An estate sale at Kessler Mansion in Indianapolis, IN

Exterior of the Kessler mansion

Finding curtains to fit all these windows would be... time-consuming.

Photo by INDYtoday team

Table of Contents

Known as “the ugliest house in America,” the Kessler Mansion has been on the market for years. Now, you can shop its… unique items at an estate sale.

The sale

Today from 1-7 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., you can explore the many dolphin sculptures, furniture, and “Fruit Works” soda machine as you take a peek into the house you’ve undoubtedly been curious about for years. We’ve all been curious.

According to the property’s realtor, anything not nailed down is for sale. Prices range from $1-$1,000, depending on the item. Not all of the items are original to the home — some have been used for Airbnb staging. Before you ask, the house will no longer be available for short-term renting.

Pro tip: Parking is available at the lot across the street.

A room with a fireplace and lots of textures

There’s just so much to look at in this space. | Photo by INDYtoday team

The house

At 4923 Kessler View Dr., the modest, ranch-style version of the home was built in 1953, but in the 1960s it was transformed into the estate it is today. Now, it has 10 bedrooms and eight and a half bathrooms. It’s 29,000+ sqft with a 1.66-acre lot, three-car garage, a stone grotto with a hot tub, swimming pool, and life-size gorilla statues (because why not?).

IndyStar described the original owner as an “almost-famous pimp-turned-construction mini-magnate,” and he owned it until his death in 2006. The property switched hands several times after that, and though the current owner’s identity is unknown, they will apparently be working with the neighborhood to plan next steps. We’ll learn more about that in mid-July.

For an inside look, check out its former listing.

A room with vaulted ceilings and a star on the floor

This is what we guess is a ballroom — it also has a pool table. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Photo by INDYtoday team

The popularity

The “kitschy Indianapolis landmark” has been discussed by sources like Fodor’s Travel + the New York Post. The HuffPost called it “Midwestern Vegas Versailles,” and according to real estate site Curbed, “Absolutely everything is wrong with this Indiana house.” This is mostly due to its scattered design focus — a result of the original owner’s dreams.

Fun fact: the Baha Men stayed at this house for a few weeks in 2010. We’re sorry if “Who Let the Dogs Out?” is stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

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