Country music icon Dolly Parton quietly owned and maintained a 1920s farmhouse in Solvang, California, from 2004 to 2014, providing a weekend retreat in the Santa Barbara County enclave, according to local real estate listings and city officials. The three-unit property at 561 Alisal Road has now been listed for sale at $1.995 million by current owner Cris Lapp, drawing fans who have left bouquets of flowers, according to photos of the property posted to real estate websites.
The Solvang Compound and Its Hollywood Legacy
The 2,500-square-foot compound sits on the corner of Alisal Road and Maple Avenue in downtown Solvang, a city founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants. The property includes a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family main home, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom upper rear unit, and a smaller one-bedroom apartment with a three-quarter bathroom on the lower level, with each residence featuring its own private enclosed patio.
The singer purchased the property through Dolly Parton Enterprises in 2004 and quietly maintained it as a getaway for nearly a decade. Current owner Cris Lapp told the San Francisco Chronicle that the main building’s windows are reflective from the outside to provide an extra layer of privacy. Lapp told the Chronicle that he didn’t originally know about Parton’s history there, and after he found out, he began working to restore parts of the property.
Unique ‘Dolly-isms’ and Memorials Across California
The property features several distinct touches reflecting its former owner, including a stained-glass panel above the front door that spells out “Dolly” and features a yellow butterfly, according to local photographs and real estate listings. Additional elements noted in reporting include a small “wig room” in the garage, reportedly inspired by the larger wig-storage setup at Parton’s Tennessee compound, and a birdhouse replica of a chapel in the long driveway that appears to have been modeled after one found at the Dollywood theme park.
Beyond Solvang, Parton frequented other coastal California businesses, including the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. The hotel noted in a recent Instagram post that the gold booth the singer used to sit in will now be known as “Dolly’s Booth,” describing her as a cherished friend whose visits throughout the years created memories they will always hold close.
Did you know? Solvang is a destination often dubbed the “Danish capital of America,” known for its picturesque pastry shops and windmills, which helped provide an atmosphere where Parton could spend time away from the spotlight.
City Recognition and Real Estate Market Status
Municipal officials in Solvang shared through a social media post that the legendary singer kept a residence in the area undetected for numerous years, integrating the town into her extraordinary journey. “We are honored that she chose Solvang to spend time away from the spotlight. Her extraordinary legacy of music, kindness, and generosity will be felt for generations,” the city said.
Lapp, a real estate broker with Black Oak Homes and Mortgages, told Noozhawk that he wants a mega fan to purchase the property. The dwelling is advertised in promotional collateral as Parton’s previous getaway, spotlighting the estate as a notable piece of musical heritage and a scarce Hollywood treasure situated right in Solvang’s center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Dolly Parton own the Solvang house?
Dolly Parton owned the Solvang farmhouse from 2004 to 2014, maintaining it as a getaway for nearly a decade.
What is the listing price for the former Dolly Parton property?
The three-unit property at 561 Alisal Road is listed for $1.995 million.
What features link the Solvang house to Dolly Parton?
The property includes a stained-glass window above the front door that spells out “Dolly” and features a yellow butterfly, a plaque mounted on the white fence identifying it as her former home, a garage wig room, and a birdhouse chapel replica modeled after one found at the Dollywood theme park.
Are fans allowed to visit the private residence?
While the property is listed on the market, fans have left bouquets of flowers, according to photos of the property posted to real estate websites.
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