REAL ESTATE

$47.9M Big Tree Farm: See inside one of Indiana's most unique estates for sale

Joe Mutascio
Indianapolis Star

We went looking for Indiana's most interesting real estate listing and it didn't take long to find a strong contender.

It isn't every day you find a $47.9 million property for sale on Zillow in one of the most unique towns in the state, just a road trip from Indianapolis.

The Big Tree Farm Estate in Santa Claus is still on the market, and it is every bit as magical as the town and price tag would suggest.

Big Tree Farm Estate

Sitting on nearly 600 acres, the estate was built over three decades by owner Ed Ewing and inspired in part by the former Kennedy family vacation spot.

"I have seen this property created over my lifetime," listing agent Kara Hinshaw said in a release.

"It's special to me, the town, and the millions of visitors that visit this town each year," Hinshaw said. "Edward B. Ewing has created a beautiful masterpiece for everyone to enjoy as they enter our magical town. It is one of the most unique properties you will ever visit. It's amazing, world-class, and one of a kind."

Previously:1 of Indiana's richest, most unique properties is not far from Evansville. It's for sale.

The property

Aside from buying a legendary Indiana property, what does $47.9M include?

How about 15 bedrooms, 16 full bathrooms and 3 half baths, and more than 50,000 square feet of space?

And that's just getting started.

The 3-story main home combines luxury with a style modeled after the classic lodges of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks.

Originally conceived as a private estate to enjoy with family and friends, Big Tree Farm has entertained visitors from all over the world.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find 3.5 miles of paved trails that wind around the lakes and botanical gardens, passing by waterfalls and bronze sculptures by world-renowned artists.  

'The Stables' guest quarters were modeled after the Four Seasons Hotel in New York and are steps away from the gas fire pit, resort-style swimming pool and tennis facility.

How did Santa Claus get its name?Christmas community almost was a 'Santa Fe'

As unique as Santa Claus, Indiana

If you aren't sold yet, we haven't gotten to some of the most unique features of the property.

Once you are here you won't want to leave, so you're going to need some entertainment and food options.

This property has you covered with a full 1950s diner, a classic car museum and a 9,184 square-foot entertainment facility that can accommodate 600 seated guests.

Originally conceived as a private estate to enjoy with family and friends, Big Tree Farm has entertained visitors from all over the world.

The entertainment building has a wrap-around saloon-style bar, professional sound system, grand stage, dance floor, laser lighting, fog machine, game room, outdoor fire pit, outdoor amphitheater, and more.

The estate also features a shooting range, lighted tennis court, sports equipment room, basketball court, and horseshoe pits.

If you do ever leave the property, Santa Claus is known obviously for always being in the Christmas spirit, and for its most well-known attraction, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari theme park.