Vegas’ Bizarre “Underground House” On the Market for $18M
LAS VEGAS, NV – Las Vegas is home to a great many eye-catching structures and oddities, but one of the most remarkable of them isn’t eye catching at all… mainly because it’s located 26 feet underground.
The infamous “Underground House,” originally constructed by Avon founder and subterranean living enthusiast Jerry Henderson in 1979, has been officially put on the Vegas real estate market for a whopping $18 million. That’s quite a mark-up from its previous selling price in 2015 of $1,150,000, but the current owners maintain that the novelty – combined with the sheer expense involved in attempting to replicate the house’s unique design elsewhere – make the inflated price tag well worth it.
Henderson allegedly built the Underground House owing to fears over nuclear war or other catastrophes, although modern reports indicate that it would likely provide inadequate protection from a serious nuclear attack.
The above-ground portion of the Underground House – located 2.5 miles from the Las Vegas Strip – looks plain enough upon first inspection, being a simple townhouse that Jerry Henderson’s widow lived her remaining years in upon her husband’s passing in 1983. But delve into the earth below and you’ll discover a vast complex boasting five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and numerous extravagant amenities, all designed with a flashy 1970’s flair that goes the proceedings a distinctively retro-look.
Visitors to the Underground House – with the 15,000 square-foot space accessible via stairs or elevator – will find themselves greeted by a faux “outdoor” yard populated with a grass-colored carpet, artificial trees, bushes, and rocks, as well as murals on the walls and ceilings depicting the sky, horizon, and various bits of country scenery. Lights can be adjusted to represent different times of the day, and twinkling lights in the ceiling represent a starry nighttime sky.
In the center of it all is the house itself, reflecting a 1970’s design sensibility and including an elaborate bar and a kitchen with a vibrant pink color scheme. Glass panel doors, as you would normally see on a typical above-ground house leading into the backyard, separate the interior of the house from the “outdoor” area.
Speaking of the outdoor area, it is replete with a number of perks, including a pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, a dance floor, a barbecue area (complete with a picnic table and chairs), and a four-hole putting green. In addition, there is a separate guest “house” on the “property” for when visitors come calling.
Despite the 70’s design aesthetic, prospective buyers of the Underground House will be happy to know that the current owners – the mysterious Society for the Preservation of Near Extinct Species – didn’t skimp on adding modern technological aspects. Climate control is provided by eight heavy-duty air conditioning units, cell phone service is accessible via underground repeaters, and cable TV and Internet are available as well. In addition, the property has a 1,000 fresh water tank as well.
It just goes to show you that just when you think you’ve seen it all in Las Vegas, you only have to direct your gaze downward to find that there’s even more going on beneath the surface.
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