Michael Jackson’s dazzling Neverland Ranch is up for sale, and its potential buyers have some rather interesting plans for the estate.
One of the property’s prospective buyers are pitching to make the 2,700-acre estate into a Graceland-ish attraction — while another buyer aspires to create a therapy camp for molested children, according to The New York Post.
A source close to the Post said that local businessmen are willing to shell around $40 million for the $75 million ranch.
“The plan is to have children come there for treatment, and they will also hire trained therapists who would help the victims through the use of equine-assisted therapy, which works to improve the kids’ self-esteem, and it helps them to become more outgoing,” said the source. “His goal is for the place to be used to help children in a serene setting recover from the trauma of sex abuse,”
With the slew of child molestation allegations that plagued Jackson, the “therapy camp” wouldn’t go out without some major controversy. But other investors would rather make it into a shrine for the late pop star.
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“We know of two bids, one with multiple partners, who want to make it a shrine to Michael Jackson, a Graceland-type thing,” said the source, adding that one of the buyers has many of Jackson’s memorabilia, including gloves and socks.
California administrators have also shown interest in turning the estate into a state-park, but its price was too high, according to William Etling, a local real-estate broker. Still, executives in charge of the ranch aren’t at all pleased with what may happen to the property.
“Sadly, Michael lost control of Neverland during his life as a result of advice from a former manager,” said a rep. “We are frustrated, bitterly disappointed and saddened that it has come to this.” –– Richy Rosario
Photo Credit: AP Photo