An entire Texas ghost town hit the market for just $100k

A dusty old Texas ghost town

Located 130 miles southeast of El Paso and 57 miles away from the artsy desert city of Marfa, this ghost town in Lobo, Texas just went on the market for less than many houses in the region. The property is buried in the heart of the desert, a remote area which for nearly a century has never housed a population greater than 100 people. The town became fully abandoned in 1991 when the last of its residents headed for greener pastures, and what happened next was truly remarkable…

The Germans arrive

In 2001, having sat abandoned and mouldering for the better part of a decade, the ghost town was bought by a group of artists and friends from Frankfurt, Germany. “One of my friends drove by it in 1999, so we pooled our money and bought the town,” Alexander Bardorff, one of the town’s owners, told Texas Monthly of the group’s unusual purchase. Just two years later, the gang had scraped together the necessary funds to set about creating their own bohemia.

Room for friends

When the group bought the 10-acre property, it comprised a few houses and outbuildings, as well as a former motel, a grocery store and post office, a former gas station and a restaurant. The entire layout was ideally suited for the friends to have their own spaces – a private, rustic cottage where they could work on their respective projects – as well as larger spaces that could be adapted for communal purposes.

A lot of renovations

While the Frankfurters refused to disclose how much they initially paid for the town, the property certainly needed a substantial investment to make it habitable again. The group dug new wells, refurbished the remaining buildings with new roofs and windows, and even installed a bathhouse – pictured here with numerous shower stalls and a large communal sink - to accommodate for the lack of facilities in the cottages. 

A bohemian paradise

After some much-needed TLC, Lobo became a bohemian mecca, the perfect place for the group of artists to ‘get away from it all.’ For nearly 20 years, the German friendship group used the patched-up town to host a variety of music and film festivals, inviting artists from all over the world to come and stay. This picture from the property’s heyday shows the gang making the most of the pool, the perfect community watering hole in the West Texas heat.

The artists' enclave

For the group of artistic ex-pats, the remote town was a dream come true – the perfect place to escape the world, enjoy each other’s company and simply create. Many of the commune’s common spaces are still intact, including this rec room with its large pool table, kitchen and bar space, suggesting that the town is just waiting to welcome the next generation of reclusive artists.

Constant upkeep

However, Lobo needed almost constant upkeep, and since nobody lived on the property year-round, the Frankfurters were faced with an uphill battle to keep the town operable. “You come back after a year and things have been destroyed, and then you have to start over again,” Bardorff explained.

A landlord's nightmare

This, coupled with the constant fear of running out of water familiar to all Texans, meant that Lobo was not quite as idyllic in reality as it might appear on paper. As maintenance fees and drought anxieties mounted, the friends’ energy began to flag, and the property that had once been an artist’s dream began to slowly devolve into a landlord’s nightmare.

Cutting ties

With Lobo rapidly nearing its 17th birthday, the German cohort, most of whom have returned home to Frankfurt, have finally decided to cut ties with the town and have placed it back on the market for just $100,000 (£80.2k). The town’s buildings have been stripped to the studs and now sit largely empty and unfurnished in preparation for the sale.

Looking for the next generation

However, while the group may be ready to sell, they aren’t willing to part ways with the beloved property to just anyone. "We’re hoping to find a buyer with lots of energy, endurance, motivation and an interesting vision for Lobo’s future," Bardorff told Narcity.

All about the vision

"We will consider all offers, taking into account not only the sales price but also the buyer’s vision." With so much history and potential, “we don’t want to sell Lobo just to someone for the water rights, or as grazing land,” Bardorff emphasised.

Not looking for profit

Indeed, the dream of the bohemian paradise once created appears to be dying hard with Bardorff in particular, which explains, at least in part, the low list price. “We are not just trying to make a profit,” he told Texas Monthly, an unusual assertion from any real estate owner. “We would like to find a group of people that want to do something interesting out there. Not necessarily what we did, but some idea.”

Come visit Lobo!

In an effort to attract the right kind of buyer, the friend group hosted one last hurrah at Lobo on Memorial Day Weekend, and encouraged potential buyers and curious parties alike to come and experience all that the town has to offer. “They can camp for free. They can use the bathhouse. Just enjoy being out in the desert, enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy the solitude,” Bardorff explained.

'Keep the lonely places lonely'

And, while it could definitely use another round of TLC, it's not hard to see through the dust to the property’s tremendous potential. “This place is not for everyone, for sure," the listing reads. "But campfire under the stars, isolation but still within a 20-minute highway drive to a grocery store, gas stations, and a McDonald's, this place is way out there and only for the 'way out there.'"

It could be yours...

So, if you’re in the market for your very own Texas ghost town, a place to retreat from the world or establish an international artists’ colony, look no further than Lobo. Rich with history and packed with potential, this dusty old town is just waiting for someone to breath new life into its buildings!

Read on for more incredible towns and villages for sale

READ MORE: Entire towns and villages for sale now

Ever fancied taking on the title of mayor? If so, you won't find a better opportunity than these incredible towns for sale. From an American gold rush town frozen in time to a historic village in rural Italy, these unique settlements around the world are the ultimate real estate investments. Click or scroll on to discover the best communities on the market now...

The Wild West village, Victoria, Australia: £880,000 ($1.1m)

Calling all Western lovers! This unique property buried in the Yandoit Hills of Victoria, Australia, has just come on the market for AUD $1,550,000 – that’s £880,000 ($1.1m). Sequestered in the tranquil privacy of scenic surroundings and boasting a three-bed, two-bath family home, a spectacular 12.5 acres of land, and, best of all, an entire Wild West-themed village, this listing is a real chance to strike gold! Let’s take a look around to see what the property has to offer…

The Wild West village, Victoria, Australia: £880,000 ($1.1m)

The main home is a single-story, ranch-style residence with a spacious wraparound covered porch. Inside, the home features an open-plan living area, with hardwood floors, a wood-burning stove and large windows which offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the adjacent Mount Franklin. The living area flows into an eat-in kitchen, which boasts an oversized adjoining pantry, sleek white cabinetry, marble countertops, and modern appliances, including a Technika oven. The large central island also provides a more casual family dining option.

The Wild West village, Victoria, Australia: £880,000 ($1.1m)

Welcome to the Wild West! Hiding just out of sight of the main house sits a recreated 1880s, gold-rush era-style town, which, according to the listing with McQueen Real Estate, was inspired by Cross Creek Village from the 1950s classic Western film, The Fastest Gun Alive. Constructed entirely from local materials, the town includes a general store, saloon, theatre, church, blacksmith’s, stagecoach booking office, coach builders, grain store, butcher’s, saddlery, courthouse and jail – in short, everything you could need in a Western outpost.

The Wild West village, Victoria, Australia: £880,000 ($1.1m)

Any cowboys looking to reshoe their horse can swing by the blacksmiths or maybe book a ride to the next town at the stagecoach office, guarded by a local who is posed next to an antique cart, one of many collectables scattered through the sets. The whole town took 23 years to build and was a true labour of love, according to the owner, Chris Olver, who said he just got carried away. "I thought, 'I'll build a little building,' before I knew it I had another one and then another one," he told realestate.com.au.

Wild West town, Colorado, USA: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

Offering a fascinating insight into life in the Wild West, this authentic frontier town in Colorado offers style, history and opportunities in abundance. For sale for the first time in over 40 years via RE/MAX Pinnacle, for just £1.3 million ($1.6m), the tiny town is also an absolute steal. Whether you want to create a unique vacation destination or set up your own business, this town is sure to appeal. Let's find out more...

Wild West town, Colorado, USA: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

Located in Silverton, a former mining town, this impressive Wild West set-up was once part of the Old Town Square. It lies at the base of the San Juan Mountains on the notorious Blair Street, where the town's miners would have gathered for refreshments and all sorts of late-night activities. One block from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad depot, the town was perfectly placed for those venturing to Silverton in search of riches beyond their wildest dreams.

Wild West town, Colorado, USA: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

Back in its heyday, the square featured a saloon, a hotel, general store and perhaps even a post office and jail. Today, the historic buildings are wonderfully preserved and house a range of artisan businesses. In fact, for your money, you'll gain two operating commercial business buildings, three commercial rental spaces and one additional building that’s currently being used for storage. Three of the units were originally located in the mining ghost town of Eureka, Colorado, and were later picked up and moved to Silverton.

Wild West town, Colorado, USA: £1.3 million ($1.6m)

This old-school photography studio was once the oldest brothel in town. There's also a two-bedroom residential unit, positioned above the Emporium gift shop, which was built in 2005. Though it's currently operated as a vacation rental, you could easily make it your new home. Other highlights include the original 1875 San Juan County Courthouse, and the 'Swanee's Old Mine Sluice' in the centre of the square, where tourists can pan for gold and gems. This is one seriously amazing investment opportunity for the right buyer. Could that be you?

Seravalle, Bologna, Italy: £1.8 m ($2.2m)

Have you ever dreamed of owning your very own private castle in a beautiful corner of Europe? Well, now you can because this spectacular Italian citadel, palace and village are currently up for grabs for just shy of €2 million (£1.8m/$2.2m). Complete with cobblestone streets, towering turrets and ancient battlements, the mysterious hamlet would make for one seriously cool place to live. 

Seravalle, Bologna, Italy: £1.8 m ($2.2m)

Known as Serravalle, the medieval hamlet can be found half way between the cities of Modena and Bologna. As beautiful as it is historic, the village was conquered and destroyed by the Longobards in the 8th century and in the 9th century it was rebuilt. Offering amazing bang for your buck, the estate comes complete with a majestic castle, a three-storey 18th-century stately home known as Palazzo Boccadiferro, a hunting lodge, a woodshed, a four-floor lookout tower that was built in 1227 and a gorgeous 3.5-acre park, equipped with an ancient moat.

Seravalle, Bologna, Italy: £1.8 m ($2.2m)

Inside, the stately home has been beautifully preserved and retains much of its original medieval details. From oversized fireplaces to terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams and antique light fixtures, each detail takes you back in time. There's a serious sense of grandeur, too, thanks to soaring ceilings, huge arched doorways and extra-wide hallways. Everywhere you look you'll spot ancient stone walls emblazoned with coats of arms and columns decorated with grand carved statues.

Seravalle, Bologna, Italy: £1.8 m ($2.2m)

What's more, this town even comes with ghosts. According to local lore, the estate is haunted by the spirits of 12 women, all of whom were killed after marrying a former lord of the hamlet. Their souls are said to roam the corridors and streets at night in search of vengeance. Yet the village's most astonishing element is this amazing underground tunnel, which connects the palace to the ancient lookout tower. It was once used by guards fleeing from enemy attacks, according to CNN. 

Tuthill, Maine, USA: £4.4 million ($5.5m)

On the market for £4.4 million ($5.5m), Tuthill is located in the town of Pittston, Maine. Nestled on more than 50 acres of land, the picturesque settlement includes 25 buildings and structures that were the brainchild of local antiques dealer Kenneth Tuttle. 

Tuthill, Maine, USA: £4.4 million ($5.5m)

With his heart set on building an antique village, Tuttle bought the main house in 1967 and expanded his settlement from there, saving historic buildings from other towns that were going to be demolished. While the community may have been established in the not-so-distant past, the structures date back to the 19th and 20th centuries and include a showroom for over 30 cars, along with numerous barns.

Tuthill, Maine, USA: £4.4 million ($5.5m)

There are a total of nine residences in the village, which are made up of five family homes, three apartments and a studio guesthouse. All but two of these properties are currently rented out to tenants, so the new owner will have a steady income. 

Tuthill, Maine, USA: £4.4 million ($5.5m)

The stunning natural backdrop of the village boasts a pond, apple trees and flowering bushes. Other ornate buildings include a historic restored antiques shop, an old church meeting hall, two shops and a mechanic's garage. 

Campo, California, USA: £4.9 million ($6.1m)

The rural hamlet of Campo in San Diego County has hit the market for a reported £4.9 million ($6.1m). Just one hour east of San Diego, the town comes with 28 buildings and is ideal for someone looking to take on a town that's already up and running. 

Campo, California, USA: £4.9 million ($6.1m)

A quiet setting, Campo is currently home to around 100 people and comes with working buildings including a post office and church. However, the current residents are looking for the new owner to expand the town, adding facilities such as a gym, laundromat and recreation centres.

Campo, California, USA: £4.9 million ($6.1m)

Spread over 16 acres, the small community is peppered with abandoned clapboard homes like this one. With a little work, these neglected structures could provide charming houses for new residents looking to relocate to the town.

Campo, California, USA: £4.9 million ($6.1m)

Campo is also just a mile away from the US-Mexico border, with many of its residents employed by US Customs and Border Protection. Within an hour's drive of the Pacific Ocean too, this well-located town has the potential to be a thriving hotspot.

Sätra Brunn, Västmanland County, Sweden: £5.1 million ($6.4m)

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 village makes several million dollars every year in revenue, 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.

Sätra Brunn, Västmanland County, Sweden: £5.1 million ($6.4m)

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 SEK67 million, or £5.1 million ($6.4m).

Sätra Brunn, Västmanland County, Sweden: £5.1 million ($6.4m)

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.

Sätra Brunn, Västmanland County, Sweden: £5.1 million ($6.4m)

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.

Little Hawkins, Georgia, USA: £12.8 million ($15.9m)

Got £12.8 million ($15.9m) going spare? Then this upscale village, located on a dreamy private island in Georgia's Golden Isles, could be yours. Little Hawkins offers an ideal hideaway from modern life without sacrificing any creature comforts. Surrounded by waterfront views and coastal salt marshes, wildlife is plentiful here, with dolphins, otters, turtles and a myriad of fish and birds making a regular appearance.

Little Hawkins, Georgia, USA: £12.8 million ($15.9m)

Within easy reach of the mainland, there’s a private dock suitable for a 40-foot boat, or you can drive over the community's private 110-foot concrete bridge. For more far-flung destinations, there's even an airport located on neighbouring Sea Island.

Little Hawkins, Georgia, USA: £12.8 million ($15.9m)

The village itself, which is on the market with Private Islands Inc, is comprised of four buildings nestled within a three-acre gated community. A luxurious property serves as the main residence, flanked by two cottages and a clubhouse, complete with an outdoor pool, spa and bar. If that wasn't enough, the lot also enjoys over 700 feet of water frontage. 

Little Hawkins, Georgia, USA: £12.8 million ($15.9m)

The spectacular interior of the main residence oozes traditional charm, with wooden coffered ceilings and decorative arches. Handcrafted touches abound throughout, from the solid mahogany doors to the reclaimed antique pine flooring and bespoke Spanish terracotta tiles. 

Frontier-style town, Alberta, Canada: £15.1 million ($18.9m)

Sprawling across an idyllic 11-acre site, this amazing frontier-style town in Alberta, Canada, includes a spectacular main lodge, six guest cabins, a full-size indoor equestrian arena and a boat house. Currently on the market for CAD$25.5 million (£15.1m/$18.9m), the unique estate could be an idyllic family retreat or an ambitious commercial enterprise. Entry to the intriguing settlement is through a traditional pine log bulwark and gate, complete with a watchtower. Let's step inside...

Frontier-style town, Alberta, Canada: £15.1 million ($18.9m)

At the other side of the entranceway, you'll find a main street that includes a sheriff’s office with two jail cells and an antique armoury cabinet, a saloon with a full-service bar and gambling hall, a blacksmith shop, a bank, and a carpentry shop. There’s also a small white church with antique pews and an operational bell tower. If it looks like a location straight from a movie, that's because it is: the settlement was the original set of Unforgiven, a 1992 Western starring Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman.  

Frontier-style town, Alberta, Canada: £15.1 million ($18.9m)

The movie was filmed near the ranch and the current owners bought the set of the fictional town of "Big Whiskey" and reconstructed it on their land. Despite appearances, the buildings are in excellent condition. Far from being empty props, the interiors are set up and ready to welcome keen tourists. We can just picture visitors enjoying a drink in this amazing saloon. Elsewhere, you'll find a livery with three indoor stalls, a tack room, two paddocks, feed sheds and a 680-square-foot woodwork shop. 

Frontier-style town, Alberta, Canada: £15.1 million ($18.9m)

There's also a majestic main lodge that dates to 1992, which once reportedly played host to Clint Eastwood. The building boasts a whopping 12,292 square feet of living space, with five bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. It's exquisitely appointed with a rugged, log cabin-inspired aesthetic, and at the heart of the building there's a spacious, double-height great room with exposed timber walls and ceilings. How's that for cool?

Trevalga, Cornwall, UK: £15.8 million ($19.8m)

Sandwiched between the Cornish villages of Boscastle and Tintagel, this 1,200-acre English village provides history, space and jaw-dropping scenery. On the market with Savills for just under £15.8 million ($19.8m), Trevalga comes complete with six farms, as well as 17 houses and cottages. Yet the village's ample offering and stunning scenery aren't its only draws...

Trevalga, Cornwall, UK: £15.8 million ($19.8m)

Savvy fans may recognise the landscape from the popular television series Poldark, which follows the adventures of dashing hero Ross (played by Aidan Turner). Many of the show's iconic scenes were filmed nearby. There's no end of beautiful homes in the village, too. You could play Lord of the Manor at this clifftop stately home, although it's currently being rented out to a very lucky local! The hamlet also features a range of traditional stone cottages with slate roofs.

Trevalga, Cornwall, UK: £15.8 million ($19.8m)

Dominating the hamlet is the estate’s main working farm, which is let on a Farm Business Tenancy until 2031. There are four more fully equipped farms and further land and outbuildings, which are currently being leased out, providing the new owner with regular income. However, some local residents have serious concerns about the sale of the village. Tenants of Trevalga, some of whom go back three generations or more, fear a new owner will evict them. In fact, they've created a petition to fight the sale.

Trevalga, Cornwall, UK: £15.8 million ($19.8m)

Occupying a stunning location, the village sits just moments from Cornwall's most specular coastline. Glistening blue waters, lush countryside and craggy cliffs will be your daily backdrop. The listing includes about a mile of coastline, as well as a few rocky islands lying just off the shore, including Short Island and Long Island, where razorbills, guillemots and puffins can often be spotted. If you're keen to keep this stunning village thriving, then Savills has all the details you need.

Poggio Santa Cecilia, Tuscany, Italy: £35 million ($43.8m)

This dreamy Italian hamlet could soon be yours for a cool €40 million—or £35 million ($43.8m). Perched high on a hilltop, the charming village of Poggio Santa Cecilia in Italy's scenic Tuscany region was abandoned in the 1960s and has sadly fallen into a state of disrepair over the last 60 years. 

Poggio Santa Cecilia, Tuscany, Italy: £35 million ($43.8m)

Located in 1,730 acres of land, the village includes the remains of a medieval castle that could make the ultimate fixer-upper, as well as a vast 18th-century villa and a church complete with a bell tower. The grounds also include partially restored stables, an olive mill and a labyrinth of underground cellars. 

Poggio Santa Cecilia, Tuscany, Italy: £35 million ($43.8m)

The winding streets are sheltered by a tall city wall, featuring stone arches and exquisite medieval architecture. Lining the village's flagstone roads, an array of traditional Tuscan homes offer wooden front doors, terracotta-tiled roofs and beamed ceilings.

Poggio Santa Cecilia, Tuscany, Italy: £35 million ($43.8m)

On the market with Essentis Group, the sale includes 50 separate buildings, plus 200 acres of woodland, two lakes, 23 acres of fruit trees and 55 acres of vineyards. Ready to breathe new life into this historic settlement?

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