Former illusionist Lance Burton had always wanted a castle on a hill - and his dream came true in the early 2000s. But as the Las Vegas magician's star faded from the limelight, so did he, seemingly vanishing into thin air. In 2020, he sold the property and moved to Kentucky, where he is supposedly living a quiet life.

Lance Burton, the legendary magician who dazzled audiences on the Las Vegas Strip for nearly three decades, once called a lavish mansion in Henderson, Nevada, his home. From 2006 all the way until 2020, the sprawling estate, situated in the Las Vegas-adjacent city, served as a retreat for Burton, a man whose illusions captivated millions. The property, which boasts a plethora of unique and luxurious features, is once again making headlines - this time for its steep price increase as it returns to the market.

A magical abode

Burton's former residence is nothing short of enchanting. Custom-built to reflect the magician's flair for the extraordinary, the mansion includes secret passageways, a watchtower, hidden doors, and a grand room with soaring 30-ft. ceilings. The two-story gold-plated library and an indoor grotto add to the mystique of the home, making it a place where fantasy and reality blur - a fitting backdrop for a man whose career was built on illusion.

The mansion on 1280 Scooter Street in Henderson spans a massive 14,700 square feet. It includes six bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room, an indoor spa, and a home theater, complete with a four-car garage. For Burton, this was more than just a house; it was a sanctuary where he could immerse himself in the art of magic, away from the limelight of the Las Vegas Strip.

The vanishing act

Burton's success on the Strip is the stuff of legend. After gaining national attention through 10 guest appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Burton became a fixture in Las Vegas. In 1982, at the young age of 22, he was given a tryout that lasted for eight weeks with the Folies Bergere show at the Tropicana, a stint that extended into a nine-year tenure. His career continued to ascend, leading to a contract with the Hacienda Hotel, before MGM Resorts recruited him to open the Monte Carlo casino in 1996.

At the peak of his career, Burton was reportedly earning $10 million annually with MGM Mirage. But after the contract finished in 2010, Burton seemed to disappear from the public eye. Although he was supposedly asked to present a limited run at Caesars Palace, he chose instead to semi-retire, stepping back from the demanding schedule of Las Vegas shows. Now, at 64, Burton continues to perform, but on his terms, with upcoming shows scheduled at the Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California, and Texas' Lowes Arlington Hotel & Convention Center.

Farewell, Las Vegas!

In 2020, Lance Burton decided it was time to leave his Las Vegas castle behind. He sold the mansion for $4 million to entrepreneur Tarek Tabsh. But after commissioning updates that added almost 2,000 square feet, Tabsh is now attempting to sell the property for over twice the original price he paid for it. The mansion, which once featured street lights from the Monte Carlo before its revamp, is now a symbol of both the magician's legacy and the rapidly appreciating real estate market in the area.

After the sale, Burton relocated to his grandfather's farm in Kentucky, the place where he first dreamt of becoming a magician. In a heartfelt goodbye posted on Facebook, Burton reflected on his journey: "Ever since I was a young boy growing up in Kentucky, I dreamed of one day moving to Las Vegas... Please know that I am forever grateful for the mythical city called Las Vegas. I will miss you all. I love you all. Maybe I will return one day as a visitor. Until then, may God keep watch over you."

While Burton may have left Las Vegas, his influence and the magic he brought to the city remain. As his former mansion hits the market again, it serves as a reminder of the enchanting world he created - both on stage and at home.