Ghost Town Hotel
The journey to rebuild a historic hotel in an abandoned mining town.
Part of Season 3 of Design vs. Build: The Series
Press
Business Insider: I bought a California ghost town for $1.4 million. Living here gets lonely — but I've found my purpose.
The Times: We live in America’s ghost towns. This is why we love it
LAD Bible: Man spent entire life savings to live in abandoned ghost town and documented everything
VICE: This guy bought a ghost town
CBS News: A ghost town’s caretaker
SFGATE: An influencer who bought a California ghost town is ready to die there
The New York Times: They bought a ghost town for $1.4 million, not they want to revive it
LA Times: California ghost town with a bloody past suffers a new calamity
Project Status: Under Construction
Completion Date: Early 2026
Product Partnerships
Get your product featured on the Ghost Town Hotel!
Product Categories
Exterior
Roofing
WRB
Exterior Insulation
Windows & Doors
Wood Cladding
Wood Decking
Rough In
Framing
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Wall Paneling
Interior Finishes
Flooring
Cabinets & Hardware
Countertops
Paint
Trim & Moulding
Appliances & Fixtures
Bar/Restaurant Furniture
Commercial Kitchen
Bathroom Fixtures
Hotel Room Furniture
TVs & Electronics
Washers & Dryers
Cerro Gordo, CA
When Brent Underwood realized he could buy an entire ghost town at the edge of Death Valley, his only thought was why not? Once a bustling silver mining hub in the late 19th century, Cerro Gordo, California is now a ghost town steeped in history and intrigue with its remnants standing as a haunting reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles of the Gold Rush era - an irresistible pull for a marketer and entrepreneur like Brent. With the push of a Global Pandemic setting in, a ghost town sounded like a good place to go, and thus began a 5-year journey that has now evolved into restoring the once thriving town.
Design & Construction Credits
Developer: Brent Underwood
Production Credits
Video: Pearl MF
People
In the rugged Inyo Mountains of California, perched at an elevation of 8,500 feet, lies Cerro Gordo, a ghost town with a rich history and a vibrant present. Once a booming silver mine that produced millions of dollars worth of ore, Cerro Gordo fell into disrepair and was abandoned for decades. But in 2018, a young entrepreneur named Brent Underwood purchased the town and embarked on a remarkable journey to revive it.
History and Vision
Cerro Gordo was founded in 1865 after the discovery of silver in the area. The town quickly grew, and by the 1880s, it had a population of over 4,000 people. Cerro Gordo was a major producer of silver, lead, and zinc, and its mines were said to have built Los Angeles. However, the town's fortunes declined in the early 20th century, and it was eventually abandoned in the 1950s.
Brent Underwood's vision for Cerro Gordo is to preserve its history and create a destination for visitors to experience the town's unique charm. He has restored many of the town's historic buildings, including the general store, the saloon, and the church. He has also opened a museum that tells the story of Cerro Gordo and its people.
The Cerro Gordo Mines
Obstacles
Brent Underwood's journey to revive Cerro Gordo has not been without its challenges. He has faced numerous obstacles, including fires, floods, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, a fire destroyed the town's historic American Hotel, which was a major blow to Underwood's efforts. However, he has vowed to rebuild the hotel and continue his work to restore Cerro Gordo.
Standout Features
Despite the challenges, Cerro Gordo has many standout features that make it a unique and special place. The town's remote location and high elevation offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert. The town's historic buildings have been carefully restored, and they provide a glimpse into what life was like in a 19th-century mining town. Cerro Gordo is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and bobcats.
Cerro Gordo is a testament to the vision and determination of one man. Brent Underwood's efforts to revive this historic town have been nothing short of remarkable. Cerro Gordo is now a destination for visitors to experience the history and beauty of the American West.
