Finally, the $8.5m underground bunker you’ve been looking for

Holly Erker lived in Las Vegas for years utterly oblivious to the fact that down the street, beneath her feet, lurked a subterranean bunker. Built in 1978 for Avon executive Girard Henderson and his wife, Mary, this 14,620-square-foot, three-bedroom, four-bath underworld was designed to simulate the outdoors with a programmable sky, grotto-style pool, and casino (because, Vegas). Today, this Cold War-era relic—along with a rather unassuming house that was later built above it—is owned by the nonprofit Stasis Foundation and has been listed for $8.5 million. Here, Erker explains how she became the bunker’s listing agent and reveals jaw-dropping details about what’s inside.

Q: What was your first encounter with this bunker? “I actually lived right down the street from this underground bunker for many years and didn’t even know it. At that time, it wasn’t publicized; it was very discreet on top compared to what was underground. My first exposure was during a historical home tour in 2017 hosted by the Nevada Preservation Foundation. When the nonprofit’s owners decided to sell, they called a couple of brokerages. I got this inquiry because I specialize in unique vintage homes. And because I had lived by the home and was familiar with it, they gave us the exclusive listing.”

Q: What do you love most about this property? “They made it look like a resort: The columns are palm trees, murals wrap around, the pool is tranquil, and the sky has different lighting settings transitioning from day to night, giving an organic aboveground feel. The detail is amazing.”

Q: Are underground bunkers tough to sell? “Yes. It has been listed twice before, previously at $18 million. I knew it was going to come down more to press and PR than just putting the listing on the MLS. Thankfully, Mr. Beast toured the property and released a video. I think the national press and exposure out of market is going to lead to success more than our local Vegas market.”

Q: Have you gotten inquiries from buyers yet? “There’s been a couple of inquiries, but nothing solidified.”

Q: Who buys bunkers, anyway? “It’s a fascinating market. I think it’s people’s fun houses, spaces where people with money just want something silly. I don’t know if it’s eligible to receive a short-term rental license. I anticipate that whoever purchases the house will utilize it as a venue space for commercials, videos, and private events of up to 200. My hope is whoever purchases it turns it into a historic designated site.”

Check out more photos of the property below, or view the listing.