Selling Sunset's Alanna apologises for saying she owns Pioneertown
Selling Sunset is no stranger to a fun-filled chaotic girls trip wrapped up as a "business excursion", and the out of office was put on in season eight for a trip to Pioneertown. But what exactly is this town in the wild west Alanna Gold loves? And can you actually visit it?
Selling Sunset is one of the most popular reality shows on Netflix and follows the lives and business dealings of the agents at the Oppenheim Group, a real estate agency based in Los Angeles. New to the agency and show this year is Alanna Gold, who, along with her husband owns a number of properties in Pioneertown, an old movie set, that now functions as a town.
In episode five a number of the girls headed over to the town and embraced life in the desert (mechanical bull riding mandatory). Curious to know more about the town? Here's your 101.
What is Pioneertown?
Pioneertown is a former film set established in 1946, based in the Morongo Basin region of the High Desert in San Bernardino County, in California. The set was created to replicate an 1880s wild west style town and was designed so that the community could both live and work to create films in one location.
It still functions as a film set, and over 200 productions have been filmed there, while it's now also been opened as a tourist attraction and hosts weddings.
Does Alanna own Pioneertown?
During Selling Sunset season eight the group ventures to the town Alanna said she owns. While she's stayed quiet on the price of the town, she has revealed it's not exactly all hers, but that she and her husband own a large percentage.
Speaking to People, Alanna said: "In 2020, when we learned that a large portion of Pioneertown was for sale, we saw an incredible opportunity not only to strengthen our ties to the community but also to preserve a piece of history. Together with our remarkable partner, David Corso, we founded Pioneertown Land Management with a mission to restore Pioneertown to its original vision and purpose. We are fortunate to have the support of investor Gary Friedman, who shares our passion for this project."
So why the love of Pioneertown? Well as Alanna mentions on the show it was where she and husband Adam Gold, had their first date and later got married there in 2022.
However, since the show has been released, the people of Pioneertown have issued a statement denying Alanna "owns" the town.
"Selling Sunset’s Alanna Gold does not ‘own Pioneertown'," they wrote in a statement. "The people of Pioneertown kindly request an apology from Selling Sunset and Alanna Gold.
"The baseless claims by Selling Sunset’s Alanna Gold that she ‘owns Pioneertown’ undermines 78 years of internationally celebrated film, arts and cultural history.
"These claims belittle generations of artists, neighbours, nature lovers, community members, musicians, small business owners and otherwise magnificent people of Pioneertown".
They also clarified the total ownership Alanna and her husband have over Pioneertown adds up to less than one per cent of the town's 640 acres.
Since their statement was released Alanna has now apologised for the confusion over the ownership of the town, explaining she was just "excited" over her love for the town and got carried away.
In a letter written to Pioneertown residents Alanna said the following: "I want to reach out to personally say I am so deeply sorry for the confusion I have caused. I certainly do not own Pioneertown, I never should have said that and I apologise for doing so. I want you to know that I did not mean any harm, I absolutely love Pioneertown and I simply got too excited talking about it.
"My first date with my husband was there and our wedding was at the Soundstage. We wanted to become part of the community so we invested in a home and other properties there.
"We are contacting any and all reporters to make sure they update their stories and correct the record. Again, I am so sorry to the people of Pioneertown, I would never want to disrespect the town’s history or any of the people who make it such a wonderful place."
Can you visit Pioneertown?
Planning a trip out west? Well, you'll be glad to know you can incorporate a visit at Pioneertown, as the town is open 365 days a year. It's located near Joshua Tree and Palm Springs, so would make an ideal stop off as part of a larger west coast itinerary.
There's options to stay over in the town, by either pitching a tent or bringing an RV in the Pioneertown Corrals, or you can rent a room at the Pioneertown Motel, where prices start at $175 (£133) a night or stay at the Rimrock Ranch, where rooms are available from two nights for $292 (£223).
When at the town there's plenty to explore and a number of food options too. Some areas of the town are car free and specifically state they are "Hoof and Foot Only".
Oh and if you're a big fan of the western vibe, you can actually get married in the town. Say yeehaw!
Selling Sunset is available to watch on Netflix now
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