QUEEN BED - with free grand old home & guesthouse for sale - TradeMe.co.nz

Wow, good on you with the beads of sweat! Life is an adventure and I'm sure it will be ok (but if I can win it for $2 then that's even better.... just kidding...). Can I ask please what the tenancy contract is? Thank you and all the best xx mumandkids (1441

) 9:41 am, Thu 25 Jun

Thanks for that. Beads of sweat ain't all, glasses have steamed up, heart racing, nervous wreck actually. Tenancy is standard contract managed by a local real estate company. It's on a fixed term which expires at the end of January, with a right of renewal. 10:21 am, Thu 25 Jun

Seller Comment: Seller added 3 photos 4:02 pm, Thu 25 Jun

How old are the photos please? timberjack69 (198

) 7:51 am, Fri 26 Jun

Quite recent. A few months. If anything it's better now. 10:03 am, Fri 26 Jun

I will give it a boost to get the unbelievers moving trip-tych (25

) 8:28 am, Fri 26 Jun

Great mate, we could do with that. We're so frightened that I think keyboard is about to shortcircuit 10:39 am, Fri 26 Jun

Hi, good luck with your auction. Just a suggestion, you might get more interest if you listed this auction in the homes section. I wish you all the best! rtawhoa (156

) 9:39 am, Fri 26 Jun

Good question. Thanks for that, but we've been listed and not got any coverage. If you typed in Properties; West Coast; Buller; Westport then you would have seen us. But of course that's a pretty long-winded affair. 10:44 am, Fri 26 Jun

Why is this listing under bedroom furniture as a queen sized bed????......Think you need to put it in the right category.... tintin4 (881

) 9:47 am, Fri 26 Jun

If we put it under properties you would never find us. And there are beds included. 10:38 am, Fri 26 Jun

Hey, I feel for you. What you should do is call TVNZ and your regional newspaper and create some publicity around your auction. I am a public relations, and I am pretty sure they would pick up on this story. Pitch... A new way of selling your property in recession. good luck. julesfrench (91

) 11:26 am, Fri 26 Jun

Many thanks. The local paper has come over. We appreciate your input. We are so frightened at the moment and any encouragement is really nice. 11:48 am, Fri 26 Jun

Another thought, if you don't know how to do it yourself... Contact tradeMe. They've got a PR department who could do all the work for you? Great publicity for them... Good luck. julesfrench (91

) 11:30 am, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you 11:42 am, Fri 26 Jun

So if i was to win the bid for say $15K i then still have to arrange a sale with the owner ? So what would i be getting for $15k a bed ??? or would i get the house ? muz66 (30

) 1:27 pm, Fri 26 Jun

You get the lot. But remember It's leased until the end of January, so I guess you'll have to collect the rent instead 4:36 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Hi, well done and hats off to you... You should get lots of interest now, the Herald has picked up on the story.. this is how I know about your listing. Best of luck and wish you well. reuzit (117

) 3:44 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thanks so much. I'm afraid we ate the hats. We weren't sure what part of the day we're at and they looked like a healthy prospect on the hook. We've been up since 3am then had a snooze. 4:40 pm, Fri 26 Jun

What a beautiful house. I wish you well with your sale and have your house on watchlist so I can follow the progress. All the best tigerfire (196

) 3:51 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you. Great to hear your encouragement. We agonised over this for days. 4:41 pm, Fri 26 Jun

You may like to use the word house in your text to help with searches. If you search "bed / house" it doesn't find you where "bed / home" does. It will help to make the most of the publicity. mbjb (64

) 3:55 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Ta. We thought we could edit stuff and add to it easily, but when reserve is met we can't change things (which we understand). Thanks for your question. 4:44 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Hi, can you please put more photos up of the bed? What is the bed made of? How comfy is it? I have a sore back so its important if I'm going to invest this much in a bed. Cheers skip83 (19

) 3:55 pm, Fri 26 Jun

there's a daddy bears bed (hard) mummy's bears (soft), two baby bear beds (just right; and one for a friend), one slat bed, and I think your one might be upstairs that looks out over the balcony to the mountains. (Soft). 4:58 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Does the $44,408 include gst or is it plus?? akdwellings (83

) 3:56 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you. It's plus GST. 4:59 pm, Fri 26 Jun

So do you also manage the accommodation side? Would whoever bought it then have to get a manager in, or what is the situation? I'm assuming it's your existing guests that have the 6 months lease, or do you already have managers in there and it's them that have the 6 month lease? Sorry, i'm confused. rose2004 (603

) 3:59 pm, Fri 26 Jun

The lease commences on 1st August so gives anyone time to check out the place. The local agents look after that lease so there's no manager. Their fees are over and above that amount. 5:03 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Also what sort of outstanding maintenence is there? What is the roof etc, like ? rose2004 (603

) 4:00 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Hi, there's no outstanding maintenance. Roof is about 8 years old and sound. Plumbing is good, wiring good. It could do with a fresh coat of paint but I'm not keen on abseiling. There is a maintenance man available who will tackle any problem and do it well. Cheers 5:07 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Somebody put this on digg.com Let's create those guys some viral publicity. I mean if one can sell an old F&P washing machine for 5 grands on TradeMe, surely a bed with an attached house can fetch a fair price?!! happy_gerbil (120

) 4:03 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Sorry, non-comprendez? don't know what digg.com is. We're backward on the forward front. We're on dial-up with a really old computer. We have cell phones that are so obsolete we could (sometimes) text a neanderthal 5:12 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Wow, just read about this auction in the news online front page and had to come see if it was real...unfortunately Im not financially in a position to bid but I wish you the best of luck with your auction and hope you get a good price for such a beautiful house.Luck, luck, luck!! jakis01 (91

) 4:04 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thanks thanks thanks. I'm perspiring so much I'm afraid the keyboard might shortcircuit. 5:14 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Just wanted to give you guys some encouragement - you're on stuff.co.nz now (hence why I'm here to have a nosey to see how it's going), and I'm sure it'll be on the news tonight! Best of luck with the auction! My inlaws invested in a camper truck - best thing they've ever done - can't keep track of them come the weekends! kirknico (101

) 4:04 pm, Fri 26 Jun

That's exactly where we want to be. Thank you for your encouragement. Sounds like your inlaws know what side of their bread is buttered (if you can afford butter). 5:16 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Does the lessee pay the council rates and insurance. If not what are the approx amounts of these. Thanks. nickers86 (13

) 4:21 pm, Fri 26 Jun

No, we pay insurance and rates. Rates over here are horrendous tho - approx. $2700PA - don't get me started on that issue of I'll never stop! Nothing like a good debate. 5:23 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Hey Guys, all the best with this. I discovered your story on stuff.co.nz so hopefully others will too & want to take up the Westport lifestyle. God bless you with goodness in your future. mummyski (170

) 4:21 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you very much. (Restores our faith in human nature) Westport is a great lifestyle. We moved from Auckland, to Christchurch and then Westport. We were expecting the heavens to open up every day but we've had the best weather in the country lately. 5:27 pm, Fri 26 Jun

hi folks - can i please get the actual address of the property cheers lbb7 (17

) 4:24 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Sure. 108 Derby Street, Westport. Are you going to Google Earth? - never seen it. 5:28 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Good Luck! Hope you get a great price for it, the house looks lovely! R bubs8 (70

) 4:25 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Many thanks. We appreciate that. 5:29 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Are you willing to stay on and manage this property for the next six months... at a fee of course? tobias730 (19

) 4:25 pm, Fri 26 Jun

I'm afraid we've done our dash. The local agents are great and we trust them. We have no worries on this score as the place comes with many friends and a goldfish called 'jaws'. 5:32 pm, Fri 26 Jun

You've made the news! http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/2540206/House-for-sale-1-reserve speckle77 (46

) 4:32 pm, Fri 26 Jun

We've never been famous in our lives but my partner won a cake once at a church fair. If we tried to look at 'stuff.co' it would take us 20 mins to find the site and another 20 to work out what to do. 5:34 pm, Fri 26 Jun

hi there, how much is the weekly rent for the 6 months rental contract? martyh3 (76

) 4:36 pm, Fri 26 Jun

$854pw. 5:36 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Fingers crossed for you - grew up in Wpt loving your home and its place in the town. You should say that the rooms are HUGE compared to city slicker comparisons and is close to everything needed. Good luck in selling your historic and memorable home! fib74 (10

) 4:40 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you and it has certainly been memorable. It's been great and we'll always be back to visit. Many friends made and the welcome is second to none. We feel like real West Coaster's now (even tho we haven't been here for 28yrs). My partner Wayne slotted in like a glove, he's having a beer as usual. 5:40 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Do you have a picture of the Bed? Cheers wahine50 (153

) 4:50 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Which one? We have room for two more pictures but it takes so long to download with our computer savvy and age. (The pictures on there now took ages and ages.) Watch this space then and we'll do it. 5:44 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Hi could you give the full address of the website SE? Also can you please give further details of the present lease like 1. date of commencement 2. Who pays the outgoings on the property like rates 3. Duration of the lease with rights of renewal and 4. Date of rent review if any. Lastly I would like to confirm whether the fully furnished house is being put up on this auction? If yes could you please list the major items of furnishing and chattels? All the best with your auction. avsinghtima (73

) 4:51 pm, Fri 26 Jun

The chattels list is too extensive but every room is furnished to a good standard. We've had no complaints regarding stays and we have a visitor's comments book to peruse. It's a 'walk out with our backpack and memories' kind of thing. Lease commences 1st August and runs to the end of January, with the right of renewel. Owners pay rates, insurance and maintenance. Rent review hasn't been negotiated up to this six month period. 5:52 pm, Fri 26 Jun

How much to post the bed to Wellington? ebeneezer (101

) 4:53 pm, Fri 26 Jun

We don't have a spare bed with a post 5:55 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Is this auctioin including the house inclusive of GST if any? avsinghtima (73

) 5:19 pm, Fri 26 Jun

No GST. We are not GST registered. Cheers 6:01 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Good on you - all the best - you have great courage and we wish you well. Regards Ray & Sue suedeu (98

) 5:20 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you Ray and Sue. Don't feel very brave at the moment tho, but really appreciate your support 6:03 pm, Fri 26 Jun

"This afternoon 19 bids had been placed with a top bid of $10,220." NZ Herald.... bit more than that now.. congratulations.. you have finally got the interest in the property that you have been yearning for... keep the wine flowing and the brow mopped... you will be ok at the end of it.. what a ride from a short listing... All the best... good luck!! heybeautiful (46

) 5:23 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you. Roller coaster ride alright! We'll keep the beer flowing (West Coast after all) and yes, finally got some interest (and what interest!!). Wonder if DB could supply us for the duration? What do you reckon? Wayne's getting mighty expensive and no amount of under-eye cream seems to be working. 6:08 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Good to see the price is rising steadily, stuff has given you great publicity. I'll add a link to your story on my facebook as well - from an x-coaster, best of Luck ;-) sariya (121

) 5:27 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you and thank you to 'stuff''. We don't know what price it's at. had no sleep. Just answering questions now. Being an ex-coaster you would be familiar with 'Rafferties Rules? We're living on number 14 at the moment 6:15 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Does the bed come with a headboard? treeleaper (16

) 5:28 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Four do, two don't 6:19 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Very best wishes for selling this and for your future health and happiness. A gypsy life is really great thea4 (118

) 6:04 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Groovy, got my crystal ready. Thanks for that. 6:21 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Good on you guys! I got your story from NZ Herald website and then went up to see what's happening. It was $55,000 with 54 bids around this afternoon 3.30pm. But now look at the skyrocketing figure, more good things to come. Actually I have seen your house from google earth. Try it, you may be amazed! sueforest1 (59

) 6:04 pm, Fri 26 Jun

My gosh!!!! We've been answering questions solidly. We don't have the capacity to look at Google earth, darn it. We've been so incredibly worried and agonised about this decision so thank goodness it's happening. We still don't know what it's at, we too scared to look. 6:26 pm, Fri 26 Jun

The story is now on digg.com http://digg.com/world_news/A_queen_bed_with_a_house_attached_listed_with_1_reserve Folks, please help me get it to the front page! happy_gerbil (120

) 6:17 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Now we're really frightened. What's that mean?? We're faded roses from days gone by 6:29 pm, Fri 26 Jun

your price is at $220,000. Good luck dean99 (28

) 6:27 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Yahoo Yahoo Yahoo Yahoo Yahoo. Thank you 6:31 pm, Fri 26 Jun

i cant sell a bag of sand with digger hours included how can u sell a bed with a property ned1 (734

) 6:48 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Huh? 9:08 pm, Fri 26 Jun

i'm assuming that garage on right of photo 7 is included, and garage on left isn't. please clarify... cwebb (10

) 7:08 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Both, garage in picture on the right is included and the room on the left is a purpose-built sauna room. That sauna room is batted with a rimu tongue-and-groove lining. Property is sold in it's entirety. 9:16 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Digg is a website where people share interesting websites with other people on the internet. The more people that "Digg" the site, the more views you will get, meaning more views for you :) reignofgold (20

) 7:30 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Cheers for that. We'll have a look. We really have no idea about this stuff. 9:18 pm, Fri 26 Jun

This is a historic house ??? muz66 (30

) 7:36 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Locally historic, category II. Which means it's of interest to the West Coast. We can still change stuff but need to notify council and the Historic Places Trust. 9:21 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Ballsy move...hope you get a great result. reddeye (203

) 7:52 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Cheers. Ballsy move. I wonder what the equivalent for a woman is? Any suggestions? 9:25 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Sorry, now my turn to be a little dumb. Reading all the questions and feedback, it sounds like all the chatteld are included. Beds, tables, wardrobes, sofa's etc. Is that right?? kilroy3 (79

) 8:24 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Yes. Everything. Right down to pots, pans, any loo paper that may be left, Although the loo paper is my precious at the moment. MY PRECIOUS........ 9:28 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Hi there, could you see the water view from your property? Cheers merkinzshop (721

) 8:43 pm, Fri 26 Jun

If you stood on the chimney you can. Otherwise we hear the sea at night and a beaut view of the mountains from the balconies. The birds decide to roost at dawn and dusk and make a hell of a racket 9:32 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Wow.... Hope this works out for you guys!!! Good luck, gorgeous house. miz_kati (50

) 9:05 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thanks so much. We appreciate your input because we've been so frightened for so long, but are blown away now with the responses. Thanks again 9:34 pm, Fri 26 Jun

just wishing yous all the best leonieweti (581

) 9:30 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thanks so much. Feels like we're the big wednesday winner at the moment for us. 9:35 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Good luck guys!! I put a bid on yesterday and now its gone from $2.50 to $230,200!! I am sure you guys will get what you are asking for, and some, judging by the media interest!! Best of luck!! Will keep watching!! rayray8 (186

) 9:37 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thanks Rav, this was the biggest scariest palpitator of our life. Thank you for your good wishes. Puts our faith in human nature back on track. Got a bus for sale??? 9:55 pm, Fri 26 Jun

hi there. Just wanted to tell you you are sitting at over 230,000 now. Whew. Read about you stuff.co and had to see what it was all about. Will be watching the end result with interest. Good on you. Reading all the questions and answers has been a riot. What a laugh. All the best. You don't need to respond, just put . to save your precious time but wanted you to know we are thrilled that the auction has picked up for you, Sarah and Marty from Wgtn. :) sarahbera (302

) 9:48 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thanks Sarah and Marty. We're humbled with your response. We were in the jaws of the crocodile, just waiting for the death roll. We got trademe's permission for this, and are so grateful for letting us do it. 10:02 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Ohhh, good on you two. Get some sleep too tho! joh33 (17

) 10:03 pm, Fri 26 Jun

What? Sleep? What's that? We're on substance abuse (ie sleeping pills). It's amazing how fast you can get something when you go to the pharmacy and explain the situation. 10:18 pm, Fri 26 Jun

It looks like your gamble is paying off - Good on you!! Nothing ventured, nothing gained! We had our house on the market in wgtn for 14 months before it sold, believe me I know what desperation is!! All the best with your change in life style. nettlebug (84

) 10:05 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Cheers for that. Guess we might have a new extension cord in. What's your address again?? We have friends but we needed a 6Km extension cord. We were hurt. 10:24 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Watching from Oz, looks like you are well on your way...good luck! webkiwis (219

) 10:08 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Aussie dollars buys more??????????????????????????????? Any takers????????????????? Actually, Australia owns NZ. Go figure 10:26 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Amazing that this auction has gained some publicity, hope you get a fair price for your house and good luck for your next phase of life! xpfan2002 (32

) 10:29 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thank you. We're overwhelmed with the response. Never would have dreamed it. Look out bus, here we come. (Oops, better get an HT licence first). 7:57 am, Sat 27 Jun

heya! i would just like to say good luck, what a great way to sell a house =] it deffently gets people watching. i hope you get what your after, if i had that kind of money lying around i would of deffently been on the bidding side for this house. i hope it doesnt cost you too much for the success fee aye! anyways good luck to the future Rachel! get-low96 (9

) 11:37 pm, Fri 26 Jun

Thanks Rachel, trademe has been brilliant. It's so nice to hear people's feedback and encouragement. 7:59 am, Sat 27 Jun

awsome guys!!! Hope Ya auction goes well. saw it on stuff.co.nz and had to look up you auction!..Inpressive! Hope all goes well guys... dan298 (22

) 12:20 am, Sat 27 Jun

Cheers for that. Any good ideas for a bus numberplate? 8:00 am, Sat 27 Jun

Yor story is in Waikato times this morning. Good luck, it looks like its goin well. roz56 (860

) 7:35 am, Sat 27 Jun

Wow really? How cool is that! Hope to be there on a bus soon. Thanks for your support. 8:02 am, Sat 27 Jun

Hi. Hope your guys nerves have settled down now. As looks like people with big b-lls like u guys its paying of for u. The best of luck to u toyotagurl (2709

) 7:44 am, Sat 27 Jun

Thanks. Nerves are coming right now. Still can't sleep tho but begged for little blue things to fix that. Wayne's still on the amber liquid. Think re-hab centre might be in the wings if this carries on. Cheers for your good wishes. 8:07 am, Sat 27 Jun

Hey good luck on the auction. Am originally frowm Westport and have always liked your house. A real stand out property. Good luck. Oh one thing..."really good weather" ? lol. zuuma (251

) 11:04 am, Sat 27 Jun

Thanks for that, yes she really does stand out. Weather has been the best in the country for the last week but a bit over cast today. Thanks again 11:40 am, Sat 27 Jun

Hi. I don't quite understand the "QV 300,000. 1012m2 freehold section. Leased at $44,408 PA." Could you explain the "lease" bit. 64bit (36

) 12:03 pm, Sat 27 Jun

QV is the same as the old GV. The lease is the contract we have with a company. So we'll call it a contract from now on. (I see what you mean). Thanks for your question 1:03 pm, Sat 27 Jun

can you post a photo of the actual bed? allas (88

) 12:21 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Double, queen or single? There's 7 all up. We're trying to get another 3 pictures on but our computer is so slow we're having a bit of bother. 1:05 pm, Sat 27 Jun

does the bed come with any sheets? allas (88

) 12:21 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Sure does. There's even some purple ones. 1:06 pm, Sat 27 Jun

how much to ship the bed to Whangarei? removal of the house too, shipping to whangarei included in the reserve? allas (88

) 12:22 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Tee hee. Whangarei a tad pricey. I guess one of the cement boats could do it - but it's how to get it to the harbour??? 1:08 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Oh my god a very gutsy move to make,, you guys have gone from nobody to famous in a matter of days,,good luck with the auction im keeping an eye on it through my watchlist,,hope you get the result you want and enjoy your new lives:) deruyters (222

) 1:40 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Thanks so much for that. We're feeling pretty exhausted at the moment. The stress of the original decision is kicking in I think. 5:14 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Good on you for doing this. Hope it all works out for you both. Good luck from wanganui josieclow (331

) 1:51 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Cheers. Thanks for your good wishes 5:16 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Good luck on your auction it has reached the bottom of south Island I read all about auction in Southland Times this morning Happy bing to the bidders............and best of luck to new owners.............. luckyme194 (590

) 2:55 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Southland Times! Wow. We're feeling so lucky and grateful to everyone. I think we've got to hit the hay soon, we're knackered 5:19 pm, Sat 27 Jun

This house was once condemed after a major earthquake, but with alot of TLC it has been bought back to life, its structulary sound, very nice, good luck with the sale... people used to call it the haunted house, dont know how true.... keaton647 (8

) 6:11 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Yes, apparently it was damaged after the Murchison earthquake, then so was half the town. Structurally the internal walls are all concrete approx. 8" thick, so each room downstairs has it's own foundation. It's built like a brick s**t house. The chimneys have been replaced with flues. As for the haunting - well, they haven't come to the party yet 4:40 am, Sun 28 Jun

Hi...we heard about your story in Sunny QLD Australia...my husband an ex-NZlder says its too cold...but we wish you luck...and Im trying to convince him to let me bid:) A few questions..is this like a Bed & Breakfast situation? Are there rooms for the new owners to live at this property? or will it be more of an investment.the "right to renew" the contract.does this mean its their right to have a renewal and the owner cant refuse? Best Wishes....good luck hope you get what you need for the bus! cjalexander73 (1

) 8:17 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Hi, thanks for your question. Yes, we had been living for a time as a B&B and through summer its fine. Miners take over long-term during the winter months, but some of them didn't want to leave. In fact, just recently one asked if he could come back. NOOOOO!!!! The right to renew on the contract is to be negotiated between the two parties. 4:44 am, Sun 28 Jun

I heard your $1 reserve announced on the radio the other morning in Christchurch and you had got to $10,000 already.I think you will get a very high price because everyone knows its a ripper good house and you are genuine and honest sellers.Your bravery and honesty about everything will pay off.Congratulations for your future!Go and have a good sleep! ewan13 (158

) 8:53 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Thank so much. Two sleeping pills did the trick but it's 4.45am at the moment so 8hrs not bad. Dreaming of that bus. Cheers 4:47 am, Sun 28 Jun

The successful bidder has freehold on the section but not the building and chattels? deadwombat (378

) 10:31 pm, Sat 27 Jun

No, it's all yours. Lock, stock and two smoking barrels.We walk out with our backpack and one sentimental piece of furniture (a sideboard). We'll ensure the dishwasher's empty, beds have fresh sheets and jaws is fed. We'll also leave the golf balls and putter for the wee nine-hole course out the front (par 18 - 17 being best - damn you Eamon, Wayne still hasn't beaten it). Archaic reel mower keeps the green up to international standards?? 4:54 am, Sun 28 Jun

Great kiwi ingenuity, your story has reached as far as Western Australia. Good luck! nm69bm (69

) 10:47 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Yahoo. We never thought it would get that far. A bus swap to Aussie sounds good. Thanks for your good wishes 4:55 am, Sun 28 Jun

Hi, I saw your story in our local paper on the Gold Coast, Aust. I hope you get over the asking price. I am sure you will get a few ex-pats over here interested in it. GOOD LUCK..... "There's no place like home" waitahawoman (0

) 10:55 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Thanks, we just realised with the previous question it got so far. We will be sad to leave as we know every square inch of the place. A wee pity the new owner will miss out on the feijoas along the front side fence (I scoffed the lot!) (Kathy). Our home may shrink from 242m2 (including deck) to around 30m2 but the view will be ever-changing. 5:01 am, Sun 28 Jun

Good Luck Sis! wildwestcoaast (404

) 11:02 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Thanks Rosie. A bit of a hair-raiser. Where's that 'Ten years younger' programme when you need it?? Love Kathy 5:03 am, Sun 28 Jun

Hi Mum, this is your son here logging in from Edinburgh. You know, the one with a small share in your house. Thanks for your email this morning letting me know you put the house on TradeMe for $1 reserve! Almost sh*t myself but great to see all the publicity. Love to you and give my best to Wayne. Tell him I've now joined him in his quest to alleviate his nerves through some serious beer consumption. I think I need to lie down... driftnet (66

) 11:10 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Good morning dear-heart, Yes, you go and lie down. But remember, you shouted me a free-fall parachute thrill which almost killed me, shotover river ride that turned my hair grey, dart-river, an OE experience to die for. Now it's your turn! Enjoy the ride Love mum and Wayne 5:12 am, Sun 28 Jun

Hello everyone else, knowing my mother I can confirm that this is a genuine auction, the house is a beauty and everything she says right down to 'jaws' the goldfish is true (it's in the garden fountain in one of the pictures, the other one died a while back). A year ago I had put together a website advertising the guest house so have some additional photos. Contact Mum and she can give you my email address. Mum, mum, mum...still can't believe it... driftnet (66

) 11:22 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Son, son, son, neither can I. Life's an adventure! 5:14 am, Sun 28 Jun

All the best with the auction. I hope you get alot of money for it. from Lower Hutt! wiseguy25 (8

) 11:57 pm, Sat 27 Jun

Thanks Lower Hutt. We appreciate the good wishes. I've got to be careful now, my son's watching every word 5:15 am, Sun 28 Jun

seems like a great return on this investment,roughly 19% at the current bid price. The fact you were letting it go at $1, makes me think there is something missing here, particulary as it is under management, so it costs you nothing in time. Why let it go at this return? seems pointless, am I missing something here? Why did you not think "the market is not great lets just sit it out get on with our lives enjoy the 19% or more return and reappraise things at a later date?? gaz14 (31

) 12:59 am, Sun 28 Jun

We understand what you're saying and yes it's a great return, so what better time to sell? We don't want to borrow to recognise our dream. We now want simplicity in our lives as we realise that all this 'stuff' around us doesn't matter a jot because without family, what's it all for?? Time is marching on. Thanks for your thoughtful question 5:46 am, Sun 28 Jun

Mum, can you send over some more marmite? XXX driftnet (66

) 5:28 am, Sun 28 Jun

Sure thing. Need some B groups?? 5:47 am, Sun 28 Jun

Seller Comment: Seller added 3 photos 10:03 am, Sun 28 Jun

Vegemite.............Eaboo! Get it right! wildwestcoaast (404

) 10:05 am, Sun 28 Jun

What! Unpatriotic. Eamon did ask for marmite. (Sorry Oz). Did you realise that 'vegemite' is about to go cheesy? No really. 11:36 am, Sun 28 Jun

very cool. love the lateral-ness of this. and on that note... i think you mentioned your reason for selling was to get back to family? if so where? i have a 6 beds i could trade with you if you want. they come with 809m of land, 6 bedroom, 2 bathroom house that borders a 100 acre volanic crater/lagoon/farm land. 5 minutes from AKL airport. brings in $750-900/wk. gv 305k. happy to send pics of beds and land if you wanna swap? roi at wehelp dot com rap2 (407

) 10:16 am, Sun 28 Jun

Sounds like a lovely offer, thankyou. We used to live in Auckland once. We like the idea of parking at Mission Bay and the police asking us to shift by morning. By golly, if you came here you wouldn't regret it. Trout is abundant, great people, great local beer, but the family beckons, and they're all over the show. Cheers 11:16 am, Sun 28 Jun

any chance of photos of inside of garage? also is there a local council website for me to get rates info etc? rap2 (407

) 11:36 am, Sun 28 Jun

Hi, we can send you photos of the garage. Send us your e-mail address because we can't put any more pictures on this site. Check out Buller District Council for rates. Thanks for your question. 11:45 am, Sun 28 Jun

This house has to be the best value for money I have seen in Westport yet!! Compared to what is sitting 'parked' up on all the local real estate agents sites, you guys win hands down. Westport great place to live, the rain is nothing compared to the beauty and adventure that surrounds us here. All the best guys. thistleslass (0

) 11:39 am, Sun 28 Jun

Woo-hoo, a local. Thanks so much. We know don't we. Grateful. 11:51 am, Sun 28 Jun

email for more pics is roi at wehelp dot com - as many pics as you have for the whole house would be great. do you have the floor plan mapped out in some electronic form by any chance? rap2 (407

) 12:14 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Eh? what? Will send through what we've got. 12:22 pm, Sun 28 Jun

assuming you could get an attractive enough price, would you consider leaving in some vendor finance? ie you might get the full GV if you left in 60k as a second mortgage? that way you get a big chunk of cash upfront but also alot more down the road. on that basis i could bid much higher. rap2 (407

) 12:47 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Thank you for that but we really want to go for good. No attachments to anything material. That's the whole point really. We appreciate the monetary side of things but somehow it doesn't matter anymore (within reason). 3:50 pm, Sun 28 Jun

can you tell me the actual physical address? 108 ????? street? rap2 (407

) 12:53 pm, Sun 28 Jun

108 Darby street westport. still working on the pics for you cheers 3:13 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Hi Auntie Kathy. I dreamed about you last night and found Eamon's link to your auction on my facebook page today! How wierd! Wish I could remember the dream now. I've got you on my watchlist - best of luck!!! Kirsti xxx. P.S. Is that Nikki and Ally in the party photo? trader2906 (190

) 1:15 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Hi Hi Hi Kirsty, haven't seen you forever! My lovely brother-lookalike. What's this facebook? I've heard of it but don't really know what it is. And I really don't want to know. We have too much information abusing our sensors and who needs more stuff. Honestly, educationally, why does one need to go on a course to apply for a course?? Give us call at home Kirsty. Love Kathy 4:02 pm, Sun 28 Jun

All the very best of luck and wishes for you both in your new adventure. After this sale you deserve a medal of bravery from Trade Me and all members. Just a question, are you limiting potential bidders by not offering a pick up option????? LOL. I really wish we were in a position to purchase it from you as you sound like our kind of people and the house is lovely. rojin (288

) 1:59 pm, Sun 28 Jun

How neat. You sound like our kind of people too. Where can we plug the extention cord in?? 4:07 pm, Sun 28 Jun

**U GO GIRL** You know what you want in life and your going for it! life is to short to sit back and think about what you want to do, that split second decision to push that submit button has led you on a journey that you will never forget! come on all you rich investors push that submit button with a good price for these lovely people. if i could i would. Good luck to you and your family. The warehouse usually have good specials for hair dyes lol tess1969 (104

) 3:28 pm, Sun 28 Jun

That was the coolest comment. I've got enough hair left to last half a bottle of colour. So if I hurry, I can get two lots of colour out of one bottle. But they frighten you by saying 'once mixed, must be used'. What does that mean?? What's in it?? Have you ever bought those instant oven chips. What the heck is that stuff that's left on the tray that WILL NOT scrub, wash, weather or bleach away? It's sticky. I've had a few, I'm sorry. Thankyou for your question. 4:16 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Seller Comment: Oh, that's Derby St with an E. 3:34 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Go you guys! Hope you get a great price - good on you for taking a risk. I also live in Wpt and there's is such a shortage of rentals here - Im sure it will just keep ticking over for whoever secures it. They tell me theres a recession going on in the rest of the world.. hmmm - dont see it any signs of it in Westport! I might just have to take a trip down to the bank tomorrow to see what funds I can secure so I can join the bidding! Good luck with your travels, I bet you'll miss the place! rcb95 (18

) 3:41 pm, Sun 28 Jun

That's great, you're bang on. Thank you from the local world. We know. We certainly will miss the place, (the pubs will), but really, the people have been so brilliant. We've made a lot of friends. We could never replace them. Family calls though. We're moved and feel a little tearful reading your comment. 4:24 pm, Sun 28 Jun

you guys must be stoked with how the aution is going... it is a wonderful house and in a great location.. good luck to you both.. website for councl rates www.bdc.govt.nz hope this helps bidders out there.. i see you spelt the street name incorrectly in one of your last replys (derby) tijeff1 (42

) 3:47 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Thank you. Yes, it's a good spot. Central and with a nice outlook. Wee glitch with spelling. Missed out on finishing the cryptic, bar one. Darn. 4:41 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Whats the chance of a longer lease being secured and if so how long. Regardless - all the best with this and then beyond. bka1 (20

) 6:59 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Thank you. It would be likely that the lease would be extended through negotiation as the company is involved with the mine with a major contract. Ultimately it would be up to the new owner 9:06 am, Mon 29 Jun

As the first to help you over the 10 grand barrier I would recommend my Hino AC 140 motorhome at Trade me for your future lifestyle. The ultimate in freedom!!! trip-tych (25

) 7:55 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Hi thanks. We'll have a look when we've sold and we know the money's in the bank 9:08 am, Mon 29 Jun

Hi, could you please help me - Is the property leased to another party or are you running the business. Thanks hufty (210

) 9:45 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Hi, we we're running as a B&B and for longer term miners. It's now leased to another party and will be managed from August 1st. A good investment: good return we think. 9:12 am, Mon 29 Jun

Wow...Impressive and gutsy -Looks very likely all will work out for you and that is neat. My folks have a place in Westport too just around the corner from you in Mill St, has been on the market and perhaps we need to look at another marketing strategy, haha. Good Luck jaccsta (48

) 9:46 pm, Sun 28 Jun

Cheers. Another marketing strategy?? I wouldn't recommend it. Too stressful. Thanks for your good wishes 9:14 am, Mon 29 Jun

Just another local watching with interest! Great you are getting so much positive comments, I'm sure Westport will miss you guys as well! When I was little it was the haunted house and we all thought there was a coffin in the downstairs front room, at night when the lights were on it certainly looked like a coffin! We used to run like crazy past the house so we didn't end up in there! lol. The house looks so good these days, all the very best of luck in your travels. kadgirl (259

) 6:42 am, Mon 29 Jun

Thanks for your question. That coffin you saw is for Wayne when he can't get up the stairs. No really though, we can imagine the little ones passing by from St Canices two doors along. In those days it was grey with ivy all over. It would freak me out too. 9:18 am, Mon 29 Jun

Hi,was just wondering why it is just a 6 month lease,it sounds quite short for a business,was the lease worked out on turnover,if so could you supply any details dean163 (11

) 9:10 am, Mon 29 Jun

Ok. It's a 'fixed term contract then periodic thereafter'. The tenant involved secured a $100M contract with Solid Energy. We're confident this contract will take longer than 6months to complete. Further to that, a major overseas company is also taking up a partnership with S.E.This will leave Westport with a dire shortage of rentals. Already it's very hard to secure a reasonable house for these contractors. If you require more information from us, give Wayne a call; number at top of page. 9:30 am, Mon 29 Jun

Best of luck. From Shelly And Allan from Gore (The $1 Tractor with a free farm) 104allan (52

) 12:46 pm, Mon 29 Jun

Great to hear from you guys. We'd love to know how things went in the end for you. Bit of a roller-coaster ride isn't it? You've got our number at the top of the page, if we could touch base that would be neat. Thanks again. 1:37 pm, Mon 29 Jun

YOU ROCK GIRL...you know what you want and are gonna get it all our thoughts are with you..Leeann(christchurch) trev1953 (21

) 2:10 pm, Mon 29 Jun

Thanks so much. Don't know about rocking but the room's starting to roll. Fear makes you do weird things! 3:24 pm, Mon 29 Jun

Just wanted to wish you guys good luck!! And to let you know that this auction has made the newspapers on the Sunshine Coast in Australia - hope the auction goes well for you :o) yeti68 (713

) 3:13 pm, Mon 29 Jun

Incredible. Wish we were there tho. Who would've thought?? 3:26 pm, Mon 29 Jun

Westport.... Great town...... great people..... great beer..... all the best to the lucky people that win this auction. A place i still call home keaton647 (8

) 8:03 pm, Mon 29 Jun

I agree; great town, great people, really great beeeeeer. Miner's is a goody. Great outdoors, great friends and our flash new sports centre. Thanks for your support. 8:53 pm, Mon 29 Jun

GOOD LUCK WITH IT! Has it made the news yet? holymoly. (106

) 10:34 pm, Mon 29 Jun

Thanks for your good wishes. Not on TV yet, if that's what you mean. Mchael Jackson's taken over at the moment. Then it will probably be the fate of those poor children not of his. Then of course it's the grand finale of 'Stars in Your Eyes' sometime this week....and the ads....and....ads....and.....'But we won't go there! 3:48 am, Tue 30 Jun

Good Luck, I hope the price keeps climbing for you!!!!..Lets hope you can grab a few moments of much needed sleep, although managing to answer all questions an comments, you are doing really well.I wish you a wonderful outcome an a happy future. lwolf (519

) 11:16 pm, Mon 29 Jun

That's a lovely comment. Restores our faith in human nature all this. And yes thanks, we're getting sleep off and on. Having turns at times. Currently 3.50am though, so I'll catch up later on sometime. Thanks again for your comment. 3:54 am, Tue 30 Jun

Have you had a building report done on the house? If so when? Would be good to look at the property seems very low reserve? Is there any dampness in the house being older and blocks as I know it rains alot over there? blenheim (5

) 8:54 am, Wed 1 Jul

No. We've had a builder through though and he said he wasn't qualified enough to do a report on this building. He suggested an engineer's report but it costs $4,000-$5,000. The place has been here since 1903. All downstairs internal and external walls are solid concrete. As for damp, the occasional use of the dehumidifier rectifies this, though we expect that's just condensation. Weather? We've had the best in the country for ages. It really doesn't rain that often but when it does, it means it! 10:53 am, Wed 1 Jul

hi there - a question for wayne - is there a clause in that lease contract in case the lessees do damage to the property i.e. damage beyond normal wear and tear - I assume that the company leasing the property would be liable for that damage???? Is that correct and is it spelled out? Ta much PS your cell phone number is coming up 'unavailable' - have you chucked it out the window????? iknewthat (38

) 9:26 am, Wed 1 Jul

The Management Authority states that a 4-week bond is held and I would expect that with a reputable company like this they would honour any damages. Phone's all good, not out the window but nearly lost it in the loo. 11:14 am, Wed 1 Jul

Seller Comment: Hi all, we are trying to get a site linked with 2 video clips and more info and pictures. Keep you posted. 11:19 am, Wed 1 Jul

Amazing, every time I check on your auction it's gone up at least another 10k! Can't wait to see what you get for it, I know Im not alone in saying Im sure the whole country is rooting for you (alongside Oz, England, and every other country who has caught whiff of the auction, you're almost worldwide by the look of it lol!). Trust a Kiwi to come up with a ballsy idea like this. Classic, and definitely a story for you to tell the grandkids! Best of luck! jakis01 (91

) 1:52 pm, Wed 1 Jul

Hi, we really appreciate your comments and encouragement. Wayne even got a call from an Aussie paper asking what we're going to do afterwards. A quote from Westport News seems appropriate at the moment 'My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.' thanks again for your support. 3:35 pm, Wed 1 Jul

I love reading these Q&A's. I live in Sydney but hail from the west coast way back when and we have a house in Westport which is going great guns. I would recommend it to anyone with the cash as its a great return on investment (even with the hefty Buller rates) and would provide a huge positive cash flow at the level it is at at the moment. I wish I could bid!!! But I can't so I will stick to checking up on this auction every lunch time. Good luck guys!! emmajane06 (9

) 3:49 pm, Wed 1 Jul

Hey there, thanks for that, you're right about the rates, $2700 per year. I guess that's the price we have to pay for the new 20 million sports complex and a new sewage plant; and don't forget the chocolate bikkies for council meetings. But you are right, it's a good investment. Two lunch-times to go? 4:56 pm, Wed 1 Jul

Hi Guy's, We are now based in Perth & you have made the front page head lines on the bigpond home page. All the very best of luck & thankyou for distracting the media from Micheal Jackson! dino94 (12

) 4:45 pm, Wed 1 Jul

We had a real laugh at that one! It's sure been a thriller; you can't beat it; we're not off the wall yet and we're not invincible; Front page in black and white? wow! The way you make me feel with that news is great. Cheers 5:29 pm, Wed 1 Jul

Hi Kathy, 'I don't wanna be startin somethin' but I suggest you 'dont stop till you get enough' else you might end up 'working day & night'!...and yet 'another part of me' thinks ('sorry I cant help it' & I guess it is just 'human nature'), you really are just 'off the wall'. :) wildwestcoaast (404

) 7:41 pm, Wed 1 Jul

Thanks Rosie. Hopefully we'll see you in a couple of months:] 8:31 am, Thu 2 Jul

Hi Mum, just to let you know I've put up a website with your full description of the house, chattels list (and walk though videos of the house to come - once you email them through). It's at www.westportaccommodation.org The new owner can have the URL with the house if they like - good search engine friendly domain. Sorry the page is UGLY, was a 5 min job, deserves publicity for the worst web page ever... Not worthy of Westport's 'Silicone Valley of NZ' status... driftnet (66

) 8:46 pm, Wed 1 Jul

WE NOW HAVE MORE INFORMATION. GO TO www.westportaccommodation.org THANKYOU EAMON, LOVE YOU XOX. 11:17 am, Thu 2 Jul

Hi, you said check out SE website - sorry to play dumb, but what is the website we can have a look at. Cheers jcdd (41

) 10:23 am, Thu 2 Jul

Sorry about that. Search for Solid Energy or go to: www.coalnz.com. Should give you quite a bit of info. 10:39 am, Thu 2 Jul

Hi Mum, how are the 'butterflies'? I know people are saying 'you can't win' but that's just 'bad' advice'. I know it feels 'dangerous' but 'enjoy yourself', just remember 'you are not alone' and pretty soon you'll be a 'sunset driver' in your own bus where you can 'ease on down the road' with Wayne, your slightly inebriated 'lovely one'. Knowing you, if he misbehaves or gets up to any 'monkey business' he'll be the 'man in the mirror'. No puns intended. Uncle Brendan...over to you... driftnet (66

) 10:50 am, Thu 2 Jul

Lovely website, and so fast! Thanks again Eamon www.westportaccommodation.org 11:21 am, Thu 2 Jul

Hi Kathy & Wayne, I've got an old slow computer with dial up, if you go to google, click maps, type in your address, wait a couple of minutes and the map will show with a little red marker over your place, move the orange man on the left side to the red marker, let him go, wait for another few minutes and there's a street view of your beautiful house. Good luck with your gamble, you'll love life in a bus. busop (556

) 10:59 am, Thu 2 Jul

Thanks for that. We checked it out, it's great. We're looking forward to meeting 'the bus folk'. Any ideas for a number plate? 11:25 am, Thu 2 Jul

Hi Guys....I notice that the latest bid is from OZ....will that cause problems? If so, better get on to it now I s'pose...... Number plate suggestion: S1 RESERVE might be good! Good luck - seems to be doing well - I love Westport....it will be a great life for whoever buys your place. colliers (157

) 11:56 am, Thu 2 Jul

We've spoken to a few Aussie's regarding the house and they seem fair dinkum true blues to us. We love the number plate by crikey - too many letters tho. Thanks for your comments. 1:00 pm, Thu 2 Jul

Hi, I have a couple of questions about the bed which has had over 23,000 views and is valued at around $200,000 + dollers. Would you describe the bed as Spongey, Soft, Medium, Firm, Rock hard. Would it be considered to be Flat, Slight sag, Huge sag, Bimodal sag (2 sags) or Floor touching sag. How new is the bed, Brand new (you can smell the plastic it came in), Light use (spare bed), Medium use (religious couple), high use (teenagers sleepout), Excessive use (Ex brothel). Want bed for pet goat! t0yz4b0yz (208

) 12:30 pm, Thu 2 Jul

Love it! Poetry in motion. I would guess bi-mattress: Mamma bear, slightly distressed insomniac, with anxiety attacks and muscle spasms, dualed with a noisy unconscious pappa bear, zero movement and pending drool. So really, one side in poor condition and the other as new. 1:15 pm, Thu 2 Jul

OOps I forgot to ask: Is it only the one bed that is for sale or do you have other beds in different towns, different locations and different sizes. I would kinda fancy a bed by the sea so I can get a bit of fishing and a bit of sleeping done at the same time. t0yz4b0yz (208

) 2:02 pm, Thu 2 Jul

Ok. Beds all in one place, different sizes, by the sea, no problem (you can hear the surf at night), you won't starve; trout (if you're clever: and they are clever). Cheers. 3:52 pm, Thu 2 Jul

please where is the address ? and when can we view the property before auction ? alinachu (9

) 3:37 pm, Thu 2 Jul

108 Derby St, Westport. Anytime. Just ring. Cheers 3:54 pm, Thu 2 Jul

where is the property ? which city ? alinachu (9

) 3:38 pm, Thu 2 Jul

Oh dear, it's not a city I'm afraid. It's a town on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. Cheers :} 4:26 pm, Thu 2 Jul

OMG Im living in Queensland and youve even got a mention in the local paper here!! Best of luck.....if only Id won the $106 million the other night, Idve been tempted to come home again!! lol joss47 (246

) 4:19 pm, Thu 2 Jul

Thanks. We're astounded by the interest and the kind wishes. That was a biggy that lotto payout. What would you do??? Hmm... 8:34 am, Fri 3 Jul

Gosh, i bet you guys are started to get excited now. 2 more sleeps and the auction will be over. Have you had any sleep???? Not long now. Will be watched with huge anticipation and enjoyment on Saturday night. All the best guys !!!! Debby & Glenn at tigerfire tigerfire (196

) 4:39 pm, Thu 2 Jul

Thanks Debby and Glenn at tigerfire (what's tigerfire?). We haven't had much sleep. We ran out of sleeping pills days ago but Wayne's still chugging along with his brown liquid anaesthetiser. He's so calm it brasses me off! Thanks again guys. 8:43 am, Fri 3 Jul

Hi Auntie Kathy!!!! Good luck - you guys deserve to do well after all your hard work, it is a great house. Remember to pop in if your up round our neck of the woods and meet (2nd niece ??? great niece???) little Amelie :o) austin68 (297

) 6:01 pm, Thu 2 Jul

We will and what a pretty name! How's that other gorgeous lad? 8:45 am, Fri 3 Jul

heres a name for your bus " took a chance" or " paid off " or " lost the plot" lol good on you best wishes, wolverinespack (189

) 9:32 pm, Thu 2 Jul

Good ones! I hope 'paid off' happens. Thanks for your good wishes, although we're rapidly losing the plot 8:48 am, Fri 3 Jul

Good luck!! I got your story from an Australian-based Chinese website and then went up to see what's happening. Now it is $245,500 with 246 bids!!! Amazing!! and you must be amazed that Chinese people in Oz (and now in NZ as well) are also watching you! Great to see all the publicity! The house is beautiful!!! librajoe (47

) 10:17 pm, Thu 2 Jul

We're so blown away with that. Isn't water good luck for Chinese people? We have a pond...with a wee fountain....? Not much Feng Shui with the house though, it's not curvy enough. Thank you for your comment. 8:57 am, Fri 3 Jul

Number plate ideas: ITPDOFF (it paid off!) or DLRRES (Dollar Reserve) ITSOLD. Also, maybe you could take up writing while you are cruising around in your bus....you have a way with words....I've loved reading all your answers to the multitude of questions....make sure you get these (questions and answers) published into a book or something. m_o_o_r_e (113

) 8:08 am, Fri 3 Jul

I feel very humbled by that and a bit embarassed actually. I like the idea of a record of all this though. It would be great to show the grandchildren one day (not yet though, not yet). Little window of opportunity before that happens I hope. Number plates are good. So far 'paid off' and 'itsold' are tops. We're praying the winning bit is genuine. A guy from the press is here at the moment. He's having a look through with Wayne....Oh my gosh, he wants a photo! NOOOO 10:01 am, Fri 3 Jul

Secretly, Mum is delighted she could spell 'anaesthetiser' in front of such a large audience. driftnet (66

) 9:03 am, Fri 3 Jul

Damn it! 10:06 am, Fri 3 Jul

Hi Kathy. E&E told me about your auction last Sunday but I didn’t realise it was still going until Kirsti emailed me the link this morning. I was amazed to see how high the bidding has gone in such a short time, and really admire your courage in doing this. Pleased to see you’re keeping your sense of humour in all this, though I can imagine how nerve-wracking it would be! Well done! And best of luck for a very successful result. Sorry I can’t bid but I’m kind of tied to my job in Auckland. maus22 (11

) 12:07 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Hey Maureen, thanks for that and nice to hear from you. Tied to a job isn't healthy, especially in Auckland. Too fast. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon. Cheers. 3:56 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Hey sis,good luck following your dreams.And Wayne,may the sauce be with you! bountyhunter (715

) 2:11 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Hi Bro, mmm....sauce. I have to admit that Wayne belongs to the 'creamy mashed potato' club. There's only four. Max is one of them (after all, everyone else in the family seems to be on green milk and anti-butter). See you soon I hope:} 4:09 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Just like to say these guys have put alot into this house. When they brought it it was run down and lawns as long as a dwafs legs. I should know I mowed then. The inside is fantastic and a bargin to anyone who buys it. Good luck. accounting (226

) 6:21 pm, Fri 3 Jul

hey thanks for that. and yes she has let me finally go solo so watch for the spelling and grammer. Lawmes were long but nine hole putting green on front lawn now, 17 coarse record. Your comments are kind, inside is home, and what we would call "homely" we don't have the flashest, but it's comfortabe, and we like it as have many of our guests, thanks again 10:09 pm, Fri 3 Jul

hi there again. I definitely agree with m o o r e. you definitely have a way with words and should get into writing. what a talent. ALso have checked out your q & A each day and read with huge amusement. What am I going to do to pass the time now?? Like the ideas for your bus license plate no. All the best for tmorrow night. We are all going to want to hear how it all went after the fact. :) , take care frm Sarah and Marty in Porirua, Wgtn. sarahbera (302

) 6:23 pm, Fri 3 Jul

hey thanks guys, Kathy in bed now so I snuck down for a peak,we just so blowen away with everything.When we leave we will try and keep the web page going so people will no where we are and what we are up to, mybe we can meet some of our well wishers which would be fantastic. Kathy does have a nack for words, so if there is anyone out there to show her a path that would be great. 10:20 pm, Fri 3 Jul

WOW you guys are amped. Gutsy decision and i admire your resourceful thinking. With great success usually theres great risk. KIa Kaha - and enjoy the ride. Id bid but its gone right past my reserve! Cheers - THe Bons from Wellington. eviex (187

) 7:48 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Mate!!!!! you arn't related to James are you? i agree it"s been a real ride, but the best is to come, we rally have beem humbled be the responce of people like yourself, and it has restored our faith in the people around us, thanks again 10:28 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Has anyone noticed that the profile of BOTH bidders has their City as Australia ?? ganders (12

) 8:33 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Been there done that, but doesn't Aussie own us now, well arn't the banks taking all our money so I guess we should we saying et instead of it or was that sex or six. K not here at moment so I can sat what I want. Cheers Mate 10:34 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Yaaay.Should be more gutsy Kiwis like you out there. Been watching it go up in $s. Well with the rule of auctions it can only keep going UP!Hope you're celebrating not sleeping now!Someone's getting a ripper house in a ripper location too! ewan13 (158

) 10:49 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Thanks mate 1st bottle or run just gone, be a bit sad to leave this place a lot of work gone in, but great to see it take off as it should.I can only speak for my self, but I started celebrating yesterday but I guess I'm a coaster now, and that's what we do!! and I'm getting good at it. Thanks 11:07 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Good luck from down the cost in Kumara...hope the bidding keeps going for you...I'll watch for the excitement..better than the TV! matai55 (84

) 11:45 pm, Fri 3 Jul

Mate just think of all the adds you are missing out on by not watching TV, that would be sad ,wouldn't it??. Well I'm just going to finish my last "heathy" bevie then off to bed and wait to see what tommorrow brings, you have a good one too, 12:35 am, Sat 4 Jul

I have been watching your auction with great interest. Well done for being brave enough to give this a "crack". LOTS AND LOTS OF LUCK for a really great finish. AND a big sleep!! pippadoo (293

) 7:40 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks so much, a big sleep would be awesome. We hope to keep the website for updates. D-Day! Thanks again for your good wishes. 8:09 am, Sat 4 Jul

Seller Comment: Those last few answers were painful. Wayne's been banned!! He's nervously sneaking glances this way. That's what half a bottle of rum and a dozen beers with friends does. 8:07 am, Sat 4 Jul

This would have to be one of the most intruiging houses in Westport. I remember walking/running sometimes past your house ( you know how kids love to make haunting scary stories )back and fourth to school many years ago. I must admit it looks nothing like I remembered it to be, you guys have it looking wonderful just wish I was financially able to bid! Good luck and by the sounds of it we're loosing two very lovely people from Westport. malady (356

) 9:57 am, Sat 4 Jul

Hey thank you for that, we're really moved. We've loved our time here and will miss so many people but we'll surely be back to see them. Best whitebait over this way after all. (This is all assuming the sale goes through without a hitch though). Many thanks again for your good wishes, almost brought a tear to my eye. 10:17 am, Sat 4 Jul

Only 8 hours to go guys! I'm excited for you! Best of luck with the auction and your future plans. What a great story this house will have behind it. Just adds more character to the house. All the best:) flyp1 (105

) 10:25 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thank you so much from us both. Must say, the house certainly has had an interesting history. Much of the town seems to know it well. Thanks again for your good wishes 10:44 am, Sat 4 Jul

Ohh I do hope so for your own peace of mind and hard yacker this auction obviously has taken out of you both. If you find a cask of beveridge in your letter box this afternoon have one for me.. and enjoy. Won't have time to stop but wish you both well. I'll keep an eye on the house for you, would hate to see it go back to how I remember it.. cheers malady (356

) 10:26 am, Sat 4 Jul

Ok, the waterworks have started. I'll clear the bills out of the letterbox to make room. Sure you won't come over around 6pm. If anyone else wants to come over as well you'd be welcome. Fingers crossed alright with the winning bidder. I feel for Shelley and Allan (the $1 tractor and land folk). We know the anticipation and build-up now, and to be let down in the end, would be gutting. 10:53 am, Sat 4 Jul

Just wanted to wish you and your partner all the best. This is what guts are made of and I am sure the buyer will love the place as much as you do! Go girl! tea4me (43

) 10:52 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks so much for your good wishes. Might be a party house tonight? Don't know about guts? Gamble maybe? Big gamble? Humungous blunder? We hope not tho. Cheers for that. 10:58 am, Sat 4 Jul

Just read about your auction on yahoo/xtra - what a beautiful property & a fabulous lifestyle for who ever wins - if I'd been at a different stage of my life and able to move away from Auckland I'd definetly been bidding - good luck. Susan & family susan166 (585

) 11:07 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks Susan and family, Wayne here, thanks for that guys Kathy just colouring her hair as she went grey. well better go down and get her some face gream hand cream, makeup no really it's going to take more than that. Thanks again 11:22 am, Sat 4 Jul

Hi, Looks like it may be your Independence day today. (4th July) Good luck with the auction, good on you for rising up to the challenge. You will succeed. clevercuts (76

) 11:33 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks. Isn't that the movie where a great hunk in space slams into earth and the yanks save the day again? I like your positive attitude and choose to believe you're a prophet. Thankyou 11:54 am, Sat 4 Jul

you might put real estate agents outa work now!! this might catch on, What are you going to sell next? lol need more bed time reading!! life just wont be the same for us all now who have been following the days of UR lives once it finishes, ho hum, back to ads... wolverinespack (189

) 11:36 am, Sat 4 Jul

Ha ha - real estate agents - ha ha ha ha ha hee hee hee. Blasted ads. We hope to keep the webpage on for a bit, we've enjoyed the company so much. Days of our Lives is funny, you can watch 10 seconds of it and a decade later nothing's changed. Cheers again 11:59 am, Sat 4 Jul

Hi, I read your story on yahoo/xtra...I wish you all the best with you auction...bloody brilliant idea! kiwichick07 (35

) 11:37 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks for that. On Yahoo, cool! Wish the idea was ours tho, the tractor people planted that seed and we're still deciding if it's a runner bean or alfalfa. Cheers 12:04 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Amazingly we nearly bought this house in 1973! We were just talking about it the other night. It was ( I think) uninhabited then. Here's to a successful sale for you!! nursebertie (34

) 11:38 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thank you for your good wishes. Just had lunch and there's 19 questions waiting. Panic! 12:24 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi i have just read about it on the yahoo news had a look good luck to you both, if i lived in the south island i would of brought but Martinborough is abit far away. But all the best for tonight hope you will have a stiff drink ready for when the auction is ready to close. phelpsie (5

) 11:39 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks for that. We'll have many stiff drinks ready. Wayne's already eyeing up what's left in the fridge. Cheers 12:26 pm, Sat 4 Jul

COME ON YOU BIDDERS OUT THERE, GIVE IT A GOOD BOOST, THESE NUTS OOPS I MEAN PEOPLE NEED MORE MONEY FOR ALCOHOL TONITE TO CELEBRATE!! wolverinespack (189

) 11:40 am, Sat 4 Jul

YAHOO, too true. Happy, happy, joy joy 12:27 pm, Sat 4 Jul

If I had the guts you do I would bid and up and move away from the city of sails ! think you are amazing and hope this all goes through !! Well done :-) jowl (347

) 11:43 am, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks so much. Heart's starting to fibrilate. 12:29 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Just clicked in to check out the goings on, by the time I'd read much of the unfolding tale, a few minutes, your page count had grown by 400 !! Your situation has brought back some great memories, moved from Welly to near a central plateau town set up main highway guest house in 87 had best times of our lives and to this day still party and travel with our good mates from there. Lifes a journey allright and I wish you many happy miles. I think you've just discovered you new vocations. uno1 (50

) 11:56 am, Sat 4 Jul

What a wonderful comment and yes, you're right, we've made friends too in many places. Hopefully we get to see most of them. Thankyou for your comment 12:34 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Well all the best wish we had the bulls to do what you doing. I will be watching to see what u get.We in queensland and heard bout it. All the best. deano353 (26

) 12:02 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Cheers from across the ditch. Thankyou. 12:35 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi there - great move! Are there any ghosts or other local history that potential buyers should know about? Bonus features like this could enhance the value of the property. Good luck with the auction. dumbo (8

) 12:03 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi, many ghostie stories....and WE look a bit washed out at the moment too and not a little scary. Thanks for your good luck comment 12:39 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I have just moved things on a bit (try not to let it fall into Aussie hands J) I know it will go a lot higher then my 300,000 but if not, we are more then happy to have it (have finance arranged just in case!). And all the best… ernst5 (106

) 12:03 pm, Sat 4 Jul

YAY, WE FEEL SAVED. Thankyou thankyou thankyou 12:41 pm, Sat 4 Jul

300k and counting, the serious bidding shall now commence! All the best you guys, and thanks for the encouragement. I'm a first home buyer in Auckland and I'm sure will be all good - if you can a take a risk so can I! up here! What a great NZ and overseas community chat this has been, that's what it's all about eh! Go for GOLD and God bless! dcjane (9

) 12:04 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Well, what can we say to that? You're bang on with the community chat, it's been amazing. Thanks so much 12:44 pm, Sat 4 Jul

maybe the big wednesday winners would love this wickedly awesome investment opportunity??? i would snap it up if i had the money to buy property right now!! good luck and you are very brave! ms_rockchick (180

) 12:06 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Not brave, maybe silly? The Wednesday winners are probably out of the country. If Wayne was the big wednesday winner he'd buy a pub. Thanks for your good wishes 12:48 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Good for you - a little imagination goes a long way. The next 6 hours are going to be pretty crazy - good luck. madlindy (232

) 12:07 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks. Hard to keep up with questions. Myocardial infarction imminent. 12:50 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Read about your auction in Whangarei. My parents are motor-homers (they get away a couple of times a month) and their dream is to sell up and drive NZ. Good on you two for doing it - you won't be short of parking spots after this publicity! I'm sure the sale will go without a hitch and you'll be on your way before you know it. Don't know if your bus will get you to Edinburgh though! I agree with the others about your way with words Kathy. Invest in a laptop and write your way around NZ!! starshell (117

) 12:09 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Sweet, what a thought? We do have to invest in a laptop because that son in Edinburgh took it for a bungy jump (really!) for a photo shot of his 'last minute' bookings in Queentown. Laptops must get frightened too. Nice to hear about your parents - hope to meet them on the road. We'll post a picture on that webpage when we get a bus if we can. Many thanks 12:55 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I think this is genius! haha Best of luck harleyhanes (26

) 12:10 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks. Genius is only a step away from madness isn't it? 12:56 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hey guys just wanted to say good luck with everything Kia Kaha (say srong) with warm thoughts Ian and Chrissy trader name mummy 777 mummy777 (306

) 12:14 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks mummy 777, hope it's Haere Ra (is that spelt right?) 12:59 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I just wanted to say good luck! I just saw the story on yahoo.com and had to come and have a look. I was pleased to see you've got over $300,000. Wishing you and your family all the best... PS Some people just don't get the whole "listing under the bed section" thing do they?! LOL mrmungo (20

) 12:15 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thankyou. I'm afraid you're right. You should have heard this phone call we got, I can't repeat it online, but suffice to say, the confused caller simply couldn't get her head around it at all. Probably made it harder for her tho because Wayne and I couldn't stop cracking up. 1:04 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Im so excited for you! I saw an article in the paper about you and think this is awesome ;) Im gonna be holding my breath for you for the next few hours! cant wait to see the close - all the best x effervescent1 (2

) 12:16 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thankyou. We never realised at the start that so many people would find it Now we're overwhelmed with everyone's responses and good wishes. Mind blowing 1:08 pm, Sat 4 Jul

it's us again sorry spelt a word wrong we were meant to say Kia Kaha (stay strong ) mummy777 (306

) 12:17 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Yes, I thought that's what you meant. Thankyou 1:14 pm, Sat 4 Jul

It's a 'gem' of an idea - Well done, think you guys are brave and fantastic. Best of Luck, you're on to a winner! :) ness350 (184

) 12:17 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks, we're starting to shake a bit. Nerves kicking in I guess. Friends are starting to drop in and it's hard not to open a beer too soon. 1:22 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi do you have a BUY NOW price! dav-o2 (45

) 12:18 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Which bed? 1:23 pm, Sat 4 Jul

hey there kathy and wayne - sadly your beautiful place has gone beyond my budget but I am sooooooo thrilled for you - $300,000 now and the rest of the day to go!!!! Woo hoo and good on you! Miracles do happen PS I got my sheltie back at first light yesterday (the one that was on the lam around Westport for six weeks) - so there's good karma out there. All the very best - gay at charming creek. iknewthat (38

) 12:32 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi Gay, glad to hear your sheltie's back. We're over the moon with the response. I knew there was a reason to put one horse shoe up and one down. Wayne really didn't want to do it but I thought...if you give; you receive, and they didn't fall on anyone's head coming through the door. Made sense to me anyways. Keep in touch! 1:32 pm, Sat 4 Jul

hey there kathy and wayne - sadly your beautiful place has gone beyond my budget but I am sooooooo thrilled for you - $300,000 now and the rest of the day to go!!!! Woo hoo and good on you! Miracles do happen PS I got my sheltie back at first light yesterday (the one that was on the lam around Westport for six weeks) - so there's good karma out there. All the very best - gay at charming creek. iknewthat (38

) 12:32 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Oops, Gay, (repeat question) 1:44 pm, Sat 4 Jul

oh my goodness! why sell a beautiful house for less then a higher price?? oh my word! oh well i hope things turn out good, hope you get what you're wishing for.. but i must say, i would drop out and sell for more.. best wishes :) torcam2 (22

) 12:39 pm, Sat 4 Jul

We're rapt with the outcome though. We wouldn't (and can't) drop out. Cheers. 1:39 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Wow !!!! now at 300K, could try AQN41 (a queen for a $1) plate, tell Wayne the GOOD BASTARDS brew at Westcoast brewery is a good drop. Might see you at Riverside Holiday Park, Mangawai, Northland when your on the road. pugwash2 (87

) 12:43 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks, great number plate. Wayne knows every drop on the coast, believe me! and yep, it's a goodie. I know Mangawai, beaut place. Might see you there? 1:47 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Good on you, the 300k mark. And u r wonderful for answering to all comments and Q's posted. I hav set my watch for 6pm tnite, I'm looking forward to watching the home straight finish. Good luck guys Sue roz56 (860

) 12:57 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks Sue. It's nice to chat with so many people. I won't be watching the home straight tho, it's too slow on dial-up - that'll be Wayne's job. He'll have the bit in his mouth and the crop in his hand! Cheers 1:53 pm, Sat 4 Jul

So good to see you have reached your property value of $300000.00 and you are not selling at a loss. Congratulations! and enjoy the freedom :) shizzle_is_me (8

) 1:05 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks very much. FREEDOM!!! We walk out with our backpacks. Adieu to 'stuff'. 1:57 pm, Sat 4 Jul

crikey if i had have known this was for sale a week ago to get me money together mate bugga, born in westport. please no aucklanders lol hazza40 (14

) 1:12 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Born here eh? Then you'd know Rafferties Rules for West Coasters. JAFAs are OK. Cheers 2:09 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi Kath & Wayne CONGRATULATONS a big thumbs up 2 u both 4 taking a risk. I hope it all works out for you, have read all your Q's & A's and thought i have to leave a comment to wish you well. Will be watching the end results and hope it'll be what you wanted. Best of Luck N & L, Akl. joe131211 (21

) 1:15 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi N&L and thanks. It's already what we want. We couldn't hope for better. Wayne's gone to the shop for more beer. Couldn't hold him back, his mates are here. Thanks again for your comment. 2:16 pm, Sat 4 Jul

al the best cant wait to see how much it goe for if i had that much money would love to bid..found out about this bid on yahoo website mas02 (12

) 1:16 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Cheers for that. Wayne back from shop, I'm miffed. Just beer! 2:18 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Best wishes - just read the article online xoxox blondies666 (32

) 1:21 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks Blondie666. Even hugs and kisses? Wow 2:21 pm, Sat 4 Jul

"Hi do you have a BUY NOW price! dav-o2 Which bed? 1:23 pm" ROFL... ty for the free top class entertainment!! Get in that bus and peddle to the meddle, no looking back! M00VN is a great plate for it hahahaaaaa... b3l0v3d (4

) 1:43 pm, Sat 4 Jul

We like that plate too. We'll put our foot down, you can bet on that. How fast can a bus go? The last look in the rear-view mirror will be hard though. Thanks for your comment 2:26 pm, Sat 4 Jul

AAAAAAAAAAAAAArgh! Geez Aunty Kathy this is so exciting I think I might wet myself! Just google mapped your place - we're eight hours away. If I'd thought of it last night we would have driven up to join the party! I expect this site will crash tonight there'll be so many people watching the end of the auction so I hope we get to see it. Is there a particular news channel you may be on that we can look out for? ha ha ha ha! Kirsti xxx trader2906 (190

) 1:44 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Don't think we'll make TV news, they don't have enough make-up artists. They'd also need a plasterer, then a painter and decorator. Ain't it great though. Wish you could've made it. I hope nothing crashes, if someone on broadband crashes then we'd be history. Looking forward to seeing you and the fandamily 2:32 pm, Sat 4 Jul

alot of publicity and advertising on the newspapers etc! jimmy12345 (42

) 1:46 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Yes, and the grottiest photo of us in the Christchurch Press. Oh the shame! 2:53 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi when the lease runs out does the the person who wins this home have to renew the lease? niceguy25 (100

) 1:50 pm, Sat 4 Jul

No, that's by negotiation between the two parties. Cheers 2:54 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Good luck guys. Have just seen you on the xtra home page. Have added you to my watch list so I can see how well you do. mama.mia (96

) 2:00 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks, on the xtra home page now? Groovy. All this publicity is scary. Thank the gods for hair dye 2:56 pm, Sat 4 Jul

thanks for the great entertainment. you deserve the good fortune that is forth coming.my self and thousands of others will be watching closely.celebrations in westport tonight. luap1951 (257

) 2:17 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks so much. You bet, celebrations starting (hope we can hold it together till then). Glad to see you coming along for the ride, it's been one hell of a ride. Cheers 3:01 pm, Sat 4 Jul

watched and still watching (to the very end)....amazing!!!Just amazing! All the best. kirkdalin (5

) 2:21 pm, Sat 4 Jul

It has been amazing. We're starting to run out of creative answers. (Maybe another beer?). Thankyou for your encouragement 3:04 pm, Sat 4 Jul

We have a feijoa tree, enjoy beer and sleeping pills aren't a problem .. my husband is a doctor! I dream about selling up and living the 'simple' life in a motorhome but....... what wickedness and debauchery did you have to sink to, to convince Wayne to do the same? Please come and stay when your new life brings you to Nelson ... I'm serious .. I need to know your secret! We wish you great happiness. I'm happy to provide my phone number if 'wickedness and debauchery' details are unprintable! minski1 (15

) 2:29 pm, Sat 4 Jul

That was a good laugh. You just have to make him think that he came up with the idea. Don't make too easy to start with. Ease into it, and in no time you'll have him thinking what a wonderful he had. No more secrets online ladies, we have to have something up our sleeves. Wickedness and debauchery could be unprintable, (after all, Wayne's wicked and my wicked could be poles apart). Debauchery's OK. Would love to meet up sometime. Send a text and we'll give you a call. 3:16 pm, Sat 4 Jul

oh yes hugs and kisses...we are in kerikeri so please let me know when you head up this way and we can look after you! blondies666 (32

) 2:30 pm, Sat 4 Jul

We'd love to be looked after. Kerikeri is a lovely place. I'll admit tho Wayne brings me breakfast in bed and rubs my back but he won't touch my feet, even with socks on. Cheers. 3:19 pm, Sat 4 Jul

WOW well done guys cheers what an awesome idea good luck for the next couple hours. North Islander matiria (45

) 2:31 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks northlander. Fingers will glad when it's all over. Did seem like a good idea at the time. It's been a long long week. Thanks again 3:22 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Congratulations! I have been sitting back watching and reading the many comments, questions and answers. You guys have just won yourselves a fan club. he he he..........Good on you both for taking such a risk. I'm not sure whether my heart would be able to handle such a thing, as it is bad enough selling a house the old fashion way. Unfortunately i will not be bidding, as I do have a home and mortgage. Good luck. I hope you reach the price you are hoping for. I will be watching. Christine ;-) mother-of-3 (12

) 2:39 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks Christine, we know how it is selling a house. Chin up. Hearts can take a lot more than we give them credit for. There are so many good hearted people out there. Sometimes we focus on a negative when there's loads of little positives happening each day - like your toast landing on the floor marmite-side up. Cheers 3:27 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi, Congratulations to you on having a great response. I hope you can get a good price afterall. Good luck. By the way, I think TradeMe is also a big winner on this auction as it will fetch a good sum on the sucess fee! Cheers. Jonny jonny1565 (260

) 2:40 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks for your congrats. The team at Trademe have been brilliant. We had to get permission to do this under a different category and they've been helping in the background. As for success fee? think of an agent. 3:31 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi Ya, Just wondering how old is the Queen Bed? Does Queen mean the size or did it actually belong to "The Queen" and I'm not talking Freddie Mercury!! Also would the headboard creak if I say, jiggled about on it and is the mattress included. If so, is it an inner spring or theraputic orthopedic non-allergenic goose-down filled mattress with Red rose fabric?? Also I must have a Bed with legs, hopefully this is fitted with four of them. Thanx ;0) vee9 (217

) 2:42 pm, Sat 4 Jul

That's a good one. The bed's a bit like Wayne, bare legs and no drawers. (Oh, sorry family, what a grim thought). I feel sick......Beds are complicated things aren't they. Too many to choose from, like supermarket shelves (and have you noticed the cheap brands disappearing off them, like malevolent, clandestine shoemaker's elves) 3:38 pm, Sat 4 Jul

WOW, I've just sat here and read all of the A & Q, there are soooo many. I have come up with an awsum number plate idea and it is available cos I just checked on the website. ($1 RESERVE PDOFF) you make it up as a message plate. Good luck for your auction and if your ever down in Dunedin, look us up and we'll put on some OTAGO ALE for Wayne and us girls can have a few wines lol. Got our fingers crossed for you both (not easy typing like that) ..Jan & Norman, Dunedin. eternity04 (55

) 2:48 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hey Jan and Norman. We'll definitely be in Dunedin, some family there. Otago ale sounds good to Wayne and I'll drink anything except that aniseed stuff. Would love some female company, after being around so many men in the house for so long. Feel like I'm growing whiskers sometimes - soon I'll be standing when I go to the toilet. You'll find our e-mail address on the webpage. I didn't know number plates could be that long? Cheers for your encouragement 3:49 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Top trade..love it. How about "wheel estate" for the bus ? jug (59

) 2:54 pm, Sat 4 Jul

That's clever. What a beauty. Thanks 3:55 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I bet your head could nearly explode. Mine is after reading all the comments. Good Luck, hope all gose to plan 1rochelle (205

) 3:02 pm, Sat 4 Jul

You're so right! It does feel a bit that way, although another beer helps. We hope it goes to plan. Thanks again 4:01 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Oh well done Kathy and Wayne - just look at the bidding now ! You two are STARS and can dine off this one forever - imagine the around the camp fire stories !! Best Wishes mildon (7

) 3:08 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks, can't wait for that camp fire. Wayne plays the guitar a little too, visions of peace! We're normally quiet wall-paper types so finding it all quite unnerving. Thanks again 4:05 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi we've really enjoyed reading the comments each day and want to wish you all the best for your future. Its a lovely house and the new owners will always remember the creative, exciting way it was bought. Great memories for you to pass on too! Well done! :-) You've taken a huge step but the amount of people behind you is amazing; so many comments and even more page views! Great way to make new friends and become well known! lol Best wishes for the next chapter of your lives :-) interested5 (52

) 3:17 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thank you so much. The support has been truly outstanding. Potential new friends are gold - the spice of life. Sometimes (speaking for me anyway), I don't feel worthy of it all. It must be that Catholic upbringing - born guilty. Thankyou again 4:13 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi kathy & wayne, Good luck, looks a success already, we wish you well and happy travels afterwards! Seems like this is the quickest way to say hi to the rest of the family today and to you both (despite the fact I've not seen you for years and Blake just realised which aunty you are) - Wow exciting - GO THE WAHRLICH!!! emma711 (21

) 3:19 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hey Jo, Thanks for that. This is the reason we're doing what we're doing. We want to catch up with all the family. We've been 'heads down, bum up' for so long. Of course Blake wouldn't know me. Hope all's well at your end. Cheers Auntie Kathy 4:18 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hey, can you extend the auction till after lotto tonight?? zuuma (251

) 3:21 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Ha ha ha ha. I wish 4:22 pm, Sat 4 Jul

WOW, this is very cool!! Wishing you all the best!! cjmk1973 (1

) 3:25 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks so much. Spooky now! 4:23 pm, Sat 4 Jul

This has been so exciting and entertaining,I am so pleased for you,and with what sounds like all the country right there with you and keeping an eye on things,I dont think the probable "aussie" purchaser would dare not to come through with the money. I am thinking maybe we will hear the party from up on the Hibiscus Coast (Rodney District North of Auckland)Will be watching and "listening". Thanks for some of the best entertainment in ages and all the best. Julie. jac93 (103

) 3:28 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hey Julie, humbled yet again. This is all too much for me (Wayne's loving it). I think about the Aussie bidders too and I hope you're right. I can't believe the interest. Pretty place, the Hibiscus Coast. A bit hard at the moment to keep up with the questions. Thankyou once again for your comment 4:29 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Wow, so awesome to see the price climbing like that!!!! Ill be watching the end of the auction wishing ya luck, dont have heart failure now!!! miz_kati (50

) 3:28 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks, beers are settling in and keeping the heart functional, like an imposter (or an alibi). Oops, lost it I think 4:34 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi there,Just to say good luck for your future. This has been an exciting auction to watch, just hope the sale of your beautiful property sails through without a hitch. Good luck to the new owners. Cheers kleighton (340

) 3:38 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks so much. I hope they enjoy it as much as we have. 4:35 pm, Sat 4 Jul

WOW I THOUGHT THIS WAS A GREAT WAY TO LET OTHERS SEE MY AUCTIONS DUE TO YOUR POPULAR AUCTION & RESPONSE SO YEAH ANY1 FEEL FREE TO HAVE A LOOK & HAPPY BIDDING TO EVERYONE! buyer81184 (39

) 3:38 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Good on you mate. Take that opportunity! Cheers 4:37 pm, Sat 4 Jul

NO RISK, NO REWARD...GOOD ON THE BOTH OF YOU. ALL THE BEST. dollarzandcentz (152

) 3:46 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks. That's our risk over and done with I reckon. Way too scary. Wouldn't recommend it. Thanks for your good wishes - not long now! 4:40 pm, Sat 4 Jul

is this for real mate given me some ideas thanks mvasea (13

) 4:09 pm, Sat 4 Jul

It's real alright. Been the best weight-loss programme we've been on. 4:41 pm, Sat 4 Jul

How much are you going to have to pay in a success fee?? Good strategy not having to pay $199 to list your home! skempy (86

) 4:24 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Not sure yet. Listing for $1 reserve is mind-bogglingly scary. Was listed in the area under our region but hardly anyone knew we were here, or what Westport can offer, and of course the folk here are great. Nice surrounds too. 4:50 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Does the bed come with blankets? This is very important! dark_mousy (89

) 4:41 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Duvets OK? and electric blankets? We have one Mickey Mouse fleece single cover. Blankets are great, adds a little weight. 4:52 pm, Sat 4 Jul

lol youre funny even when its unintentional, yep thanks for that aunty kathy, Its emma, not Jo (didnt think it had been THAT long but even so...) and as for blake - grandson of Liam not Erin! remember?? No offence taken, I'll put it down to an excessive amount of liquids & little blue things you may have taken at this time :) emma711 (21

) 4:45 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Oh hell. No excuse. No little blue pills left. Rapidly excessive liquid probably. Sorry Emma, got a picture in my head of Blake and the association part of my brain (what's left of it) failed. What can I say? 4:56 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi, I got the "trademe" folks hassling me over my bid threatning to remove me from the auction! Doubting my intent to purchase, hello... that's why I'm bidding. Seems they are more nervous then you guys! If it all goes pearshaped my details are on my website, www.hotelcorones.com.au. zarnet (0

) 4:46 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I'm sorry. Trademe are doing their darndess to check out all top bidders. You may have seen the $1 tractor with land, where the bidder came in at the last moment, had no finance, and couldn't complete the transaction. They don't want that to happen again. I'm not certain how you could convince them, except to say, you've given your website. Best of luck 5:02 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I just spotted this auction after seeing it on another email site. I got stuck on the picture of you sweating and paused over your confirm button as you loaded this onto the site...I couldn't have done it. Hats off to both of you and congratulations. Fantastic. doki123 (135

) 4:49 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks, we've eaten our hats, we're now gnawing at fingernails 5:04 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I think you guys should play it safe and get a few email addresses from some of the bidders who come across as genuiene as new profiles are a bit of a worry. mystic38 (379

) 4:50 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Trademe has that under control. Thankyou for your concern. We do appreciate it. My humour's leaving....on a jet plane.....don't know when it'll be back again 5:07 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Sorry to say but I don't like the look of those aussie bidders. Both new and probably in contact with each other. I hope I am wrong. Paul paulsliam (84

) 4:57 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Once again, trademe is in contact with those bidders. Thankyou for your concern. I understand what you mean but if an Aussie wanted this place, and wasn't a member of Trademe at the time, they would have to join up. This house has had extensive advertising in Australia and of course the exchange rate must look attractive..and the return. We don't have a concern with that. Many thanks again for your concern 5:14 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Crikey, Im watching this Auction, biting my nails for you guys!!! Good luck and all the very best :-) buldge (17

) 4:57 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Cheers, nails gone! 5:15 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Good on you for captivating a nation, good luck in all you do, you deserve it having the guts to do this, and saying you would have sold it for $20 if it had only got that much, you're obviously good honest decent folk. Well done. philzz (57

) 4:57 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thankyou again. And thankyou to everyone out there who has wished us well. We have no words for it all! 5:17 pm, Sat 4 Jul

on completion of this auction is the sale able to be subject to finance? dee-anice-girl (43

) 5:04 pm, Sat 4 Jul

No. Finance must be arranged beforehand. Cheers 5:24 pm, Sat 4 Jul

lol about the bed coming with blankets! that was MY question!! this is great guys! good luck to you! jeannierose (405

) 5:07 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thanks. Panicky now, really 5:25 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Interesting have also had a call from trademe asking if i am happy with the bid i put in, that if they choose to remove the people above me am i still happy to be the top bidder, I think they're nervous as they will make a huge fee from this sale and they don't want bad press over it, the reason i bid was it was showing a good yield and had great potential. Interesting that I'm not the only one to receive calls. Well done guys for taking the risk to sell this for $1 reserve. cigana (65

) 5:09 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Yes, we understand, Trademe is nervous. They don't want the same debacle as has happened once before. I think they're trying to do their best to make sure this auction fair and legitimate to all parties. Thanks for that, I think it's a nervous time for all parties concerned, menage-a-trois 5:29 pm, Sat 4 Jul

No worries, my feeble attempt to jump on the bandwagon of notoriety obviously backfired big time. Besides, I always like to embarrass someone at least once a week (usually I just aim for my kids but I had such a bad week, I missed my quota so thanks for being there) emma711 (21

) 5:10 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Needed that one!! I like to embarrass my kids too, but unfortunately I do it regardless of my intent. Then they grew up. Losing it....going....going....Clear...(you know those things to revive Americans in hospitals). 5:33 pm, Sat 4 Jul

ONE HOUR AND FIVE MINUTES TO GO!!!!! trader2906 (190

) 5:17 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Crumbs! 5:34 pm, Sat 4 Jul

we wish you lots of luck with this auction both now and after :) hang in there, you are doing great! amber173 (315

) 5:18 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Seriously losing it now. Cheers. Thanks 5:34 pm, Sat 4 Jul

When you run out of fingernails to chew, find something else. Do NOT chew your fingers - you need them for signing the contract of sale, for purchasing the wheels, and for driving! Number plates come in a frame, and the frame can have words written on it, so could have "$1 auction" on the frame above "bought" on the plate, and "our freedom" on the frame underneath. Best of luck, enjoy the party! gail46 (576

) 5:33 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Very good. Poor lawyer....wait a minute...lawyers aren't poor....The odd fingers is expendible isn't it? Thanks, more coming 5:37 pm, Sat 4 Jul

wow you guys have done well not long to go now! ive watched it all week and its rising nicely good luck to the future =] get-low96 (9

) 5:34 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thankyou so much 5:38 pm, Sat 4 Jul

good on you guys ! Looks like its going GREAT. Just a thought though - the TradeMe success fees are likely to be huge - a quiet word in their ear might be in order.... bigbee3 (384

) 5:35 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Oooeer...More than an agent? We're not sure 5:39 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Fantastic! You are over QV good luck for the final hour. Courageous traders!!! theflyingangel (490

) 5:36 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Blithering idiots at the moment. Thanks 5:40 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi Mum. Just woke up, cup of tea in hand, and now in floods of tears reading through everyone's questions. Thanks so much for your support everyone, Mum and Wayne completely deserve this and I know all your comments mean so much more to them than the money ever will. Enjoy the remaining hour, Mum. Love Eamon. P.S. - If anyone wouldn't mind the Kathy & Wayne tour bus dropping by for a cuppa sometime, I'm sure it would for the trip of their lives. Their email address is on the website :) driftnet (66

) 5:42 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Oh Eamon, it's been amazing. We had to answer that last one of course. We're overwhelmed. The computer is about to fail, it's so slow. Thankyou everyone. All our good wishes go with you. Love Kathy and Wayne 5:51 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I looked up the fees, as far as I can tell the maximum success fee for a listing in this section is $149, of course they may insist you pay the fee for selling a property - which is $199. madlindy (232

) 5:45 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Thats great but I think trademe have earnt more than that,cheers 5:54 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Seller Comment: THANKYOU EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND FUN AND GOOD WISHES. WE CAN'T CARRY ON, COMPUTER IS ON SLOW-MO. OUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IS ON THE WEB PAGE. WE WOULD LOVE TO CATCH UP WITH FOLK ON OUR JOURNEY. WE CAN'T ANSWER ANY MORE QUESTIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO THE BIDDERS. ONCE AGAIN, WE DON'T HAVE THE WORDS TO SAY THANKYOU TO THE MANY WELL-WISHERS, WE'VE ENJOYED THE COMPANY AND BANTER AND HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU SOON. THANKYOU TRADEME FOR A JOB WELL DONE. 5:48 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi Guys. Saw your story in the Taranaki Daily News today so thought I would check it out. Some good reading. Hope the bidding hots up in the last hour for you. Enjoy your new life on the road. 5smifs (93

) 5:49 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Awesome stuff guys. I found your story on a Melbourne newspapers' website. You are getting really good publicity. Good luck and all the best. furious69 (11

) 5:49 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I do hope the best for you both. You are such an inspiration for us all. Also, that those last 'new' (Aussie) tradees who have bidded are ligitimate. You guys rock! maaka2 (193

) 5:51 pm, Sat 4 Jul

hey guys, losing it? I know you too..... well? you lost it years ago,lol. been following it all week, just hope your keeping the bed I used, it was great lol. GREAT LUCK!!!!!! to you both. Love you Bro, P.S have one for me, oops you probably done that all week saggz (9

) 5:54 pm, Sat 4 Jul

That bed you used we had to throw out. Sheets and blanket went to a friend's dog. Many bevvies gone and friend's around. You're always on my mind, hence having one for you...all week. Love you too Bro, hack, cough, sputter 6:03 pm, Sat 4 Jul

This is so exciting for you, we are watching with great interest! We live in Tauranga nrth island, we are interested but we would want it to be managed as we are unable to move to westport just yet, so would the group who are managing it continue to do this on our behalf? gazza79 (882

) 6:01 pm, Sat 4 Jul

SO happy for you - it's been a bit of a roller coaster but I just think you're so brave and glad it's paid off. Have a great time in your future life. Emma emmy3 (82

) 6:03 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Just saw this in yahoo news. Good on you - why advertise a house when you can advertise a bed!!!!! How clever. IT'S ONLY A DEAD FISH THAT GOES WITH THE FLOW - and by the bids, you ain't dead. Good luck. Luv you for being so proactive!!!!! immi2 (141

) 6:04 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi Guys. This looks like the result will be great for you. Congrats!! Success fee discussions should consider that due to the huge publicity that this has got, Trademe have got twice the value of your house of ongoing publicity. They should pay you a success fee. Prayers the successful bidder settles. If they don't, I would be one to please contact. I only found out about this 30 min's ago. dalaro (2

) 6:06 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Hi. This was the BEST "BOOK" I've read in ages!! Great that you have so much support, you need it! It must be nail biting. I saw the auction mentioned on Yahoo and was curious. I'm full of admiration for you! That took a lot of guts. I'll wish you well and 'Happy Traveling"!!! elzelina (728

) 6:17 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Good luck with the sale and good luck with your success fees lol. monaros (360

) 6:24 pm, Sat 4 Jul

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now go buy yourselves a nice big bus (upgrade to a King Bed!) and start driving!! Enjoy catching up with all your family. Best of luck. starshell (117

) 6:25 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Congratulations I knew it would go for a great price wish I had the cash I fell in love with it too when I saw it kiwikid1 (690

) 6:27 pm, Sat 4 Jul

wooohoo way to go guys! Hope your happy with how the auction turned out tom138 (108

) 6:29 pm, Sat 4 Jul

So thrilled for you both, very gutsy ... good on you Coasters!! Do you have any idea what your fees may be??? Not that we would be as gutsy as you but would love to know. Well done. reg132 (362

) 6:31 pm, Sat 4 Jul

I would imagine you would be in tears by now :) You've done so well throughout. Well done!! taylor37 (234

) 6:35 pm, Sat 4 Jul

ooooOOOOooo 1rochelle (205

) 6:35 pm, Sat 4 Jul

your success fee will only be $149 as that is the maximum trademe will charge for a general item auction.Better than a estate agent fee aye!Nice work lewisthecat (769

) 6:36 pm, Sat 4 Jul

How exciting for you! All the best. Kind Regards 007_chick (1277

) 6:37 pm, Sat 4 Jul

We maybe bidding from Aussie and new at that. Born Lower Hutt North Island I use to live just up the road at Rai valley. philsphotos (0

) 6:38 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Oh, you guys, pleeeeeze, I sooooo need the toilet!!!! This is the best Saturday entertainment I've had in a long long time. I would love to join in the bidding, but where on earth is Westport?????????? Good luck, it's awesome, hehehe debbiedee57 (8

) 6:40 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Ha ha you are right of course - definitely cheaper than an agent ! Good luck... bigbee3 (384

) 6:41 pm, Sat 4 Jul

Congratulations........With 1000 hits a minute, Westport is certainly on the map. All the best for the future. aussiedrifter (181

) 6:45 pm, Sat 4 Jul

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