The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear... or by making a list of some iconic real estate assets that boast Christmas cheer.
We made a list and checked it twice of our favorite Christmas real estate assets.
Island of Misfit Toys
Rudoloph, Hermey, and Yukon Cornelius accidentally stumble upon the Island of Misfit Toys in Rankin/Bass television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The island’s residents include Charlie-in-the-box (who exiled himself to the island because his name is not “Jack”), a boat that can’t float, a spotted elephant, and a train with square wheels.
If we acquired the Island of Misfit Toys, we’d likely rebrand the property, change the name and boost the property reputation through community engagement and cosmetic improvements. For starters, we’d prioritize building units as none currently exist on the island. We see major upside potential by executing some value-add projects…every toy would want to move there!
Gimbal’s Department Store
Buddy the Elf used this famous department store as a short-term rental in the Big Apple. An endless supply of clothes? Infinite mattresses to jump on? A section full of toys? Sounds like the best AirBnb ever. Buddy sleeps in a window display, much to the surprise of corporate employees on their morning commute.
But, we wouldn’t want to pay rent in the middle of Manhattan so we don’t blame Buddy for staying one night under the radar.
Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont
A picturesque lodge in the mountains of Vermont is an ideal Christmas destination and is the setting for the 1954 film “White Christmas,” directed by Michael Curtiz, music by Irving Berlin, and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen.
This resort features a ski lodge, chalets, a beautiful lobby, and a magnificent performance hall and ballroom. Even though this is a fictional location, there are some comparable winter resorts in Vermont.
Vacation rental properties don’t fit our investment strategy but if you choose the right property, the industry can be quite lucrative!
Whoville
Fah who foraze! Dah who doraze!
Welcome Christmas, Christmas Day!
Who wouldn’t want to be neighbors with sweet Cindy Lou Who and give a bone to Max, the goodest boy? Whoville, a fictional town created by Dr. Seuss, is the iconic backdrop for Horton Hears a Who! and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (although the description of Whoville differs between the two stories). The infamous Grinch lives on Mount Crumpit, thousands of feet above the town. He is a grumpy hermit who, above all else, despises Christmas (we’ll assume you know the rest of the story).
Those who wish to visit a real life Whoville might be disappointed to find out that it is not a real place. But, people can visit Sackets Harbor, NY on Lake Ontario. The town puts on an annual Whoville holiday festival filled with decorations, food, drinks, and activities!
The North Pole
Rounding out the list with the most iconic (and perhaps most valuable) asset in Christmas spirit existence. The long-term residence of St. Nick is filled with Christmas cheer year-round and lots of snow.
This iconic location has been depicted in a variety of ways throughout pop culture and to keep the big man’s mystery, we like it that way. If we could own and operate any holiday-themed real estate, it would be this place.
