After nearly 90 years as a historic nudist resort, California’s Lupin Lodge is up for sale. Its next owners are likely to require guests to wear clothes, marking the end of an era for this unique Silicon Valley property.
The 112-acre resort, established in 1935, became a haven for members of the naturist movement. Hundreds of members currently enjoy clothing-optional hiking trails, a pickleball court, and a nude-only community pool. However, the family-owned Los Gatos resort is listed for nearly $30 million, and prospective buyers are unlikely to maintain its nudist traditions.
The news of the sale has been met with dismay by long-time members. Pauline Martin Moore, an 83-year-old member for decades, values the resort as a democratic social space where class distinctions disappear. “You don’t judge them by what they’re wearing, because you can’t, so you get to know people as they are,” she explained. While saddened, Moore acknowledges the challenges of maintaining the resort, particularly since owner and CEO Lori Kay Stout has managed it alone since her husband’s death in 2015.
Stout cited health concerns and a desire to return to her art career as reasons for the sale. She reflects fondly on the club’s role in connecting hundreds of people, including herself and her late husband. However, she admits that limiting the resort to a niche market in Silicon Valley isn’t financially viable. This mirrors a trend among California nudist destinations, with several others transitioning to clothing-required policies. Stout believes this shift reflects a change in how people engage with communal nudity, moving away from traditional resorts towards events like Burning Man.
Despite efforts by a group of members to raise funds and preserve the club, securing the necessary financing proved impossible. Real estate agent Joe Pollifrone of Christie’s International Real Estate believes the resort will almost certainly lose its nudist identity once sold. He recounted amusing anecdotes from showing the property, including an incident where the realtor of potential Chinese buyers was surprised to encounter a naked man during a tour.
The potential loss of Lupin Lodge is considered a significant blow to the American nudist community. Carl Hild, a California resident and writer on the property, and Evan Nix, a director at the Western Nudist Research Library, both highlight its historical relevance. Nix, also founder and editor of *Planet Nude*, notes California’s early adoption of the naturist movement, citing numerous newspaper articles from the 1930s that documented the burgeoning subculture.
Lupin Lodge’s history is marked by financial difficulties and several name changes, yet it persisted as a nudist resort through the “golden era of nudism” in the 1960s. Current owner Stout proudly notes its resilience through various challenges, including economic downturns, natural disasters, and even a fraudulent manager.
However, rising real estate costs and a shrinking niche market have contributed to the closure or sale of numerous historic nudist clubs across California, mirroring the 2001 loss of the Elysium Institute in Los Angeles. Potential future uses for Lupin Lodge include a vineyard (its pre-1930s function), a high-end rehab center, an RV park, a wedding venue, or even a school campus.
While the property has been on the market for a year, its unique nature presents a challenge for potential buyers. The hope remains that a buyer with deep pockets and a willingness to preserve its history will emerge, perhaps even a tech billionaire looking for a unique tax write-off. For long-time members, the freedom and social connection offered by Lupin Lodge remain irreplaceable.