From the streets of Bedrock City to your own private cemetery and homes that look like they've descended from outer space, some pretty quirky properties have hit the market across Australia in 2023.
It's often wise to appeal to the masses to ensure a quick sale, but for these sellers, the key is finding a niche market.
Here's a round-up of some of the strangest and most wonderful properties to appear on realestate.com.au this year.
outside this world
The exterior of this off-grid home in far north Queensland resembles a futuristic spaceship, with six cantilevered wings suspended above a man-made lake ecosystem.
Designed by architect Charles Wright, Alkira Resort House (3726 Cape Tribulation Road) is set on 30 hectares with 600 meters of private beach frontage.
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Aerial view of the Alquilla Resort House in Cape Tribulation. Photo: realestate.com.au
The listing said it was the epitome of “off-grid luxury” and a model of “carbon-neutral and sustainable living.”
Spread over 1059 square meters of living space, it is designed to accommodate 12 guests and is constructed of concrete, glass and steel to be a Category 5 cyclone resistant construction.
The design looks like it came out of space. Photo: realestate.com.au
Built in 2013, the original owner, an avid philatelist and property developer, took the shape of the pool and surrounding roof from the silhouette of the head of the 1950s Australian stamp One Pound Jimmy. Inspired by the line.
“It's something else,” said selling agent Lynne Malone of Queensland Sotheby's International Realty in Port Douglas.
“There are currently two groups looking at this as a commercial resort asset.”
flintstone house
Looking straight out of Bedrock City, Hollander House in Newport, Sydney, is described in the property listing as a “thrilling expression of true organic architecture”, with its curved lines and hand-formed walls. It is called the Flintstone House because of its ferro-cement structure.
The Hollander House in Newport, a distinctive ferrocement structure, recently sold for $2.582 billion. Photo: realestate.com.au
The three-bedroom home at 81 Grandview Drive was built in the late 1960s by architect David Hollander and recently sold for $2,582,000 to $357,000 more than expected.
The mid-week auction had three registered bidders, two buyers competed, and the house was ultimately sold after the auction to a local family who had loved the house since they were children.
igloo house
This twin dome igloo design home in Kangaroo Flat, Victoria is one of a kind.
The property listing describes the three-bedroom, one-bathroom property as having a “unique yet functional layout.”
It is currently on sale for $430,000 to $450,000. Photo: realestate.com.au
The corner lot is 655 square meters and features covered parking, a pool, storage space and space for boats and trailers.
Estimated price is between $430,000 and $450,000.
The building shares some striking similarities with one of the unique buildings at Tweed Valley Farm, 217 McAllisters Road, Billanville Heights. This building is also for sale.
The dome is one of several unique facilities on the farm. Photo: realestate.com.au
Recently renovated 4 bedroom dual living farmhouse plus impressive dome handcrafted with aircrete, traditional Mongolian yurt, tiny home with log cabin and commercial kitchen, 1 bedroom garden It has 4 studios and a bell tent.
View from inside. Photo: realestate.com.au
The farm was developed over four years using permaculture principles.
own your own village
The chance to become your own landlord of an entire Australian village of 1830s-built mills, cottages and shops in a small dairy town in New South Wales is the only one of its kind at realestate.com.au It's a list.
The expansive and atmospheric Jindiandi Mill Estate is located at 719 Greenwell Point Road, Pirie, in the picturesque Shoalhaven region, and is set on over 3 hectares of lush meadows.
Want to own your own little village? This one is for sale. Photo: realestate.com.au
The property, which is quickly becoming a tourist attraction, is being sold through an expression of interest campaign, with offers exceeding $6 million.
The village consists of a mix of residential and commercial spaces, including a candy shop, hair salon, antique store, market, cafe, and even a two-bedroom house and two charming cottages.
Belle Property Berry sales agent Jane Zwar told realestate.com.au there were many options for uses for the village, including a venue and a distillery.
A different kind of village is attracting attention near Daylesford, Victoria, with its Wild West/gold rush lands.
This sprawling village, named Cheyenne, was built after the town known as Cross Creek and featured in the 1956 film The Fastest Gun Alive.
Straight out of a movie set. Photo: realestate.com.au
The village, located at 35 Mystic Drive in Yandoit, had its own stores, including a general store, a butcher shop, a church, a blacksmith shop, and a brothel, all populated by their own mannequins.
Sales agent Kim McQueen of McQueen Real Estate in Daylesford said: “It's almost unbelievable to actually be there.”
It is also equipped with its own mannequin resident. Photo: realestate.com.au
“You feel like you’re on the set of a Western movie.”
The asking price of $1.395 million to $1.45 million includes all memorabilia and collectibles.
manage a cemetery
31 Church Road, Gretna, on the outskirts of Hobart, is looking for a new owner because it needs a new roof and has no bedroom or bathroom, but there's a catch. There is an active graveyard there.
Deb Stephens, senior real estate consultant at EIS Property Hobart, told realestate.com.au that the 101sqm church, which sits on 8094sqm, is not for the faint of heart.
The sale comes with the caveat that the new owner must assume the role of managing the working cemetery.
The work needed to restore St. Mary's Church to its former glory came with a price tag of $150,000.
And in the small town of Hay Valley in the Adelaide Hills, an 1860s chapel has been completely renovated and is ready for new owners.
Bender spent 20 years renovating the property, and the church is now a popular B&B and wedding venue.
This beautifully renovated church has fairly quiet neighbors. Photo: realestate.com.au
The estate is home to a heritage-listed private cemetery with approximately 90 graves, the first established around 1839 and the most recent burials in the 1970s.
Ray White Mount Barker distributor Damon Brohier said the listing had received strong interest so far, with 48 groups taking part in the first round of testing.
back to school
This circa-1882 former school in New South Wales' Southern Tablelands is scheduled to be demolished early next year, with the original classrooms, blackboards and old fountains still in place.
From 1882 to 1994, what is now a five-bedroom sandstone and bluestone house was known as Bungonia School.
It is now a family residence, and some of the former school buildings have been perfectly preserved. Photo: realestate.com.au
It has only been sold once in its 141-year history, when its current owners purchased it from the Department of Education 29 years ago.
A former public school, the building still retains its original character and charm. Photo: realestate.com.au
During that time, additions were added to the original building while maintaining its historic charm and character.
The 7,725 square meter property will be auctioned on February 17th.
