What $1K per square foot buys in Northwest Arkansas
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Screenshot: Airbnb
Looking for that perfect holiday gift for a special someone? Maybe an $8 million home would fit the bill.
- A 5-bedroom, 4-bath home on 58 rural Benton County acres is one of the most expensive listings in the Natural State.
The big picture: The property is used as an events venue, family getaway or corporate retreat through a business called The Backyard Ozark Highlands Billet.
- It's also listed on Airbnb for $1,500 per night, depending on the length of the stay and day of the week.
- But as the saying goes — everything's for sale.
State of play: The Backyard Billet promotes "bespoke excursions" to the area's top attractions, available dining packages prepared by chefs Caleb Moore and Ray Morris, and great backdrops for wedding photos.
Follow the money: The property is owned by Richard and Melissa Lockton through their trust.
- Richard Lockton is a former vice president of merchandising at Walmart, but now works as an SVP for Tractor Supply Company of Nashville, Tennessee.
- Melissa Lockton worked as a lawyer with Walmart for four years and now lists being owner of The Backyard Billet as her occupation on LinkedIn.
The couple purchased part of the property in 2016 for $533,000. The home was completed in 2021.
What they're saying: Nothing. The Locktons, the listing agent and the property's concierge did not respond to multiple inquiries.
By the numbers: The list price of $8 million on the 8,128-square-foot home works out to $984 per square foot.
- The two-story property also includes a gym, a three-car garage, a two-stall barn with paddocks, a greenhouse and a workshop.
Go deeper: See a virtual tour of the home.