Leadbetter Farms Entrance
Treehouses
The 'Lighthouse'
As we followed Annie’s jeep through the ‘Lion Gates’ at the north end of Stackpole Road, I felt that perhaps her name was Alice and that Leadbetter Farms was actually Wonderland. Or was it Peter Pan’s Never Never Land? Or Walt’s Disney World?
Perhaps it was a combination of all those things… and more! For awhile, the mile-long road was paved, then graveled. It wound through marshlands and forest and passed under tree houses fit for Robin Hood’s Merry Men – some even equipped with the latest electronic equipment and flat screen TVs, we learned later. Then, pavement again and the nine-story lighthouse loomed ahead of us
To our left was a pond, it’s fountain (water feature?) flashing in the winter sunshine, boats moored at the north end. Or was it a lake? When does a pond become a lake, anyway? Another, bigger boat was landlocked on a dune nearby, totally restored as a two-bedroom live-aboard and ready for occupancy. Two barn-shaped buildings – one huge, the other just big – were a short walk away. In the near distance, a fence enclosed a large horse pasture; the eleven horses were out of sight.
Here and there were gigantic pieces of driftwood, glass floats, perhaps a piece of sculpture. The landscaping was meticulous and, despite all there was to take in, the aspect seemed restful and inviting. Adventure beckoned!
The ‘compound’ as I’ve often heard peninsula folks refer to this somewhat mysterious place behind coded, locked gates, comprises one square mile. It stretches from the beach on the west to the bay on the east. To the north are acres of pine forests; to the south is Surfside. It is one of several homes of Craig Tillotson, a founder and board member of the highly successful NuSkin International, Inc. which purports to provide “quality skin care and nutrition products.”
We have heard reports and rumors about Leadbetter Farms for the better part of a decade. And now, here we were, being treated to a personal tour by Annie Daniels, artisan-in-residence! Our first stop was the lighthouse… TO BE CONTINUED, as they say.
Thank you for sharing your invite with the rest of us! I’m one of the many who has wondered frequently about what fascination waited on the other side of those gates. The photos are wonderful and thanks too, to Annie Daniels and the owners for letting you take a tour. We’ll all look forward to your next installment!
Linda,
Thanks for your kind words. I was feeling that there is NO way I could convey what I had seen. It was definitely sensory overload — as you will see (or at least get a feeling for) tomorrow. And, of course, I was so busy looking that I didn’t take nearly as many pictures as I should have… Anyway, your words have encouraged me to soldier on with Part Two.
Sydney
What a delight! I am so glad someone I know got to get past the lions!
I LOVE THIS PLACE!! I grew up in ocean park and met my soon to be hubby there in the 4th grade! I’ve always wanted to get married here! do you happen to know how to get in contact with the owner of the property or how to reserve the site for a weekend. thank you in advance. ps love the blog!
Sorry, but I have no idea. And are you aware that it is private property for the use of the owner and his friends? I’m not aware of it being available for events such as weddings.
Thank you and yes i am aware of this i know some friends of the owners as i grew up there just thought you might know a little more than me. Thank you again ill try my other resources.