We’ve driven by here routinely for nearly 25 years and had
even driven by occasionally for the previous few decades. Casa de Shenandoah is
the high profile historic home of perhaps the most iconic Las Vegas
entertainer, Wayne Newton.
The extensive VIP tour of the grounds was really
fascinating. We always wondered why there was an airplane on the grounds, and
in the tour, we learned why. Back in the day when he toured internationally, he
bought a private Fokker 28 jet, and completely made it his home away from home.
Decades ago the FAA determine the Fokker 28 as originally built was
underpowered and banned it from landing in US airports unless its engines were
upgraded to a more powerful model.
Since upgrading it would cost more than buying a new plane,
Newton left it where it last landed, in Oakland International Airport. When he
decided to convert his home into a museum, he had the rotting jet disassembled,
refurbished, transported to his Casa and reassembled for his guests to enjoy a
stroll through Newton history.
His home was impressive, but you have to remember it was
built in the 1980’s. You can tell it was special at the time, but it looks very
dated now. Mr. Newton no longer lives in the house – it is essentially a museum
to house all his memorabilia he collected over his very successful career. He
has cars, paintings, awards, costumes, instruments and other interesting things
that go along with his success. All of it was fun to explore.
The best part was that his stables are still all on location
here, as well as his collection of Arabian horses that he has bred. We actually
got a private demonstration of some of his prize horses and got to stroll
through the stalls and see them all. For the Woman, that was clearly the best
part!
Talk to you soon!
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