2021-01-27, 05:30 PM
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Hard Luck Castle reportedly sold
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2021-02-15, 05:32 PM
I called Randy today to get an update on the sale. Here’s what he told me (shared with his permission):
The sale closes Wednesday, February 17. The buyer, a “multi-millionaire” from Silicon Valley, plans to convert it into an Air BnB! They’re going to redecorate, bring in nice furniture, etc. He’ll stay on in his trailer for the time being as a “maintenance man”; says they are paying him well. They’re going to drill a well and put in all new solar. He says dowsers have been out there and they claim there’s water on the property… The buyers have managers (the same people who are running the Bed and Breakfast on Highway 95), and local people will be hired to come out and clean between rentals. I asked if they would keep the website. He stated he had gotten rid of it (it was hacked in late 2019 and since then used consistently for spam). But as of this moment, it’s still up (and hacked): https://hardluckcastle.com/ 
2021-02-15, 07:42 PM
(2021-02-15, 05:32 PM)Candace66 Wrote: The buyer, a “multi-millionaire” from Silicon Valley, plans to convert it into an Air BnB! So it looks like Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Apple will be working from his new home just outside of Death Valley?  Seriously Candace, your updates are always spot on and contain much detail. Thanks for calling Randy and for taking the time to update.
Life begins in Death Valley
You're welcome! I was quite curious what was going on with this sale. It's been a saga, to say the least.
I'm also eager to see if the water well comes to fruition. I know there was at least one unsuccessful attempt to drill for water on the property. The new owners/managers might not be thrilled if they have to keep trucking it over the hills from Gold Point. The Hard Luck would definitely qualify as a socially-distanced remote work site! Though I can't imagine Cook being there.  OTOH, perhaps it would serve well as a retreat, far from the Bay area traffic and crowds.Bonnie Claire Airport would have to be spruced up a bit for the corporate jets, though.  BC Int'l Airport on Google Maps (switch to Satellite imagery) Still wondering why my posts show up with the line spacing all messed up (I see lots of extra blank lines). 
2021-02-23, 07:03 PM
The sale did go through on February 19, 2021 with a sale price of $550,000.
It was bought by HLMC LLC which was formed on February 5, 2021 probably just for the purchase of the castle property. The managing member of HLMC LLC is Richard Socher... HLMC LLC Nevada Secretary Of State Business Registration
2021-02-24, 09:40 PM
That sale price is a bit of a haircut from the original asking price.
"Hard Luck Mine Castle was originally listed for $3.2million but Johnston recently cut the asking price to $1.5million" 2016 article But by this point, I think Randy is probably thrilled to be rid of it at any price. 
2021-02-24, 10:53 PM
After he put so much work into that place, I'd imagine it must be hard for him to have to sell it for so little. I hope the new owner appreciates it.
Link to my DV trip reports, and map of named places in DV (official and unofficial): http://kaurijacobphotography.yolasite.com
2021-02-25, 08:36 PM
Unique Airbnb places are becoming popular in the desert. This one is located off Scotty's Castle Road near Bonnie Claire...
Death Valley House | Desert Gold Google Maps 
2021-02-26, 09:46 PM
Just a few good Instagram influencers in there and hear that credit card reader beeping.
2021-02-27, 04:41 PM
(2021-02-25, 08:36 PM)Desert Fog Wrote: This one is located off Scotty's Castle Road near Bonnie Claire... Hey Desert Fog, thanks for both links which I spent some time reviewing and enjoying. Too pricey for me but I remain fascinated by what water source they tapped into, what electricity source, Internet connections, construction challenges, and security measures are taken. It's not too far from the Hard Luck Castle either.
Life begins in Death Valley
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