Lucky lotto winner puts SoCal spread on the market for $26M

The often-pondered question — “What would you buy if you won the lottery?” — became a serious consideration for Rick Knudsen, a former construction executive, when his lucky ticket won him $180 million.

Since winning the California Mega Millions lottery in August 2014, Knudsen has acquired a mansion, a Buffalo ranch, 640 acres of backcountry land, a steakhouse, and a saloon near Little San Gorgonio Mountain in San Bernardino County.

Now, he’s putting all that on the market for a combined price of $26 million.

Knudson said he spent $11.5 million to acquire the properties, some of which had yet to be built yet, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The main estate, dubbed Eagle Crest Mountain Estate, spans 16,000 square feet and includes five bedrooms, an elevator, a gym, a movie theater and a solar-powered electrical system. With a 9,000-foot elevation, the residence boasts expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

He completed the home six months ago.

Also included in the portfolio is a fully-operational ranch with 45 buffalos and other wildlife, such as deer and mountain lions, and 640 acres of backcountry. The new owner would also get a steakhouse, saloon, banquet room and gardens in Oak Glen, the neighboring town.

Knudsen, who worked as a manager in a roofing products company, plans on building another mountaintop home, although lower in elevation, once his properties sell.

Craig Strong at Pacific Union International has the listing. [WSJ] — Natalie Hoberman