this underground doomsday bunker in las vegas is on sale for $18 million

if you were to visit this private las vegas home from the street, you would never guess that under it lies a luxurious underground house. built 26 feet (7.92 meters) underground, this cold war-era home has over 15,000 square feet (1,393.55 m²) and has been conceived to make owners feels as if they’re in a normal house. equipped with a lighting system that can simulate sunlight and twinkling stars, this doomsday bunker — and the house on top — are listed for $18 million.

images by stephan laforge

built in 1979 by jerry henderson, a businessman and philanthropist who was a director for avon products, this underground house in las vegas reflects the era in which it was created. henderson, who was a pioneer in underground living, made sure the residence had every amenity needed: five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a dance floor, barbecue and a pool. when he died in 1983, his wife built the townhouse on the surface as she was not very keen on the underground life. after one or two different owners, the society for the preservation of near extinct species took over the property with his president, mark voelker, living in the above ground house.

complete with artificial trees, faux rocks, and life-like scenery which includes hand-painted murals with scenes from homes the original owner had around the world, this underground residence is perfect to entertain guests. with a four-hole putting green, two hot tubs, a sauna, bar and pool, there’s also a guest house if visitors want to stay the night. of course, the house is air-conditioned, has a 1,000-gallon water tank, and has cellphone reception, cable and internet underground.

stephan laforge, the listing agent of BHHS nevada properties, says that even though the house is not 100% disaster proof, ‘you could have a rave down there and no one would hear you.’ obviously, this unique piece of las vegas history has hosted receptions, weddings, corporate meetings and has been featured in film, television and print media.