The 557-acre ranch is undeveloped and owned by singer/songwriter/actor Kris Kristofferson. The historic estate is located on one of California's most beautiful and pristine coastlines, with nearly a mile of shoreline frontage.
He recently sold the entire estate, known as Kristofferson Ranch, for $17.2 million. This is the first time the property has been offered for sale in 40 years.
The site was originally developed as a dairy farm in the 19th century, and Kristofferson bought the land around 1980. Justin Nadeau, listing agent for Mendo Sotheby's International Realty, said the legendary performance artist has used it as a "family retreat and a source of inspiration and creativity" for more than four decades.
Located on the Mendocino Coast of Northern California, about three hours north of San Francisco, the farm is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood to provide its owners with the kind of privacy and serenity that Kristofferson seeks.
His family, including eight children, "has stayed there many times over the years," Nadeau says. They camped and rebuilt the barn in the northeast corner of the ranch. They spend summers here and enjoy time with family.
If the buildings look a little rustic, it's because some of them have been there for more than a century.
Nadeau says, "The original roadhouse and barn are still there today." The ranch manager has lived in the roadhouse for decades. It's just been unoccupied for the past few years.
The property may seem out of the way, but fans of "The Karate Kid" will likely recognise it from the third installment of the film series.
Nadeau points out that just below the Roadhouse is a cave with rocky outcrops and a water hole known as Devils Basin. This breathtaking landmark was the setting for an important scene in The Karate Kid Part III.
No films have been shot here recently, and the cattle haven't grazed on the verdant fields for some time. But there is a network of well-maintained roads throughout the ranch, stretching from the water's edge to the meadows overlooking Manchester State Park.
That means there's no shortage of options for this virtually undeveloped coastal delight.
"This land could be used for residential development, agriculture, timber production and more," Nadeau said. Homes could be built here with approval and proper permits. With approval, the land could also be subdivided to allow for the construction of multiple homes.
It's hard not to wonder how Kristofferson could bear to give up land that has played such an important role in his life. But Nadeau explains that the time was right.
Our family has decided that they have enjoyed the land for many years, but now it's time to pass on the opportunity to the next generation, he said.
The seller believes the most likely buyer could be a conservation or non-profit organisation, a family looking to establish a heritage estate, or a developer looking to establish multiple ocean ranches.
Little River Airport is just 20 minutes away, and Elk Town, with its shopping centres, art galleries and world-class dining venues, is a quick drive away.
Kristofferson, 87, is known for writing such hits as "Me and Bobby McGee," "Good Times" and "Help Me Get Through Tonight," all recorded by other artists. He is also known for forming the supergroup The Highwaymen with country singers Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Kristofferson is a four-time Grammy Award winner.
He is also one of the few country singers to have made a successful transition to film, winning a Golden Globe in 1976 for his performance in A Star Is Born. Kristofferson's other film roles include Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and the Blade Runner film trilogy. He officially retires in 2020.
