Lonesome Ranch isn’t just an ordinary gold mine; indeed, it’s rich in history and legacy. Situated in the remote expanses of California’s Sequoia National Forest, this expansive property once buzzed with the activity of hundreds of gold-seekers 150 years ago. Today, it stands as a captivating snapshot of the past, complete with Gold Rush era relics and priced at $2.5 million.
The ranch spans approximately 197 acres and was akin to a bustling township back in 1867, explained listing agent Shamon Shamonki. Its landscape is dotted with nine vintage cottages, six deserted gold mines, and the remains of an old brothel, echoing the days when over 4,000 miners made this their home. By the early 1870s, however, the lively mining camp had dwindled to a ghost town.
The current owner, former DJ Simon T., is now offering 17 plots of land he accumulated over decades. Simon began acquiring the land from a character known as “Lonesome Al” in the early 1980s and named the estate in his memory after his passing 20 years ago.
Preservation efforts have restored three cottages to reflect the rustic charm of the 1860s, complete with gas lighting and antique stoves, while integrating modern comforts like plumbing. Simon dedicated ten years to these restorations.
Hidden within the old brothel’s kitchen cabinet lies an entrance to underground tunnels—a reminder for potential buyers to bring a flashlight and pickaxe. The site is littered with relics like sluice boxes and mining carts, and even hosts a small graveyard.
“The deaths might have been due to a dispute over a prostitute or another cause, leading to a few burials that eventually became a cemetery,” speculates Shamonki. He also mentioned that the local Piute tribe frequented the site’s Native American grinding circles during summer months to prepare food and escape the heat.
Lonesome Ranch offers a true escape from modern life. Equipped with solar panels, propane tanks, generators, and satellite communications, the property ensures an off-grid lifestyle. It features a water tower and streams, and a converted barn with a helipad, offering shelter for a helicopter during adverse weather.
The main cabin, originally a modest log structure from the mining days, has been expanded, Simon T. shared via email.
With the ranch divided into 17 distinct plots, Shamonki sees great potential for development. Buyers could either build a community of single-family homes or transform the land into a lively historical site. Some are even considering turning it into a glamping retreat.
And if fate takes a twist in these historic hills, Shamonki muses, at least there’s a peaceful spot to lay to rest.
