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The end of a poignant 43-year era could be the dawn of an intriguing new one. The beloved Wildlife Waystation—a one-of-a-kind private property in Southern California that once served as a sanctuary for more than 470 exotic animals—is now up for sale.
Listed for $2.2 million, the property’s 160 acres offer vast and diverse animal accommodations, as well as a unique two-bedroom cabin for humans.
Owner and former Wildlife Waystation president and chief operating officer Martine Collette founded the facility in the hills outside of Los Angeles city limits in nearby Sylmar, over four decades ago. She lived in the charming, rustic lodge, with exotic animals housed just steps away, all under the eucalyptus, sycamore, and oak trees dotting the Angeles National Forest.
The Wildlife Waystation, which was supported by private donations, has been battered by natural disasters over the past few years, including the 2017 Creek Fire and flooding earlier this year.
Regulations were another hurdle. It’s complicated and expensive for the organization’s owners to remain current with federal, state, and county animal welfare licensing ordinances.
Not only were there lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), but the facility was also reported to have the largest population of chimpanzees in the Western United States, most of them rescued from biomedical research laboratories.
Many of the facility’s animals were rescued after being abandoned or injured, or living in inadequate private collections. The organization’s intent was to care for the animals until permanent housing could be found, but many lived on the property for the rest of their days.
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The 1,200-square-foot home features stone floors and fireplaces, as well as wood-paneled walls and ceilings. The furniture and accessories could be negotiated for sale.
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The kitchen features a brick oven and industrial-grade stove, as well as vintage iron and copper details and a hefty butcher block.
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The house features built-in shelving throughout, including cupboards made of wood and accented by etched- or stained-glass panels. Skylights and French doors allow plenty of natural light.
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Even the bathrooms display a distinctive wildlife decor.
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There are patios, courtyards, and dining areas throughout the property, ideal for gatherings large and small. Fundraisers and other special events have been held in these spots over the years.
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Suitable homes have been found for the animals since the sanctuary officially closed in August, but some remain, including the giant koi in the ponds.
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The property boasts hiking trails, animal enclosures, a pond, separate office building, a vet hospital, and an old movie set.
There are myriad uses for the property, according to listing agent Mary Anne Singer. Her favorite involves continuing to house the chimps there (they haven’t been moved yet) and developing a new sanctuary for the primates.
The property would also be ideal for a buyer with a different vision, perhaps as a retreat for a photographer, artist, or nature lover, Singer adds. The property feels like a world away, yet it’s only about 20 minutes away from Beverly Hills.
Its proximity to Hollywood also makes it an ideal filming location. The 160 acres can double as India, Africa, the American West, or a number of other exotic places.
“It’s the last Old West property of its type a mere 25 miles from Hollywood,” she says.
The post SoCal’s Famous Wildlife Waystation Is Ready for a Nature-Loving Buyer appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
source https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/wildlife-waystation-ready-nature-loving-buyer/
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