Original source (on modern site)
Missing man Paddy Moriarty's old house in the tiny Northern Territory town of Larrimah has sold at auction for $32,000. From a crowd of seven registered bidders at the auction on Tuesday morning, a South Australian buyer who phoned in was the winning bidder. The buyer is understood to want to use the home as an NT base for winter escapes. People standing outside a caravan at Paddy Moriarty's old house during the auction on Tuesday.(ABC News: James Elton) Mr Moriarty and his dog Kellie mysteriously vanished in Larrimah on the night of December 16, 2017. The house has sat empty since Mr Moriarty's disappearance. No body has even been found. Seven bidders registered for the auction of the house, which sold for $32,000.(ABC News: James Elton) Two years ago, the NT coroner concluded Mr Moriarty was killed in the "context of, and likely due, to the ongoing feud he had with his nearest neighbours". His disappearance has been the subject of a podcast, a book and a documentary. His house was sold on behalf of the public trustee. When Paddy Moriarty disappeared, only 12 people lived in Larrimah.(ABC News: Michael Franchi) A crowd of about 50 people gathered onsite for the auction on Tuesday. Only two bidders ended up participating in the auction, the other being a Katherine-based businessman. Auctioneer Daniel Harris said it was a "healthy turnout". "I think the result represents market value for a property like this one," he said. He said the buyer would have "factored in that there's quite a bit of work to be done" on the home. The property was sold "as is" — essentially frozen in the state it was left on the night of Mr Moriarty's disappearance more than six years ago. The grass was overgrown, and an abandoned vehicle in the backyard was included in the sale. Daniel Harris says the buyer would be aware there is "quite a bit of work to be done" on the property. (Supplied: Central Real Estate) Larrimah locals Lenny Hodson and Barry "Cookie" Burke said whoever the buyer was would be most welcome in town. "So long as they buy us a carton of beer," Mr Burke said. Asked what his advice would be to a new Larrimah resident would be, Mr Hodson replied: "Leave!" Mr Burke said the right person could "make a lot of money" in Larrimah. The real estate listing says the property was sold "as is".(Supplied: Central Real Estate) Mr Moriarty's property was once a small roadhouse and petrol station. "All the trucks come through here," Mr Burke said. "Biggest mobs of potential." Posted 7 May 20247 May 2024Tue 7 May 2024 at 4:18am, updated 7 May 20247 May 2024Tue 7 May 2024 at 11:19pm'Healthy turnout' for Larrimah auction