The Old Catskill Game Farm is for sale

CATSKILL―Whoever buys The Old Catskill Game Farm won’t just own a piece of real estate. They will be the stewards of a piece of history.

The storied former zoo turned hotel and campground hit the market recently for $2,995,000.

“It's one of the most iconic and recognizable destinations in the Catskills and a place woven into the childhood memories of millions of people,” said listing agent Ted Banta, principal broker at RVW Select Properties.

“What makes this property truly extraordinary is that it still possesses the physical character and spirit of that history,” he added.

Tucked away among hundreds of acres of forests, hillsides and nostalgia, The Catskill Game Farm was opened by Roland Lindemann in 1933 and was the first privately owned zoo in the country.

It was home to more than 2,000 animals and 150 different species, including giraffes, rhinoceroses, hippos, lions, giant tortoises, zebras and many more.

The game farm closed after 73 years in 2006, due to financial strains and increasing regulations.

“For myself and many others, a trip to the Catskill Game Farm was a rite of passage and an unforgettable family experience,” said Banta.

After sitting in a state of neglect, the property was acquired by new owners in 2012 and reimagined into an extraordinary and distinctive guest experience. Current owner Gail Blauner’s late husband Sidney Blauner purchased it in 2020.

At the center of the 203-acre estate is the Long Neck Inn, a 9,000-square-foot boutique hotel that was once the giraffe house. It features six designer guest suites and 6.5 baths, a chef's kitchen, game room and indoor sauna.

Throughout the property are more than 100 buildings―including the 12,000-square-foot rhino house and a 14-stable barn―along with several exclusive glamping sites and 3.5 miles of internal paved roadways.

“The original pathways, animal habitats, and many of the historic structures remain, offering an irreplaceable opportunity to preserve and reimagine one of New York's most beloved destinations,” said Banta.

In addition, Blauner has also listed a bordering 89-acre vacant lot for $899,000. If it sells first, Blauner would retain the 203-acre main property, Banta said.

To view the complete listing with more than 100 photos, visit https://rvwselectproperties.com/idx/400-Game-Farm-Road-Catskill-NY-12414-mls_20260940.

“The Old Catskill Game Farm is an irreplaceable legacy property whose value extends far beyond its buildings and acreage,” said Banta. “It represents a unique opportunity to become the steward of a destination that has meant something special to millions of families.”