Engel & Völkers lists “Polar Express” Ranch for 17.5 million US dollars
The ranch where author Chris Van Allsburg lived for a time is currently up for sale for approx. 17.5 million US dollars (approx. 15 million euros). Van Allsburg lived here in the 1980s and wrote the world-famous children’s book “The Polar Express”, which was later made into a blockbuster feature film. “The ranch is truly unique; it is located adjacent to the 225 acre Puzzleface Ranch, Wyoming’s first conservation easement, which gives it perpetual, protected Teton views. It is the ideal retreat for letting your eyes gaze out into the distance to enjoy the peace and serenity of the natural surroundings,” says Andrew Ellett, Real Estate Broker at Engel & Völkers Jackson Hole.
Luxury ranch with spectacular views of the Teton Mountains
The ranch was built in 1975 and spans seven acres in total. It is located in Jackson Hole, a picturesque mountain valley close to the town of Jackson in the US state of Wyoming. The main house in an American “Log Cabin” style underwent rebuilding and extension work over a period of two-and-a-half years from 2010 onwards, using the highest quality materials and at a cost of several million US dollars. Just one of the characteristics preserved are the incredible 12-metre-high window frontages which ensure both panoramic views and light-flooded interiors. The total living space spans almost 700 square metres, with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. In addition, the property presides over two fully fitted kitchens and several open plan living and dining areas featuring rustic wood panelling and solid stone fireplaces. “The log cabin architecture and the signature high ceilings give the property both a sense of cosiness and a feeling of freedom and space,” says Andrew Ellett. “Building with such high ceilings is no longer permitted in Teton County. This makes the property one of the last of its kind – a fact made even better by the completely modernised state it finds itself in.”
The ranch also features a pond, a small stream, various different patios, a Jacuzzi, and a seating area with a fire pit. There is a fully furnished bungalow in the grounds too that can be used as a guesthouse. It comprises three further bedrooms, in addition to a bathroom, an open plan kitchen, and a living room with a fireplace and separate terrace that also boasts sweeping mountain views.
About Chris Van Allsburg
Chris Van Allsburg is a successful US writer and illustrator of children’s books. He was born in the US state of Michigan in 1949 and began his career as a sculptor, later going on to work as an illustrator for the fantasy novels “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (1978) and “Prince Caspian” (1979). His breakthrough as an author came in 1981 with the children’s book “Jumanji”. His most famous work is “The Polar Express”, which Van Allsburg published in 1985 and which was later made into a successful feature film. More information can be found at: https://www.hmhbooks.com/chrisvanallsburg/