When Joe Pollifrone, a broker for Christie’s International Sereno, told colleagues about the $32.8 million listing he picked up in December, they seemed surprised and perhaps a little jealous.
The oldest business in the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, the famous—some would say infamous—Lupin Lodge, a nudist resort nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains above the Lexington Reservoir, had been put up for sale, and he was trying to find someone to buy it.
“Okay Joe, are you a member?” they would say.
“No,” he’d reply.
“Well, how’d you get the listing?” they’d continue.
Campground officials say there’s been interest in the 112-acre property, but no concrete offers.
And as Pollifrone reaches out to nudists, prospective winery developers and educators in an effort to identify someone who wants to take over the deed, Lupin Lodge is preparing to celebrate 90 years in existence.
The fact that the site is planning its big 9-oh bash this year, not next, is a result of some digging that occurred in recent months.
As Lodge archivists combed through old papers and photographs, they turned up an advertisement for the initial opening—which, it turned out, took place a year earlier than originally thought.
Charles Kuo, the operations manager, said one of the things he’s most looking forward to will be the historical slideshow about the business to be presented by Lori Kay Stout.
While there will be plenty of fun activities, it will still be bittersweet knowing the community may soon be dissolved, he adds.
“We could have a 91 or a 92, but we may not,” he said. “With the uncertainty, we want to make the most of every year.”
The weekender, running Aug. 23-25, will be held at the 20600 Aldercroft Heights Rd. retreat center, and is open to the public.
Friday, Aug. 23
6-7pm: Dinner / happy hour
8:30pm: “Wizard of Oz” movie at the restaurant patio
Saturday, Aug. 24
12pm: Lupin’s birthday pool party with DJ Drew
2pm: Cake and champagne toast
2:30pm: Improv, ice breaker, and games with Rochelle
5pm: Lupin History Talk and Slide Show with Lori Kay Stout: “What’s Next for Lupin?”
7-10pm: Tangerine & Moonbeam DJ dance party
10pm-1am: DJ Drew
Sunday, Aug. 25
11am: Hike
1pm: Water volleyball tournament – Winning team gets a dessert made from a popular 1930’s recipe
2pm: Bird release ceremony
More information, and tickets, can be found at: lupins90th.eventbrite.com
