Abigail Luciano/Special to the Malibu Times
Although the folks at Elysium Fields clothing optional resort are moving, they don’t have to do a lot of packing. The resort, currently located at 814 Robinson Rd. in Topanga for 32 years, may be relocating just west to Malibu at a yet unrevealed location.
Fred Sands Realtors of Malibu is handling the sale of the new site, which is now in escrow. Members and Realtors are tight-lipped, at the request of the new and also unidentified buyer of where the exact location will be.
However, Elysium’s Website does state the new site is in the Santa Monica Mountains with a view of the Pacific Ocean.
Selling of the Topanga property began earlier this year. Its current owners, Dana and Lisa Lange, inherited it from their father, late set designer Ed Lange. The sisters resigned from the board of directors last year and decided to sell the parcel.
Earlier reports indicate an offer was made for the Topanga property from a group of physicians for a cancer patient retreat, but that offer was not confirmed.
Elysium members have also been said to have made an offer of $1.1 million for the property, which was $1.5 million under the asking price.
Lange’s goal was to open a resort for the unclothed to enjoy. When Lange died six years ago, his ashes were scattered there and longtime members say his presence is still felt.
Offering privacy, recreation and tranquillity to its 700 members and visitors, the 9-acre retreat opened in 1968.
Activities there include exercising, theme parties and sports with perks such as massages, poolside sunbathing and child care. The Website does post that adults and children do not have to take off their clothes.
Visitors and members are encouraged by the website to cast off inhibitions as well as respect each others’ privacy. Cell phones and pagers are amongst a list of items members and visitors are asked to leave at home in order to keep a relaxing, stress-free environment. On the list for what to bring, a lot of sun block and a smile.