attractions and animals have also been seen
Published on Nov 07, 2023 at 9:38 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Nov 10, 2023 at 3:10 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Adam Gray
After falling into chaos, Neverland, the ranch of the late Michael Jackson, has been given a new lease of life.
Some of the attractions that the disgraced King of Pop enjoyed during his life have been restored.
Meanwhile, new rides have mysteriously cropped up on the late Thriller singer’s Californian estate.
Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch was falling to pieces after he sold it – but now it’s been completely transformed.
The estate went up for sale in May 2016 with an initial asking price of a staggering $100 million – not unlike the price of Jeff Bezos’ estate.
After the price was lowered several times, billionaire business mogul, Ron Burkle, bought Neverland for just $22million in December 2020.
Celebrity estates going on the market – including Taylor Swift‘s, Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary and Elton John‘s – usually result in a hiked up price.
However Jackson’s sold for four times less than what it was listed for originally
The asking price allegedly tumbled as Neverland began to decay and child molestation charges loomed.
Michael Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication in 2009 at the age of 50.
It was reported the Jackson family wanted to turn the property into a place of pilgrimage for the Bad singer’s fans.
However, the 2,700-acre ranch near Santa Barbara, named after the singer’s fictional hero, Peter Pan, fell into disrepair over the years.
Neverland, the star’s real-estate legacy, remained virtually abandoned since his death over a decade ago.
At the time of sale, a spokesperson for Burkle stated the billionaire saw the investment as a land banking opportunity.
But it seems his plans have done a complete 180.
Rather than raze the property to the ground, Burkle decided to restore Michael Jackson’s answer to Graceland to its former glory.
After the 2020 sale, reports emerged that vehicles and tool-carrying workers were seen on the site as work started.
Now, new aerial pictures have shown some of the former over-the-top attractions have been resurrected despite some being covered.
These include a functioning train station, statues, Ferris Wheel, roller coaster and swan boats.
A 14-foot lagoon-style pool and a four-acre lake with waterfall that were previously drained seem to have been refilled.
Winding pathways linking attractions across the ranch have been cleaned up.
What looks. like a funhouse, titled, ‘Firehouse’, can be seen from above.
There are also two bright swinging carriages labelled ‘Krazy Planes’.
Both sit next to the working railway.
A plethora of teepees also appear to be covering attractions.
Like actor, Robert Downey Jr, Jackson loved having animals in his home.
Jackson’s famous petting zoo also appears to be back.
Animals have been reintroduced, despite controversy surrounding the previous residents.
In spite of the site being renamed ‘Sycamore Valley Ranch’, flowerbeds still spell out the grounds’ former name.
One of the biggest new attractions is called ‘Hook’s Revenge’.
Seemingly it chimes in with the former Peter Pan theme.
While it’s yet to be confirmed whether any of the railroads is still in use, one of the original carriages still sits at the end of a line.
The main property is a 12,598-square-foot house with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
The ranch also boasts a 50-seat movie theater, dance studio and tennis court.
Jackson purchased the Californian property in 1987 for around $19.5million.
Police raided the property ahead of Jackson’s 2003 child molestation trial.
He was acquitted of all charges but charges were revived in appeals in August.
Jackson stated he couldn’t live at the property again as he no longer considered the ranch a home as it had been “too violated” by the raid.
Colony Capital invested $22.5million in 2008, with sources reporting it was the majority owner.
Burkle has yet to confirm his plans for the estate.
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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
