Noah’s ark is for sale in Middle Earth … aka New Zealand.
A real life Noah’s Ark is up for sale in New Zealand, and it’s expected to attract a flood of interest from around the world.
The extraordinary property, originally built as a function centre but now being sold with the prospect of becoming a home, could be among the best positioned in the world to survive climate change-led rising sea levels.
Big enough to fit more than a few pairs of animals inside, the Ark itself has 860sq m of space over three levels — and already features wood carvings of elephants that will be included with the sale that are believed to be life-size.
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Originally built as the highlight of the renowned Gethsemane Gardens, the area is now under redevelopment as a luxury housing subdivision.
Sotheby’s International Realty New Zealand’s Rod Cross is selling the local landmark — set on a 1251sq m block — but had no idea what it would eventually sell for.
“You’d like to think the land would be $750,000, but what’s an ark worth?” Mr Cross said.
“It will depend on what you are planning to do with it.”
![Noah's Ark for sale in New Zealand - for herald sun real estate](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The soaring vaulted ceilings might actually just squeeze a giraffe beneath them, if you wanted to test the two of every animal theory.
The property is set to become a home, but was previously a reception venue.
Likely options include turning its various spaces into a home, while he’s not ruling out a buyer who looks to use if as a hobby space — though its commercial zoning has now lapsed.
“It’s such an unusual proposition, the people who built it, they have really had an incredible dream and gone through with it — and not from a commercial sense at all,” he said.
“We’re sailing into new territory with this exceptional property, and expect worldwide interest. It presents a chance to create something extraordinary.”
The agent added that they were casting the net wide for potential buyers, with international interest likely as they sought out “Noah 2.0”.
A full commercial kitchen is still inside the property, helping to cater for a flood of guests.
Perched high on a hill, the Ark has extraordinary views.
It features vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams, a number of picture windows and extraordinary views.
Mr Cross noted the property could also garner interest for those worried about what the future might hold.
“It is built very well and is on the top of a hill, so you are pretty safe there,” he said.
He added that there is also a 300sq m basement that is mostly concrete, so the home was securely located.
Noah’s ark at Lot 4, 4 Loader Lane on Clifton Hill in Gethsemane Gardens, New Zealand, will be auctioned at 4pm New Zealand time on March 28.
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