Michael Jackson was an international superstar who won 13 GRAMMY Awards and sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. But after his passing in 2009, we learned that he was $500 million in debt because of excessive spending and legal fees associated with lawsuits in several countries. Jackson’s daughter Paris, who is one of the beneficiaries, along with her brothers Prince and Bigi and Michael’s mother, Katherine, has been in a heated battle with the executors of the Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain who she claims have been “skimming” money from the estate for themselves.
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But before all of the drama, Jackson was known for his lavish Neverland Ranch, the private estate he called home from 1988 to 2005. After his death in 2009, the property was left vacant until it was purchased by billionaire Ron Burkle in 2020.
Now, 20 years after he said goodbye for good, we’re taking a look inside Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.
It Started With a Visit
Jackson first fell in love with the property that he rebranded as Neverland when he visited Paul McCartney, who was staying there while the two were filming the video for their duet, “Say, Say, Say.”
Welcome to Neverland
Jackson designed the space to be a private retreat, keeping the estate behind these elaborate gates.
Katherine Station
The Neverland Ranch name is a nod to “Peter Pan,” the classic story about a boy who never wanted to grow up. Once inside the gates, guests are greeted at this train station, named after Michael’s mother, Katherine.
A Sprawling Retreat
Jackson was immediately drawn to the ranch’s location, a remote area that would give him a retreat from his otherwise very public life. The Neverland Ranch sits on 2700 acres in California’s Santa Ynez Valley.
An Amazing View
The property is secluded. But while there isn’t much traffic, there is plenty of beautiful nature all around, including a 4-acre lake, a 5-foot waterfall and a stone bridge.
The Main House
The main house is a massive 12,000 square foot home complete with six bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.
Guest House
In addition to the main house, there are guest quarters that overlook a spacious outdoor swimming pool.
A Rustic Kitchen
The beautiful wood detail is seen throughout the kitchen, from the exposed beams in the ceiling to the cabinets and window frames.
Hardwood Floors
The inside of the house is also inspired by nature, with beautiful hardwood floors and exposed brick in this eat-in kitchen.
Movie Theater
Who needs to go out when you have a 5,550 square foot movie theater with a stage right at home?
A Place to Entertain
In addition to famous friends like Corey Feldman and Macaulay Culkin, Jackson often hosted parties for children who were underprivileged or terminally ill at his Neverland home.
An On-Site Amusement Park
The Neverland Ranch property was home to an amusement park with carnival rides and arcade games.
Neverland Zoo
Jackson also had a zoo built on the property, which included llamas, elephants and a collection of exotic birds.
Straight From 
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