It was the sprawling estate Michael Jackson called a “dream”, named after a fictional island where Peter Pan lives.
Since the music icon’s death in 2009, many have wondered what has happened to his former home, Neverland.
Over the years, the property has undergone significant changes.
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Michael Jackson’s former home, Neverland Ranch has undergone significant changes. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Jackson bought the ranch in 1988. Picture: Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
What happened to Michael Jackson’s Neverland?
Jackson purchased the property, originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, and later known as Sycamore Valley, in 1988.
He had discovered the property after Beatle Paul McCartney had stayed there while they were making the music video for smash hit “Say, Say, Say”.
The King of Pop renamed the estate Neverland, a nod to Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up.
The musician splashed $US35 million ($A53 million) transforming the estate into a Disney-style amusement park, installing a train station, merry-go-round, arcade and ferris wheel.
The property also had a zoo filled with tigers, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, orangutans and a bear.
Neverland included a 1200 sqm residence, 50-seat movie theatre building, guest quarters, barn
and a pool house.
Jackson spent close to $US35 million turning the ranch into an amusement park. Picture: Jason Kirk/Getty Images
The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home spans a massive 1170 sqm and features an expansive master suite with private loft and two master bedrooms, as well as three separate guest homes.
Other luxurious features include two fireplaces, a butler’s pantry, spa bath, sauna, and breathtaking mountain views.
It is also a short 8km drive to the nearest town, and two hours from LA.
Jackson resided at Neverland until 2005. After he was acquitted of child sex charges, he moved out of Neverland and relocated to Bahrain.
He transferred the property to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC in 2008 to cover debts he had run up.
In 2015, the estate was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch and put on the market for $US100 million ($A128 million).
Jackson resided at Neverland until 2005. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Who purchased the Neverland estate?
After five years and numerous price cuts, the sprawling property finally found a buyer.
Billionaire and friend of the late pop star Ron Burkle purchased the 2700-acre (1092Ha) estate for $US22 million ($A28 million).
A spokesperson who had also served as Jackson’s financial adviser told The New York Times that Burkle had viewed the home as an investment.
There was initial speculation that the Neverland estate would be memorialised in Jackson’s memory, much like Elvis Presley’s Graceland home, but was placed on the market in 2016.
The house was originally listed for $US100 million ($A128 million). and dropped to $US67million ($A102 million) the following year, The Sun reports.
Renovations finally began after over a decade in 2021, and supervising planner, Errin Briggs, told SF Gate in February 2022: “Our staff has been out to the site multiple times for about the last four to six months.
“We don’t yet have any permit requests for new structures, but they’ve pulled permits for roofing, existing structures, electrical — pretty minor stuff, but we can confirm work is being done.”
Burkle made his fortune by flipping large estates including the house used in the 1982 film, Blade Runner, in 2011.
He purchased the property for $US4.5million ($A6.9 million) and in 2019 it sold for a whopping $US18million ($A27 million).
An aerial view of a section of singer Michael Jackson”s Neverland theme park in 2001. Picture: Jason Kirk/Getty Images
Transformation of crumbling Neverland Ranch
Back in 2023, photos emerged showing the transformation of Neverland Ranch as the on-property rides were resurrected.
At the time, it appeared Burkle was resurrecting pieces of the property – including some of the aforementioned attractions.
While the property reportedly fell into chaos after Jackson sold it, it appeared that work had been done to restore the grounds.
The photos showed fairground stands that appear to have been reinstalled, along with a playground of sorts and teepees.
A new attraction called “Hook’s Revenge”, featuring a broken pirate ship with Captain Hook and his rival crocodile.
The petting zoo that was formerly onsite also appeared to have been reinstated and the train station and train tracks have remained intact.
Giant swimming pools that were previously drained appear to be refilled as well.
Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland theme park has been rebuilt by the film company who are making a movie about the singer’s life. Picture: Splash/Backgrid
Neverland featured in upcoming biopic
Last year, the Neverland theme park was brought back to life for an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.
Fairground rides appear to have been repainted and the lush landscaping restored at the private amusement complex.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson plays the late King of Pop in Antoine Fuqua’s “Michael,” slated for release in April 2026.
Parts of this story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
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