$1.3m for ‘crack house’

Record sale at Derby

A HOUSE in the North East Tasmanian town of Derby has fetched a record-breaking $1.31m as investors scrambled to pick up land in what is now a mountain biking mecca.

The property, 78 Main St, Derby is known locally as the “crack house” because of the cracks in its walls.

The former owner has died and the house was put up for auction by his family.

The price achieved is a record for the former tin mining town which was way past its heyday when mountain biking put it on the mountain biking map and its fortunes changed.

While the house might be a renovator’s delight it is the substantial parcel of land in Derby’s main street that got the weekend auction bidders in a frenzy.

The house, which sits on 2587sq m, more than half an acre, finally went to a buyer from NSW.

Agent Justine Wiggins said with “Destination Derby”’ now firmly planted on the world map the property presented great opportunity.

The block stretches back from the house like a natural grandstand.

“Within the pro-development Dorset Council jurisdiction, with favourable village zoning, the potential is immense,” the listing said.

“From commercial, to residential, to mixed-use. The choice is yours to tap into the buoyant market conditions, allowing the premier position to showcase any type of development.

“Fuel your imagination with the fresh Tassie air, dramatic vistas and the sounds of excitement echoing from the surrounding landscape.

“This is a truly rare opportunity to create your own Derby legacy.”