CABINS SOLD OFF FOR REVAMP

Cabins sold off ahead of re-development

IT WAS the end of an era at Helidon Mineral Spa Resort as buyers swooped in for a bargain when the resort’s cabins were auctioned off.

Residents are preparing to leave their homes so the new owners can take delivery of their cabins.

THE landscape at Helidon will soon look very different after cabins from the Helidon Spa complex are taken by their new owners.

Buyers from far and wide converged at the site on Saturday to bid on one and two bedroom cabins destined to become anything from granny flats to farm-worker accommodation.

Auctioneer Glenn Aylward of Aylward Auctioneers and Valuers said about 90 per cent of the one bedroom cabins sold with no reserve price and about half of the two-bedroom units went to new owners.

Prices ranged from $10,000 to $35,000.

“It went very well and we had probably 300 people come through over two days for inspection,” he said.

“We had about 100 people register for the auction and about 200 people there all up.”

Mr Aylward said most of the remaining residents were keen to stick around as long as possible, but weren’t averse to finding new accommodation.

Most of them were backpackers and seasonal labourers, as well as one family with children he said were “happy as larks”, with no bad blood between residents and potential buyers inspecting the properties.

“They were fine,” he said. “There was no aggression and they understand they have to move on and the place is closing.”

He said there was almost four weeks until the moving deadline, so most would transition smoothly.

Mr Aylward said cabins passed in at auction were still available for sale and potential buyers could call 0418 665 100 to find out more.