Going, going, gone: Humpty falls to auctioneer’s hammer

The magical fairytale creatures and animals adorning the fantastical Redcliffs house ‘Brigadoon’ will travel to new homes after an auction emptied the property.

Just over 100 chattels, including a child’s playhouse, a fibreglass rhinoceros, and a Humpty Dumpty statue, were auctioned off by McCormack and McKellar Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers on Tuesday.

Rob McKellar said all 110 items were sold and the owners of the "iconic" house and garden were “extremely happy” with the result.

"There were strong prices and a good crowd who were following alert level 2 restrictions with face masks," he said.

"It was a well-received auction. As the house is off Main Rd, many people drive past it and see the garden."

Humpty Dumpty sold for $3900, while a wooden horse made from driftwood sold for $3400.

The child’s playhouse went for $2600, the rhino for $2800 and the giraffe for $2100.

McKellar said people from as far away as Auckland and Tauranga were bidding via telephone, although the majority of items were sold to people from Christchurch and Akaroa.

The buyers ranged in age from 35 to 70, he said.

The Brigadoon garden has won multiple awards in the Christchurch Beautifying Association’s annual competitions.