Highland Park, Illinois – [Current Date]
For years, the sprawling estate in Highland Park, Illinois, once home to basketball icon Michael Jordan, stood as a monument to sports history and opulent living. It also stood as a rather persistent listing on the luxury real estate market, taking a full 12 years to find a new owner, eventually selling for a significant markdown from its initial asking price.
Acquired last December by real estate investor John Cooper for $9.5 million (a cool 67% off the original $29 million tag, proving even Air Jordan`s touch doesn`t guarantee a quick sale in real estate), the 7-acre property with its signature `23` gate has now taken an unexpected turn. It`s available for rent.
Yes, the residence known as `Champions Point,` purpose-built in 1995, is currently listed on the popular short-term rental platform, Airbnb. This move transforms the highly personalized sanctuary of a legendary athlete into a temporary, albeit exclusive, getaway destination for those with the resources to experience a slice of its past.
A Look Inside the Iconic Estate
The stats on this property are impressive, much like the man who built it. Spanning 32,683 square feet, the main house features seven bedrooms and a rather generous 17.5 bathrooms. But the true draw lies in the amenities tailored for the G.O.A.T. and his guests.
Naturally, a full-size indoor basketball court is the centerpiece. Beyond that, the grounds boast a putting green, a tennis court, a dedicated cigar room (a known Jordan indulgence), and an infinity pool. Each feature speaks to a lifestyle built around training, relaxation, and perhaps a bit of competitive leisure.
The Price of Entry: An Exclusive Rental
Accessing this level of luxury and sports history doesn`t come cheap, nor is it a casual weekend booking. The Airbnb listing requires a minimum stay of seven nights. The property accommodates up to 12 guests, suggesting it`s geared towards private gatherings or high-end retreats rather than individual tourists.
Prospective renters must navigate a few administrative hurdles: signing a liability waiver and a non-disclosure agreement. Furthermore, a substantial $25,000 security deposit is required. While the exact weekly rate isn`t explicitly stated, reports indicate the cost for a seven-night stay could easily exceed six figures. One might surmise that experiencing life behind the `23` gate requires a financial commitment commensurate with championship-level earnings.
Future Plans Remain Undecided
Owner John Cooper has indicated that the long-term future of the estate is still under consideration. Some potential uses, he notes, require specific zoning relief, which can be a complex process. In the interim, short-term rentals via platforms like Airbnb serve a dual purpose: generating revenue and, crucially, bringing exposure to the property while its ultimate destiny is being mapped out. It`s a practical approach to managing a unique asset that proved challenging to offload through traditional sales channels.
The availability of Michael Jordan`s former domicile on Airbnb offers a unique intersection of celebrity real estate, market dynamics, and the evolving landscape of luxury travel. For dedicated fans or simply those curious about the scale of life at the top, it provides an unprecedented, albeit premium-priced, opportunity to step onto the court where history was made, or at least lived.
