Charles Ringling bought large tracts of land in the Sarasota, Florida area, including the Gillespie Golf Course.

As well as being intended for large social gatherings and performances, the compound was designed to be completely self-sufficient, including staff quarters, farming, and livestock.

Within months of the completion of the construction, Charles died, but Edith Ringling and their daughter, Hester, continued to reside on the estate for many decades.

In the 1960s, New College of Florida purchased the estate for development as part of its campus and uses the historic buildings for administrative purposes and special events.

Charles is buried in Manasota Memorial Park, where his coffin rests inside a large orange stone mausoleum.