Entire California Town, Rich in Gold Rush History, Listed for $4.75 Million
Belden, California, a former gold rush settlement with a riverside lodge, restaurant, and 15 residents, is on the market for the first time in over five decades.
The town of Belden, California, a former Gold Rush settlement nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, has been listed for sale at $4.75 million, offering a unique opportunity to own an entire community.
The property includes a riverside lodge, a restaurant and bar, cabins, a swimming hole, an old schoolhouse, and a stretch of the Feather River. Belden is home to 15 residents and possesses a rich history, with the potential for undiscovered gold still present in its waterways. After 56 years of ownership, 87-year-old Ivan Coffman is ready to sell the mountain settlement he transformed into his home and business.
Coffman's connection to Belden began in 1970 when, as a young masonry worker, he discovered gold nuggets in the Feather River while on a week-long break. He estimated he found about 50 ounces of gold that week, which was worth approximately $35 per ounce at the time. This discovery led him to abandon his previous life and stay in Belden. Over the years, he became a jeweler and lender, crafting items from gold he prospected in the area.
In 1989, Coffman purchased Belden itself. The town, which once had a population of around 1,000 during its gold rush heyday, had declined significantly. A fire in the 1970s had destroyed many of its original structures. Coffman, however, rebuilt the settlement, creating the eclectic collection of buildings that exists today. The heart of the property is the two-story Belden Town Resort and Lodge, featuring a restaurant, bar, general store, and hotel rooms, adorned with numerous curiosities.
Belden has become a notable stop for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and motorcyclists. In the summer, music festivals can draw thousands of visitors to the canyon. The town also narrowly escaped destruction in 2021 when the massive Dixie Fire swept through the region, with Coffman's son and employees reportedly staying behind to protect the property.
Coffman decided to sell after the recent passing of his son, with whom he had planned to leave the town. A memorial garden beside a gazebo now commemorates his son. Coffman, who has lived in Belden for over five decades, is relocating to Quincy, about 30 minutes away. He cited the people he has met over the years as what he will miss most about the town.