When Joe Pollifrone, a broker at Christie’s International Sereno, told his colleagues about the $32.8 million bid he secured in December, they seemed surprised and perhaps a little jealous.
The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce’s oldest business, the famous – some would say infamous – Lupin Lodge, a nudist resort in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Lexington Reservoir, was for sale and he was trying to find a buyer.
“Okay Joe, are you a member?” they would say.
“No,” he replied.
“So, how did you get listed?” they would ask.
Those responsible for the campsite say there is interest in the 112-hectare property, but no concrete offers.
And while Pollifrone reaches out to nudists, aspiring winery developers and educators to find someone willing to take over the property, Lupin Lodge is preparing to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
The fact that the site is planning its big 9-Oh party this year and not next year is the result of some research over the last few months.
As the lodge’s archivists combed through old records and photographs, they came across an advertisement for the first opening – which, as it turned out, took place a year earlier than originally thought.
Charles Kuo, the plant manager, said one of the things he was looking forward to was a historical slide show about the company presented by Lori Kay Stout.
While there will be plenty of fun activities, knowing that the community may soon be disbanded is bittersweet, he adds.
“We could have a 91 or a 92, but maybe not,” he said. “Given the uncertainty, we want to make the most of each year.”
The weekend event, August 23-25, will take place at the retreat center, 20600 Aldercroft Heights Road, and is open to the public.
Friday, August 23
6-7pm: Dinner/Happy Hour
8:30 p.m.: Film “The Wizard of Oz” on the restaurant terrace
Saturday, August 24
12pm: Lupin’s birthday pool party with DJ Drew
2 p.m.: Cake and champagne toast
2:30 p.m.: Improvisation, icebreakers and games with Rochelle
5:00 p.m.: Lecture and slide show on the story of Lupin with Lori Kay Stout: “What’s next for Lupin?”
7pm-10pm: Tangerine & Moonbeam DJ dance party
10pm–1am: DJ Drew
Sunday, August 25
11am: Hike
1:00 p.m.: Water volleyball tournament – The winning team will receive a dessert based on a popular recipe from the 1930s
2 p.m.: Ceremony to release the birds
For more information and tickets visit: lupins90th.eventbrite.com
