Living on the periphery of one of the most mysterious places in the world—Area 51—brings both intrigue and unexpected challenges. Over the past year, I’ve embarked on an unusual journey: transforming an abandoned church bordering Area 51 into what I hope will be a unique resort. This is the story of life on the edge of secrecy, in a place marked as much by its isolation as by the legends surrounding it.

The Beginning: Buying an Abandoned Church

The property is situated just three miles from Area 51, right at the edge of Rachel, Nevada—a near-forgotten town with a population hovering between 50 and 70 people. There are no schools, no bustling streets, just a handful of buildings along a main road that feels like a snapshot frozen in time. Rachel is often described as being in the middle of nowhere—and that’s exactly why it’s perfect for this project.

An old church sat on the lot I purchased—no water, no well—just raw land and a structure heavy with potential. My idea was ambitious: build a resort where visitors could stay, catch a glimpse of the mystique of Area 51, and enjoy a rare retreat in complete isolation. But the dream quickly ran into harsh realities.

Construction Woes and Contractor Comebacks

Initially, the resort’s foundation pads were far from finished; the wood was exposed to the elements, vulnerable to the approaching winter. After parting ways with my original contractors, I was forced to make a difficult call. Winter was coming, and I couldn’t risk the wood rotting away. In a hopeful gamble, I reached back out to the contractors, who agreed to return and finish the work.

Over several weeks, progress was made. Metal roofs went up. The wooden structures got their first coats of stain. However, things weren’t straightforward. For starters, the staining process required specific techniques I hadn’t known—improper rolling caused visible brush strokes that demanded costly corrections. Furthermore, keeping the stain looking pristine was a nightmare, as any dirt left footprints on the freshly stained pads.

The expenses quickly ballooned. The final phase alone cost around $70,000, far more than I had planned. Despite feeling ripped off, I decided to pay to avoid letting the half-finished work degrade further—a costly but necessary choice.

Uninvited Visitors and Legal Boundaries

One unexpected development was the flood of curious visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the project or Area 51 itself. After my first video went online, people started arriving unannounced. The property wasn’t ready for guests—there was no reservation system, no official name, no phone number, and legally, I couldn’t allow anyone on-site yet.

To manage this, I put up a small but quirky sign marking the boundary and attempted to politely inform visitors that the resort was still under construction. The excitement was palpable, but the reality of not being open for business hit home. It was a reminder that living near one of the world’s most famous secret bases comes with its own kind of public spectacle.

Everyday Life in the Middle of Nowhere

Rachel, Nevada, is as remote as it gets. The nearest real city is two and a half to three hours away. The relative quiet is both a blessing and a challenge. There are no conveniences nearby, and the infrastructure is minimal. This remoteness became clear when trying to maneuver a fifth-wheel trailer onto the property’s pads—tight space and delicate sewer lines made the task tricky and nerve-wracking.

The old church on the property, while still standing, is destined for demolition, but it must remain for at least another year to serve temporary purposes like storage and converting part of it into a gym for exercising. Living here means embracing a rugged, almost pioneer-like lifestyle, often filming new content late into the day and adapting plans on the fly when things go wrong.

Shadowed Nights and Unseen Watchers

One night, while sitting outside, my companion Emma spotted mysterious lights near the back gate, where none should have been. Pulling out a super zoom camera, I captured what looked like police lights—a rare and unnerving intrusion in this otherwise quiet area.

Why the sudden lights, the unexpected attention from law enforcement or security personnel? It’s a question without a clear answer. Given the proximity to Area 51, and the legend that surrounds it, nights here carry a certain tension, an awareness that not everything is as ordinary as it seems.

Looking Ahead: Patience and Perseverance

This close to one of the most enigmatic places on earth, life is unpredictable. Construction delays, unexpected costs, curious visitors, and unexplained encounters have all shaped this past year. There’s no denying challenges remain, and the project won’t be done anytime soon. But slowly, with persistence, the dream of creating a unique resort on the edge of Area 51 is taking shape.

Living in the shadows of secrecy has taught me patience and resilience. It’s a strange existence, straddling the line between ordinary life and the extraordinary mystery that is Area 51. This year has been a journey unlike any other—one that continues to unfold in the vast, silent desert around Rachel, Nevada.