Man Lives with His Planes and His Guns in Utah Desert ‘Man Cave’
- Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:20pm by
Erica Ritz
- Print »
- Email »
Almost 30 years after he built his own plane to escape Communist Czechoslovakia, 51-year old Ivo Zdarsky is living in an airplane hangar on 400 acres of Utah desert.
With the nearest grocery store 160 miles away, his home is outfitted with a 90-inch flat screen TV, four-foot-tall speakers, a computer, two mattresses, and an inflatable hot tub that can be flipped upside down and used as a sofa.
The New York Times elaborates:
His home is divided into two 50-by-50-foot areas: one is for his planes, the other is his living space (the bathroom is a separate room). ‘I notice most people have a house which is usually smaller than my room,’ Mr. Zdarsky says. ‘And inside this house is a bunch of little rooms, called bedroom, living room, whatever. If they want to do something on a computer you have to go in one room, you go to eat in another room. I have just one room, and I can watch the TV here, watch the computer here, eat here, and it is not claustrophobic.’
Moreover, the New York Times reporter counted seven impressive weapons casually scattered about the hangar. “I use them on the badgers because they dig in my ground,” he said, “You cannot imagine the damage these badgers do [to the runways].”
Pointing at some ammunition laying on his table, he continued: “That’s what our guys are using in Afghanistan. It’s very effective against badgers. And probably terrorists too.”
But how did Zdarsky end up all alone in the Utah desert? The Daily Mail describes his mad dash to freedom from Czechoslovakia in 1984:
As an aviation engineering student in Prague, Mr Zdarsky was designing airplane propellers and frustrated with the government that wouldn’t allow him to start his own business or voice his opinion.
Having being denied an exit visa, Mr Zdarsky decided to take matters into his own hands and built his own plane; a hang glider with an engine from a car.
On August 1984, he set off at 3am and made good his escape to Vienna where he requested political asylum.
And after he arrived in America in 1997, he found the 400 acres in Utah for the price of $99,000.
“Try doing that in New York,” he said. “It was a pretty good deal because nobody wanted to live here.”
Abandoned in the 1930′s, the area used to be a railroad community. Before Zdarsky, no one had lived there since, but for a small group of retired railroad workers in the 1970′s.
In what the Daily Mail is calling “the ultimate man cave,” Zdarsky has put an estimated $500,000 into his new home, including $50,000 for the steel for the hangar and $100,000 to set up water and electricity.
But unique as his home is, doesn’t he get lonely? “Everyone asks me that,” he replied. “If I get lonely, I can turn on my big TV, or I get in my plane or go see people. Usually it is more the other way, I am in civilization and looking very much forward to escaping here.”
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 706 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 547 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 364 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 361 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 361 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 361 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 364 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 281 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 149 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 361 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (160)
Pogue
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:41amWith 400 acres. He has plenty of down range to give any trespasser a chance to rethink their course of action. Could they run 2800 feet per second.
Report Post »More power to him!!
One good rifle should be able to cover the homestead, however, back up is always required, within reach. Keep it up Dude!
Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:51amI‘ve never seen any worldly material thing that’s worth dying over, because life travels in circles and eventually you’ll have to run faster than 2800 feet per second.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:54amJust ask Billy the Kid, and other 19th century out-laws.
Report Post »DaveCCC
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 6:58amHe probably could use a .50 caliber or two to go with his .223.
Report Post »P C BE DAMNED
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 8:34amTim
Life does not travel in circles.
Report Post »D-Fence
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:39amITSJUSTTIM Go away. You’re annoying. This guy is living the American Dream. Where he can do what he wants without feear of ITSJUSTTIM coming to stop him. He’s not hurting anyone.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:11amDude kicks ass!
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 11:20amTIM
“I‘ve never seen any worldly material thing that’s worth dying over…”
You are absolutely correct… and that is why he, and most of us, are armed. What belongs to ME is not worth losing your life over, so keep out.
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 11:23amGood for this man. I’ll bet he could tell you about socialism, communism and even relate it to Obama. He is living his dream and I wish him well.
Report Post »NeoFan
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:10pmHe fits right in here. And yes it is heaven on earth.
Report Post »OklahomaBound
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:41pmThis guy is more prepared than most Americans in our own country because he came from a country that once was what commie progressives are trying to turn us into. Good for him!
Report Post »los-un-majestico
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 4:42pmI am mucho jealous dude. Awesome set-up.
Report Post »Unix
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:08pmHey man, can I join ya? I got food, water, guns, ammo, etc? I can get along with anyone, and I’m not gay…strictly a man here!
Report Post »punyhuman
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 11:54pm@ PCBDamned
Report Post »“Tim – Life does not travel in circles.” Tim keeps watching the Iying king, and gets his info from cartoons.
ChiefGeorge
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:19amOne hellfire missile and he’s gone!
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 10:01amThe guy isn’t an outlaw. He’s a normal guy, out here. The “average” gun owner in my state has 250 guns. Now, I’m behind that curve a little, but I still wouldn’t want to be the guy who thinks he can take from me without trouble.
Report Post »DrSique
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 7:07pmAfter the coming apocalypse, this guy may just be the only one left on the planet. He should find a date before the end times are upon us and he gets stuck in Utah all by himself.
Report Post »antiprogressive
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:10amHeaven on earth…
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:12amHey kid, how about a light-saber?
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:31amHave you ever tossed it around in the temple of your mind (that’s why each side of your head is called your temples), and asked yourself by throwing the thought on your alter in your mind, why it is if people see the face of the Lord their spirit will surely die, and so the Lord just shows them his backside? Yeah I think there is only a few who have.
Report Post »clingingtogodandguns
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:02amWell don’t go outside and look up tomorrow.DOJ drones will be flying overhead,and SWAT will be knocking down his doors.He’s obviously a TEA party racist.They will call him an extremist that had to be stopped.But if he was black they would call him a hero.
Report Post »TheJeffersonian
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 5:25amHave you considered sanity? It can be a lot of fun.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 6:11amclingingtogodandguns.
Report Post »I guess some people will never understand.
Until their being loaded into boxcars.
Anyway.. Cute puppy
Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 11:26am@ The Jeffersonian:
Report Post »I am so stealing that line.
llotus
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:31pmitsjusttim…….tim please go away you scare me. Lotus.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:46amI don’t have heroes, but if I did, this man would be on my list.
Report Post »LauraJanesMom
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:14amMy question is what did he do to be able to amass that much money is such a short time and is he still working?
Report Post »THXll38
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 7:16amThat is a damn good question.
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 7:59amPatent(s).
Report Post »this1can
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 6:47pmSold pet rocks
Report Post »rreactor
Posted on April 2, 2012 at 12:07amHere’s the scoop.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivoprop
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:08amAh the rejection of one government system because they don’t want to make the ultimate sacrifice perhaps while running their mouth. Why? There are many reasons why. Why do Atheists run around doing work for the Lord, and then deny they are doing work for the Lord all the while they are tearing down Graven Images? And that is work for the Lord because of the Commandment that says: Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Oh they will deny it benefits the Lord, but it does. If I wanted a box moved across the room; one person moving the box only halfway across the room because they don’t really listen to me, and then one of his counters to spite him moves the box all the way across the room, then by default I still get the box moved across the room, and get my way.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:15amLike I said Atheists are closer to the lord than they know, and that’s pretty sad I think.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:16amBe careful of what you do because you might just be working for the Lord and not know it.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:21amReally it’s kind of a double edge, because while they tear down images, it also has a way of sealing by hardness the hearts of those addicted to images. I guess it kills two birds with one stone.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:29amOn the other hand, who really needs graven images when one can explore their temple and see the images everywhere they look anyways? Why I suppose their is even an Atheist who is surrounded by crucifixes whereby every corner of their living-room and bedroom is a crucifix where perpendicular bisectors come together.
Report Post »Max jones
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:34amhey just tim…….Although i might get some of what you say here on site,, you sound like a madman, sometimes. and this is one of those times, young’un.
Report Post »Max jones
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:38amBut may I say that you made me laugh ,this time. You’re like trying to run multiple programs without parameters. slow down,,, how many fingers am I holding up? Breathe, breathe, there y’go……
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:45amMax jones,
Report Post »Are you saying that you believe in God, but apparently God must be in error about the graven image commandment? Then surely you don’t believe in God. Would you say to your dad, dad I believe in you but I don’t believe your “Word” when you tell me if I steal that I will go to jail? Because then you will wind up in jail, and your family tree will be cut-off if you are in jail long enough.
Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:00amAnyways it was just on my mind tonight about Atheists because one of my children is an Atheist, and I’ve been putting off throwing him on a hot-bed of brimstone by making him short-circuit, and today I made that choice and devoured him with words.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 3:18amJim, you are one confused individual. The constant scripture translations, talking to your self on the blog, thinking that you are the only one that understands everything; it all shows an instablity that shoud be addressed. If I were your child I would be athiest too, I mean a person, a rational person can only stand so much of that nonsense.
Report Post »Abraham Young
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 3:53amOh, I get it, it’s April Fools Day.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 4:22amTime for your meds Timmy…and its bedtime young man. Go brush your tooth…
Report Post »P C BE DAMNED
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 8:39amTim
You do know you have a demon, don’t you? Your comments are totally screwed.
Report Post »BoyScout_Mom
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:29pmTim, you definitely have more than one visitor… You need to tell them to leave and go get some help.
Report Post »IMAWAKENOW
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 4:28pmtim, you sound just like the people on that all night radio talk show coast to coast. You can ramble for a half an hour and never make any sence. Have you ever considdered taking your act there.
Report Post »iampraying4u
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 7:30pmtim please tell me you are april fools
Report Post »MachIV
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 8:11pmWhat is your point?
Report Post »Truthurts
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:07pmHey, Timmie! Dude! That new batch of medical marijuana is some really good ****! Let us know when you land.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:04am.
Wow!
Living in an airplane hangar with all his toys?
Sounds like heaven to me.
How soon before some bureaucrat knocks on his door
Report Post »and tells him he’s violated some new regulation?
Max jones
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:46amHow soon before somebody recognizes him because of the media coverage, and now knows where that quarter of a million dollars, that disappeared, went.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:07amYou will know… there will be a Bang Bang… and his plane will take off!
Report Post »rawmilker
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:33amThats what I was thinking SECRET. Also, the last people I’d have out there visiting me is the left wing rag NYT.
Report Post »Gumbercules
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:33pmHow often do bearucrats come and visit any of us? Never? That would be my answer.
Report Post »BubbaCoop
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:56amSteve McQueen lived in his airplane hangar with his planes and motorcycles.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:24pm.
So did Dirk Pitt.
My advice: “Get a backhoe”
Report Post »ImmediateRealityCheck
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:31amEscaped to America in 1984 and now has built a home worth $.6+ million? Not bad, not bad at all. What a country! (That 8-prop plane is no slouch either)
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:35am“Pursuit Of Happiness”!
Report Post »R.A. Bullseye
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:31amHe still needs a hair cut.
Report Post »Patrick Henry
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:05amBaldness?
Report Post »R.A. Bullseye
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:30amIt’s interesting how foreigners understand better than we do.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 5:38amThey come from a place where freedom is rare. When they get to America they understand the full value of your Constitution.
It is a pity that certain left wingers, brought up in your country, do not. Or worse, try to negate it. Familiarity, I suppose, breeding disrespect.
It would do them no harm to live and work in these other countries under the same conditions as the current inhabitants for a short time. They would return, kiss the ground of their nation after alighting from the plane, and thereafter be the Constitution’s staunchest defenders.
And conservatives to boot.
Report Post »christos
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:09am…Maybe he’s an Angel also,,,
Report Post »Amica
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:08amEffective against badgers and terrorists. Love it!
Report Post »Average_Joseph
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 8:04amBadgers? We don‘t need no stinkin’ badgers.
Report Post »Laus Deo
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:02amI just called the ad department for Dos Equis.. I’m glad to inform you all that the bearded h0m0 will no longer be featured as the “most interesting man in the world.” Zdarsky is in.
You’re welcome.
Report Post »Grasshopper42
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:16amThat’s funny . . . !
Report Post »Tallbriar
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:56pmWhat a marvelous adventure! We may all get opportunities for many adventures of our own in the coming weeks and months. Stay safe and watch the ridgelines. Oh, and don’t trip on the badgers.
Report Post »Paul
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:30amYou are not your average “Blazer.” (let him that readeth understand.)
Good.
Nice not to be alone.
Report Post »randy
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:54pmFantastic! Just curious tho. Do they make riding vacuum cleaners?
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:24amLOL, he needs a 55 gallon sized ‘Mint.’
Report Post »Lost Rebel
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:54pmI think his life is incredible. It just sucks that it’s been made a story because now he is no longer anonymous. Uncle Sam will be knocking on his hanger door soon to tax him to death or evict him. He certainly is leaps and bounds ahead of most Americans.
Report Post »Heb4Seven
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:35amOh, you can be sure, he was already being watched even as he was building it.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:49pmwhile this is all great and yes I wish I had a cave why why why on earth do people show everyone what they have? seriously that preppers show why would you go on tv and show everyone your supply? do you not get that it is making you a target. hey guy look at me I have gun safes full of guns and look at my gold….why would I ever show that to anyone.
Report Post »randy
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:55pmI agree, He might just as well paint a target on his roof.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:53amWell why do you think?
Report Post »MAMMY_NUNN
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:18amSome like to brag or flaunt it like “Cribs” the TV show but I didn’t get that feel from this, What I got was Oh you want to see my place here it is.
Report Post »marine249
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:46pmOFF SUBJECT
For are you trolls out there
Tomorrow is April 1st
President Day for obama
Report Post »Take al and jesse shopping
possom
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:00amlol where can I find ted danson blackface bobble head doll’s?
Report Post »welloddyfriggindah
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:42pmPerfect. He gets it.
Report Post »hogtrashhd
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:41pmoh crap.. the feds will be knocking on your door and burning your arse out of there… why’d you have to go tell on yourself.. dumbarse…
Report Post »godhatesacoward
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:35pmThe ultimate man cave! Love it!
Report Post »Kasey
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:34pmBooyah. I’m gonna drive down and shake this guys hand. Hopefully he doesn’t shoot first.
Report Post »ODB1111
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:33pmYOU ROCK! And you understand the danger. God Bless.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:28pmThis could be the Smartest SOB in America!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 31, 2012 at 11:34pmI have to agree with you there; and thus one of the first to be taken out by Kaiser Obama and his thugs.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:23am@SNOW…
Report Post »Some computer will spit out the Confiscate, Detain, ReEducate, and Terminate List… and a Chec in Utah will be at the bottom :)
CatB
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:25amI only take issue with “Man” Cave .. I would love to live like that (I am not a man) … only thing I see missing is a dog …
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:40am@CATB
Report Post »If you get one… you can call it anything that you like… and keep whatever pets that you desire. Sweet Dreams :)
CatB
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:00am@LUKERW
My father would have loved this .. maybe that is where I get it .. he was a pilot (had two antique Stinsons) .. he practically lived at the airport when he wasn’t working (Railroad engineer).. if he could have moved into the hanger he would have. Good night to you also :-)
Report Post »