Back in 2005, when we first answered a QoD about it, the Underground House was available for hire for private functions, via a company called Activity Planners, provided you were prepared to cough up the $15,000 or so required to hire it. When we revisited the topic in 2007, however, we were informed that it had changed hands at that the new owner, who wished to remain anonymous, wanted it all to him(her?)self. However, if you want a peek, here's an awesome feature from a recent addition of Thrillist, which includes lots of photos we've never seen before (check out the awesome Flintstones-style "outdoor" grill), plus you can look out for a special on HGTV called "Subterraneans: Underground Digs," which is occasionally re-run and features this property, among others.
As an interesting aside comment on Las Vegas property prices, back in 1996 it was on the market for $8 million. We're not sure if it reached that figure or not.
Now, here's our original answer to this question, which addresses the first part of your question.
Located at what used to be protected as a "secret location," which is in fact at 3970 Spencer Street, Henderson, today the 16,500-square-foot Underground House is concealed 25 feet beneath an innocuous-looking modern home. But back in the early '70s when it was built, the only clue to the dwelling's buried existence was a wrought-iron fence and electronic gates that seemed to mark the beginning of a driveway leading to nowhere.
The explanation for this strange phenomenon lies back in the 1960s and the era of Cold War paranoia. Having amassed a fortune from Avon cosmetics, Gulfstream aircraft, and various other sources, business tycoon Girard "Gerry" B. Henderson* and his wife Mary became convinced of the threat of imminent nuclear destruction and grew fascinated with the concept of living underground.
The couple's dream was not simply to build an austere nuclear bunker to run to in case of emergency; they wanted to live in a permanent state of subterranean security, privacy, and peace. So they turned to Texan building contractor Jay Swayze, pioneer of the atomic habitat or "Atomitat." Swayze and his brother had already built a 3,400-square-foot home 13 feet underground in Plainview, Texas, and they now turned their talents to realizing the Hendersons' dream, first on their property in Colorado, then with a more ambitious design in Las Vegas, where Jerry and Mary resided until their deaths in the 1980s. So enamored of underground living was Henderson that he sponsored the "Underground Home" exhibit at the 1964-'65 World's Fair.
Today, if you step out of the elevator and into the house, it's like entering an opulent time capsule. The expansive living room is decked out with antiques, '60s collectibles, and yellow shag carpet, while the pink bathroom features original '70s Avon cosmetics and a necklace that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor. There's a heated swimming pool, sauna, and spa complete with a 15-foot waterfall, two hot tubs, a putting green, and a barbecue that's vented through one of a number of artificial trees. The property features original '70s state-of-the-art technology throughout, including computerized lighting that simulates different times of day and illuminates the panoramic murals that grace the surrounding walls outside the windows, to give the impression of real views. And it's all built to withstand nuclear explosions and radioactive fallout.
So that's the lowdown on the Underground House. If you're interested in some altogether different types of subterranean dwellings, check out our recent title, Beneath the Neon, which describes author Matt O'Brien's four-year odyssey in the storm drains of Las Vegas.
*And if you're wondering, no, Henderson isn't named for Gerry, but rather for 19th century politician Charles Henderson.
