Agent Burns House to Ground – Lists Firesale

OK so maybe it wasn’t her fault – but this is a fairly odd story – even by real estate standards!

An eco-friendly luxury holiday is on the market in New Zealand’s remote Stewart Island. The Christchurch based owners, hire upmarket Merivale Harcourts in Christchurch to market the property and agent Gail Hudson went for an overnight site visit.  Spending a couple of nights in the house you are selling may sound odd- but in fact it makes good sense in this case because Stewart Island is really a whole day’s trip from Christchurch – and there is limited accommodation options.

What happened next is unclear – but according to The New Zealand Herald:

We flew over it and I was so looking forward to staying there. The next minute, zippidity-do! It’s on fire and we’re standing outside, quite shocked,” she [Gail] said.

A smoke alarm woke Gail Hudson and her companion, who escaped unharmed.

The fire brigade arrived within 12 minutes.

News reports are that the fire may have started in a giant indoor/outdoor fireplace – a major design feature.

Initially the remote eco-friendly property which generates its own electricity was worth around NZ$1.1 million but now it may only be worth half of that. In true real estate style Gail has turned the negative to a positive – the headline on the listing is now “Firesale! As Is Or Reinstate to Former Glory”

This property had recently undergone a stunning renovation which created a truly phenomenal eco-friendly home until a recent fire resulted in extensive damage. …

The owners have been left devastated by the destruction that has occurred to their dream & have no wish to return to reinstate this property, presenting an opportunity for a purchaser to take over what could well be an exciting & fulfilling project. Tender 12noon February 3rd

The owner’s had spent over $600,000 on renovations so I can understand why they wouldn’t want to start again! In fact its pretty sad to see the “original” photos of the interior contrasted with the “current” condition photos on the property listing.  I hope the owner’s insurance was up to date.

At least they know the agent is committed to the project! In fact the location of the property next to the National Park and across the road from the beach is stunning – and if you can handle true remoteness and want a resortation project this might be worth a second look at …