NBL and Boomers legend Brett Wheeler sells Melbourne pad under the hammer at competitive auction

A European trip did not prevent a Victorian man from purchasing former basketballer Brett Wheeler’s Fitzroy apartment for an impressive $320,000 above reserve at auction.

The “one of a kind” pad at 1/52 Brunswick St went under the hammer Saturday with a $1.25m reserve but sold for $1.57m in a “hotly contested” auction.

Nelson Alexander Fitzroy partner Rick Daniel said five bidders competed for the keys to the home, one of eight in the former circa-1911 Champion Hotel.

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“The person who purchased saw the property in person and then went to Portugal and participated in the auction via a buyer’s advocate,” Mr Daniel said.

Another Perth-based buyer had a family member bid at the auction on their behalf.

The two-bedroom abode’s old-world charm boasts leadlight windows, bedroom balconies and a private outdoor turret with Melbourne views, attracting pre-auction inquiries from Sydney, the UK and New Zealand.

“The apartment was over two levels, beautifully appointed and stylishly renovated,” Mr Daniel said.

A prime location near the Brunswick and Gertrude Sts corner added to the property’s appeal, he added.

“Almost 200 groups came through during the marketing campaign,” Mr Daniel said.

“The turret was certainly something people did like and is a beautiful place to sit and watch the world go by.”

Wheeler appeared in a record eight NBL grand finals during his 17-year-career, winning two. He also played 19 games with the Australian Boomers.

Another property listed by Mr Daniel, a two-bedroom house at 86 Bennett St, Fitzroy North, sold for $1.332m at a Saturday auction.

The deep green-painted home was owned by two Melbourne architects, John Wardle Architects associate principal Alan Ting and Neometro design and marketing manager Kirilly Barnett.

The pair, who are partners, renovated the 1970s-era house with the help of Kirilly’s father, a carpenter.

Mr Daniel said buyers were drawn to the stylish house because it was recently upgraded with top-of-the-line materials and finishes.

“That was another competitive auction involving three bidders and the home was ultimately bought by a young couple,” he said.

“The appeal for that one was that it was a turnkey property.”

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Originally published as NBL and Boomers legend Brett Wheeler sells Melbourne pad under the hammer at competitive auction

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