Neighbours UK fan spends $867,000 for second 'Ramsay St' property
A MELBOURNE expatriate and Neighbours fanatic living in the UK paid more than $867,000 to secure his second "Ramsay St" house.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A MELBOURNE expatriate and Neighbours fanatic living in the UK has paid $867,000 to secure his second "Ramsay St" house at auction.
Andrew Whitney, 37, the York-based director of a private jet and helicopter charter flight company in the UK, outbid seven other hopefuls at the auction of 3 Pin Oak Court, Vermont South - better known as 30 Ramsay St, the home of Jarrod "Toadie" Rebecchi, played by Ryan Moloney.
The former Blackburn North resident carried bidding $127,000 past the reserve to become his own neighbour after picking up 6 Pin Oak Court 16 years ago before moving to the UK.
Mr Whitney was awake at 3am, UK time, for the auction.
"I was so nervous. I've been to the toilet twice, nearly thrown up three times and the friend with me has bruises on his arm," Mr Whitney said.
"I know the street better than anyone. I record every episode of Neighbours."
After running a number of Australian companies, he moved to the UK and has held a range of executive positions, including his current role as commercial director of flymenow.co.uk
About 150 fans and would-be buyers gathered for the auction, conducted by Barry Plant group director Barry Plant.
Competitive bids reached the $740,000 reserve in minutes after opening at $500,000.
Buyers weren't just vying for the home; residents are paid a substantial annual fee by the show's producers and agree to avoid changes to their facades without consultation.
Mr Whitney's childhood friend, Rick Beasley, raised his hand on the expat's behalf at $710,000, while wife Melanie relayed the action over the phone.
"A property like this has never really been tested. The bricks-and-mortar value is about $680,000, but you don't know what part fame and celebrity will play in emotional bidding," Mr Plant said after the auction.
It was an emotional day for owner Faye Pierce, who built the four-bedroom home with her husband in 1973.
"I'm so relieved. I was worried nobody would buy it," she said. "We were sitting out the back, when my granddaughter ran out and said, 'It's hit $780,000!'. I said, 'Don't be silly'.
"When we heard it reach $800,000 we all ran to the bedroom window, we were so excited."
Among the would-be buyers was Pakenham resident Janet Welbourne, whose daughter Chelsea, 4, was an extra on the show.