One might guess the most expensive home in the midwest would be in Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, or even Detroit. After all, these are some of the bigger, buzzier cities of the region. For those more familiar with the central states of the country, other reasonable theories might include Oak Park, Illinois, where there’s a large collection of Frank Lloyd Wright homes; or perhaps somewhere on the shores of Lake Michigan. But none of these answers would be right. Instead, the most expensive home in the midwest is located in a rather unassuming, holly jolly city: Santa Claus, Indiana.
Sitting near the southern border of the state, between Evansville and Louisville, the small locale is known for its year-round commitment to Christmas through themed attractions and establishments. It’s also the site of Big Tree Farm, a 550-acre estate currently on the market for $40.9 million. If the price feels extreme for a single home in a small town, that’s because it’s not just one residence included in the sale. Also part of the listing are five auxiliary structures, including guest quarters, an entertainment facility, a 1950s-style diner, and a classic car museum.
According to the listing, the home was originally designed as a private estate, but has transformed into a destination for visitors from across the world. The three-story main house was inspired by lodges of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks and features timbered ceilings, a three-story dry stack fireplace, and expansive picture windows. Inside the six-bedroom five-and-a-half-bath home, interested buyers will also find a chef’s kitchen, outdoor living room, entertainment room, and three-car garage. The guest quarters, which are known as The Stables, encompass three suites—each named after a winner of the Kentucky Derby—and a collection of resort-style amenitie,s such as a pool pavilion and tennis courts.
