The sprawling Highland Park, Illinois, residence once owned by basketball icon Michael Jordan has transitioned from a prolonged real estate listing to a surprisingly accessible short-term rental opportunity. Fans with sufficient resources and a desire for unparalleled luxury and sports-themed amenities can now book a stay at the estate, recently listed on Airbnb.
This significant property, acquired in December by real estate investor John Cooper for $9.5 million after a considerable time on the market, was originally built in 1995 on land Jordan purchased in 1991. It encompasses an impressive 32,683 square feet set across 7 acres.
The estate is, as expected, outfitted with features befitting a global superstar. The residence boasts seven bedrooms and a staggering 17.5 bathrooms. Beyond the standard luxury appointments, it includes a full-size indoor basketball court – arguably its most famous feature – along with a putting green, tennis court, a dedicated cigar room, and an infinity pool. A prominent visual identifier remains the giant entrance gate displaying the number 23, Jordan`s renowned jersey number.
Securing a temporary residency at this iconic address, informally known as Champions Point, comes with specific parameters and a substantial price tag. The property requires a minimum stay of seven nights and is limited to a maximum of 12 guests. Furthermore, prospective renters must agree to sign a liability waiver and a non-disclosure agreement. A refundable security deposit of $25,000 is also mandatory. Considering these factors, a week-long retreat at the estate is projected to cost well over six figures.
Owner John Cooper has indicated that while the property is now available for short-term rentals, its long-term future remains under evaluation. Listing it on Airbnb serves as a strategic move to provide exposure to the estate and generate revenue while potential alternative uses are explored, some of which may necessitate zoning adjustments.
The estate`s path to becoming an Airbnb listing was preceded by a decade-long market standoff. First listed in December 2013 with an initial asking price of $29 million, the property remained unsold for 12 years. Its eventual sale at $9.5 million represented a significant 67% price reduction from the original figure, highlighting the unique challenges in selling ultra-luxury, highly personalized real estate, even one tied to arguably the greatest athlete of all time.
For now, the legendary gates bearing the number 23 offer a glimpse into an extraordinary lifestyle, available to those prepared to meet the price of admission and the terms of temporary luxury.
