A nudist resort less than 30 minutes’ drive from the urban sprawl of Silicon Valley is for sale.
Lupin Lodge in Aldercroft Heights, California, has been put up for sale for $32.8 million.
The property is said to be one of the oldest nudist resorts west of Mississippi, but the sale offers the possibility that it will finally be accessible to nudists.
The promotional material for the property, which is being sold by Christie’s International Real Estate, emphasizes that the property “offers endless development possibilities, from a recreation center to a wellness facility to an eco-adventure resort.”
Located just five miles from downtown Los Gatos, the 45-acre estate has 37 bedrooms and 22 bathrooms, but that’s not all.
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The property description touts the lodge’s extensive amenities: “Lupin Lodge features extensive use permitting, an ideal location, beautiful park-like grounds with views, a restaurant/clubhouse with a large deck overlooking the mountains, a pool, tennis/pickleball court, volleyball court, miles of hiking trails, yurts, cabins, a state-regulated water plant fed by Hendry’s Creek, and mostly pristine land with privacy and tranquility.”
The comprehensive use permit would allow the new owners to add an 18-room lodge, a conference center, another pool and two spas.
Newsweek has contacted selling agent Joe Pollifrone for comment.
The lodge’s history is also a big draw. Originally a winery that closed during Prohibition before reopening as a nudist resort in 1935, it was founded by early proponents of the nudist movement who wanted a quiet and relaxing oasis.
The resort has been run by the Stout family for 47 years. The current owner, Lori Stout, has been at the helm since 2015.
Currently, guests at Lupin can enjoy a number of activities nude, including nude volleyball and nude hiking in the property’s forest. The website states: “Nudity is generally encouraged throughout the property.”
However, it is not just the nudity that has caused a stir at Lupin Lodge. In 2015, Lori Stout was charged by local authorities with stealing water from a nearby stream. Stout eventually agreed to plead not guilty and paid a fine.
That same year, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Stouts, alleging wage theft.
It is currently not known exactly why the Stouts are selling Lupin Lodge, but Newsweek sent them an email asking for a comment.
Conveniently for potential buyers, the perfect opportunity to take a look inside Lupin Lodge is now available as the resort celebrates its 90th anniversary with a weekend open to the public in August 2024.
