Security-software entrepreneur John McAfee is selling his mountain mansion in Woodland Park at an absolute auction next month.
The 280-acre spread is likely worth more than $25 million, said William Bone, president of Gadsden, Ala.-based National Auction Group, which is conducting the auction. The 10,000-square- foot home will be sold with its furnishings.
There is no minimum bid at an absolute auction. The property sells regardless of price. Bidders will be required to bring $100,000 in certified funds to participate in the auction May 10. Closing will be within 30 days.
“He enjoys creating homes and getting them just the way he wants them,” Bone said. “Money doesn’t really seem to matter to him. ”
McAfee, 61, is one the first people to design anti-virus software and the first to develop a virus scanner. He has several other houses under construction and is looking for beachfront property to build on in Florida, Bone said.
National Auction Group has sold three other properties owned by McAfee in the past three years, including a ranch in Hawaii and a home on South Padre Island, Texas.
“He’s always looking to buy and build,” Bone said. “Once they’re finished, he quickly loses interest in them. He doesn’t really care what they bring” when sold.
In the shadow of Pikes Peak, McAfee’s acreage holds the house, three guest homes, two guest apartments and nine guest cabins.
The estate also features four fully stocked trout lakes, observation decks, a gazebo, a carpenter shop, a 10-acre horse paddock, picnic areas and a greenhouse.
The lavish master suite features a glass balcony and a kitchen with a Gaggenau stove, a Sharp microwave and a dishwasher. The master bath has red granite countertops, a marble dust sink and tub on a mahogany base and a two-person open-air shower.
The kitchen has black marble countertops, two Thermador trash compactors and refrigerator/freezer, a Viking industrial gas stove and dishwasher, and a Kenmore microwave.
The home has nine fireplaces, two laundry rooms and a media room with a 110-inch screen, leather seats and a control room.
Staff writer Margaret Jackson can be reached at 303-954-1473 or mjackson@denverpost.com.
Property auction
Property: A 280-acre spread with a 10,000-square-foot home and furnishings will be auctioned May 10.
Value: More than $25 million
Viewing: By appointment, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning May 3
Where to call: 719-687-8176 or 719-687-9782; to schedule before May 3, 800-650-8720
