You’ve probably never seen a coastal California listing quite like this one.

Relatively undeveloped, the 557-acre ranch is owned by singer/songwriter/actor Kris Kristofferson. The historic compound includes almost a mile of ocean frontage on one of California’s most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines.

He’s recently put the entire spread, known as Kristofferson Ranch, on the market for $17.2 million. It’s the first time in 40 years that the property has been available.

Family retreat

The place originally was developed as a dairy farm in the 1800s, and Kristofferson bought the property around 1980. The legendary performer used it for more than four decades for “family retreats and a place for inspiration and creativity,” says listing agent Justin Nadeau, of Mendo Sotheby’s International Realty.

Set along Northern California’s Mendocino coast, about three hours north of San Francisco, the ranch is far enough from the Hollywood scene to afford the owners plenty of privacy and tranquility, which is exactly what Kristofferson sought.

His family, including eight children, “stayed there many many times over the years,” Nadeau says. “They camped and rebuilt the barn in the northeast corner of the ranch. This is where they enjoyed summers and time with family.”

If the buildings seem a little rustic, that’s because some have been around for more than a century.

“The original roadhouse and barns still stand to this day,” Nadeau says. “The roadhouse was occupied for several decades by the ranch manager. It’s only been unoccupied for the past few years.”

Famed film setting

The property might seem remote, but “Karate Kid” fans will likely recognize it from the third installment of the movie franchise.

“Just below the roadhouse sits the cavernous, rocky outcropping and water hole known as Devils Basin,” Nadeau points out. That breathtaking landmark was the setting for seminal scenes in “Karate Kid Part III.”

No films have been shot there recently, and cattle haven’t grazed in the verdant fields for some time. But there’s a well-maintained road network throughout the ranch, that runs from water’s edge to the meadows overlooking Manchester State Park.

This means there is no shortage of options for this virtually undeveloped coastal paradise.

“The land could be used for residential development, agricultural, timber production, and more,” Nadeau says. “Building a home there would be allowable, per approval and proper permits. The property can also be subdivided, per approval, allowing for multiple homes to be built.”

Unparalleled property

It’s hard not to wonder how Kristofferson can bear to let go of land that has played such an important role in his life. But Nadeau explains that the time is right.

“The family made the decision that they have enjoyed the property for many years, but now it’s time to pass the opportunity along to another generation,” he says.

The sellers believe the likeliest buyers might be a conservation group or nonprofit, a family looking to build a legacy estate, or a developer who wants to create multiple ocean ranches.

Little River Airport is just 20 minutes away, and the property is a quick drive to the town of Elk, where shopping, art galleries, and world-class dining can be found.

Kristofferson, 87, is celebrated for writing such hits as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “For the Good Times,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night”—all recorded by other artists. He’s also known for joining fellow country singers Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash in the supergroup called The Highwaymen. Kristofferson is a four-time Grammy winner.

He is also one of the few country artists who successfully crossed over to film. He won a Golden Globe for his 1976 performance in “A Star is Born.” Kristofferson’s other movie roles include “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” and the “Blade” film trilogy, among others. He officially retired in 2020.

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