Brian Wallis and Amanda le Bas de Plumetot feeding Smudgie, their lawn mower, in the back yard. Picture: David Caird.
A Melbourne auction where the owner threw in a sheep and disclosed their reserve ahead of the auction has sold more than $100,000 above reserve.
It emerged on a weekend when preliminary clearance rate data suggests just 48.5 per cent of homes put up for auction sold, in what is shaping up as the worst result since July.
Arguably the auction clearance rate for Melbourne homes with a sheep thrown in was 100 per cent for the weekend, but the agents working on the sale have denied it was the reason behind the six-figure surplus arguing “you can’t put a price on Smudgie”.
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Brian Wallis and Amanda le Bas de Plumetot have lived in the 16 Currajong Ave home for 39 years, and after initially trying more industrial means of mowing the acre block like a slasher, they changed tack.
“About 30 years ago we got our first goat,” Mr Wallis said.
“But they were very mischievous. They will jump a fence, or stand on the post.
“Sheep are much kinder than goats for the fence. And sheep keep the grass well under control.”
Ms le Bas de Plumetot said the added bonus was that the sheep came with their own personality, with Smudgie often found sitting out by the fence near the sheep next door, or waiting at the gate as they hung out washing hoping for some crumbled Weet Bix as a treat. A past sheep they had, Betty, was even up for a cuddle.
Smudgie caught a few eyes as he snuck into some of the home’s real estate photography.
Based on the way that lawn looks, Smudgie is probably due a raise after the big auction sale.
Mr Wallis said the addition of chickens and other pets had helped give the home a quiet country feel, while the views to Ferny Creek had added another dimension to the atmosphere.
“And I love to wave to Puffing Billy as I’m going to the shops,” Ms le Bas de Plumetot said. “I just love the sound of him going past.”
Timed to perfection, the iconic train sounded its whistle as it chugged past nearby in the opening moments of the auction.
Loci Real Estate’s Anthony Iorlano and David Stewart handled the sale, with Mr Stewart calling the auction.
The decision to disclose the reserve price about a week after the campaign began with a $730,000-$803,000 guide, followed Mr Stewart doing so as he sold his own home.
From October 1, it is expected all Victorian home auctions will be required to disclose the vendor’s reserve price at least seven days ahead of the planned sale date.
16 Currajong Ave, Selby, comes with a light and bright aesthetic inside — juxtaposed with exposed timber beams overhead.
The home on a more than 4000sq m block comes with plenty of greenery surrounding it, perfect for a sheep or two.
Mr Iorlano said with nine-bidders active, and enough offers that they’d lost count, the auction was a clear success.
Eventually the keys went to a couple who run an Oakleigh restaurant who were already discussing getting Smudgie a friend.
Asked if the sheep had added a bit of value to the sale, the agent said “you can’t put a price on Smudgie — he’s got too much character”.
Mr Iorlano said he expected the incoming changes to disclose auction reserves would lead to greater transparency that would help auctions offer the competitive environment that had made them a Melbourne mainstay.
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