Man Moves to Abandoned Mining Town with No Cell Service Thousands of Miles from Home to Be the Only Resident (Exclusive)

Brent Underwood, an intrepid entrepreneur from Florida, has embraced the challenge of reviving Cerro Gordo, a historic 1800s mining town nestled in the Californian mountains. After purchasing this remote settlement for £1.1 million in 2018, he has dedicated himself to restoring its charm while significantly enhancing its capacity for tourism. Underwood’s journey has not only been marked by restoration work but has also garnered him a substantial social media following, having attracted over three million TikTok followers.

Cerro Gordo, at an elevation of approximately 2,500 metres, is barren of modern conveniences such as running water and cell service. The nearest grocery store is over an hour’s drive away, and Underwood, living amidst challenging winter conditions, often finds himself isolated when snow blocks access. He recounts, “I left a comfortable life with a decent apartment, great friends and a supportive family to move to the middle of nowhere and try to figure it out.”

Originally hailing from Tampa, Underwood’s journey took him through various cities including New York and Austin, where he previously hosted guests at a Victorian bed-and-breakfast. An unexpected opportunity arose when a friend jokingly texted him a property listing for Cerro Gordo. Intrigued, Underwood conducted further research and soon scheduled a visit, which sealed his fate.

Upon arriving, he was taken aback by the town’s untouched beauty, a collection of dilapidated buildings that captured his imagination and nostalgia. The atmosphere evoked memories of cowboy tales he cherished during his childhood, drawing him deeper into the town’s allure. In a bid to breathe new life into Cerro Gordo, he took the substantial financial leap to acquire the town, but while the restoration ambitions seemed straightforward, the reality of living in such a remote location posed continuous challenges.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw Underwood retreat to Cerro Gordo with the intent of staying for a few months, but he eventually decided to make it his permanent home. His daily routine blends the demands of physical labour—often involving heavy lifting and maintenance work—with coordination tasks that engage various professionals offering their expertise.

As days turn into seasons, Underwood’s responsibilities have evolved. While he initially found appeal in the romanticised notion of living in a ghost town, he now feels a profound sense of obligation to both its history and future. “Six years later, the romance is still there, but what keeps me here now is a sense of responsibility,” he explains, noting his commitment to honouring those who once inhabited the town.

While Underwood thrives in the rugged beauty surrounding Cerro Gordo, he has learned that solitude can offer more turmoil than tranquillity. He acknowledges that living in isolation does not provide the clarity many seek; it can often amplify inner struggles. “Solitude doesn’t fix anything,” he states, sharing that some visitors come to escape reality but leave when confronted with their own reflections in the stillness.

Cerro Gordo’s remoteness has presented challenges, such as coping with winter storms and the logistical difficulties of ensuring a stable supply of essentials. Although Underwood has faced personal sacrifices, his supportive circle has made efforts to visit, one even choosing to host his wedding at the ghost town, showcasing a budding community spirit.

Underwood’s initial intent to document his solitary journey brought forth an unexpected outcome when he began sharing snippets of his life online. What began as a hobby of photography quickly blossomed into a viral sensation. Through sharing videos depicting his daily life and the revitalisation efforts, he has fostered a engaged community that increasingly wishes to experience Cerro Gordo firsthand.

In another notable development, events such as the annual Silver Run footrace have drawn participants from afar, attributed to Underwood’s growing online reach. Witnessing this influx of visitors has filled him with hope, affirming that the town is beginning to pulse with life once more. “What started off as a very solo and insular project has grown to a very shared project,” he remarks, expressing pride in the communal excitement surrounding Cerro Gordo.

Looking ahead, Underwood aims to create further opportunities for guests to experience the town while maintaining its authentic rugged charm. Plans are underway for the restoration of the American Hotel to include eight rooms, a bar, and restaurant, alongside the development of cabins and campsites that maximise the nearby scenic views. Despite his aspirations for growth, Underwood is cautious about over-commercialising the town, stressing, “I want people to be comfortable enough to enjoy the stay, but still feel the isolation, history, and rough edges that make the experience here interesting.”

As Underwood continues his work, balancing restoration with community engagement, the future of Cerro Gordo remains an open chapter. His vision is to cultivate a thriving tourist destination without sacrificing the unique qualities that define its haunting beauty and storied past.