Ever fancied taking on the title of Sheriff? If so, you won’t find a better opportunity than these towns for sale. From picture-postcard European hamlets to American Wild West towns frozen in time, these unique settlements are the ultimate real estate investments. Click or scroll on to discover the best communities on the market right now…
Bridgeville, California, USA: $1.5 million (£1.1m)
When you think about real estate in California, you might picture the plush mega-mansions of Los Angeles, or the mid-century modern pads of Palm Springs, but if you fancy a slice of the good life, you might want to consider an altogether different type of property. The town of Bridgeville in Humboldt County is currently up for grabs for $1.5 million (£1.1m) via Realty World.
The quaint hamlet was founded in the late 19th century and sits alongside idyllic woodland landscapes. The scenic Van Duzen River runs through the town, which features a dramatic bridge, after which the settlement was named.
The 83-acre community made headlines as the first town to be listed on eBay when it landed on the online buying site in 2002. After the initial sale fell through, real estate developer Bruce Krall snapped up Bridgeville, selling it once more via eBay in 2006. But months later, following the sudden passing of the settlement’s new owner, it was placed back on the market.
The community underwent renovations in the early 2000s, however, there’s still plenty of work needed to breathe new life into this timeworn town. Nevertheless, there’s no shortage of potential here: as well as the substantial acreage on offer, the sale price includes a number of homes and cabins, a 150-year-old post office, a vacant café and a cemetery. Are you up for the challenge?
Western movie ranch, New Mexico, USA: $1.6 million (£1.2m)
Over in New Mexico, USA, you could bag yourself a western movie ranch, complete with everything except the cowboys! For sale with Sotheby’s International Realty, Gabriella is thought to be the largest and most authentic western town in Catron County – and it could soon be yours.
A fascinating replica of a Catron County Wild West town from the 1880s, when the notorious outlaw Thomas “Black Jack” Ketchum ruled the roost, Gabriella beautifully preserves the history of America’s iconic boomtowns. Spanning 58 acres, the ranch comes equipped with a hotel, a log cabin, a dance hall, saloon, billiard hall, photography studio, stagecoach and barbershop, complete with an antique chair.
Over the years the town has been used as a filming location, as well as for private parties and gunslinger re-enactments. Yet the possibilities for Gabriella are endless. The lucky new owner could open a working museum, create a unique wedding venue, or simply design themselves a truly one-of-a-kind home.
According to the real estate listing, the creator of this unique ranch has paid great attention to detail throughout the estate and the interiors of the buildings have been designed with authenticity in mind. If this unique ghost town is your sort of thing, then it’s currently up for grabs for a cool $1.6 million (£1.2m).
Sätra Brunn, Västmanland County, Sweden: $8.4 million (£6.2m)
Established in the 1700s, the quaint community of Sätra Brunn was originally founded as a wellness village when a natural mineral spring was discovered on the site. It went on to become a popular destination for those in search of relaxation and respite. Fast forward some 300 years and health and wellbeing are still very much at the heart of this unique development, which is now on the market with Christie’s International Real Estate for just over $8.4 million (£6.2m).
The vast settlement encompasses around 59 sprawling acres and is home to 70 buildings, from picturesque residences to a hotel, preschool, conference centre, restaurant, church, spring, gym and bathhouse. According to the listing, the annual turnover of the village was between $3.4 million (£2.5m) and $3.9 million (£2.8m) in 2019, plus Sätra Brunn has also been bottling its natural spring water since 2015, so the lucky buyer could end up with a healthy side business, too.
Home to possibly the world’s cutest houses, it’s hard not to be charmed by the village’s array of colourful painted buildings. A tight-knit community, Sätra Brunn plays host to an array of celebrations throughout the year, from Midsummer, Christmas and New Year’s festivities to concerts and weddings. The current owners acquired the village in 2002 and are keen to pass the mantle to a buyer who wants to preserve the community’s rich history and help its business ventures thrive.
Inside, the historic properties aren’t in bad shape either, with a plethora of stunning period features still in place, from exposed original floorboards to antique fixtures and detailing. In addition to the village, the sale also includes 34 acres of undeveloped woodlands, so there’s plenty of space to strike out on new developments too.
Cleator, Arizona, USA: $999,999 (£739k)
Nestled in the arid desert of Yavapai County, the town of Cleator was founded in the late 1800s as a gold-mining outpost. Spanning almost 40 acres, this compact settlement is now on the market with North & Co for $999,999 (£739k), after receiving a substantial price cut.
Once flanked by mining camps and the Prescott and Eastern Railroad, the settlement bustled with workers and their families in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, by the 1930s, many of the town’s mines had folded – the final blow came a few years later when the railroad closed. Home to around 1,500 people in its heyday, the outpost was all but deserted. While some consider Cleator a ghost town, it’s still home to a handful of people who’ve formed a small, tight-knit community.
Located 70 miles outside of Phoenix, the settlement’s collection of 20 weathered buildings still resemble an old Wild West town. Alongside the original residences, there’s a bar and general store that remain largely unchanged from the outpost’s glory days. In addition to the structures, the sale price also includes mining rights to the area. Who knows, maybe there’s still gold in them thar hills…
The town’s main pull is without doubt the playfully named Cleator Bar and Yacht Club. Decked out in a mix of cowboy memorabilia and nautical touches, including jet skis and buoys, visitors come from far and wide to drink in the legendary watering hole. Where else can you enjoy a beer on a pontoon boat in the middle of the desert?
