The $396,000 Toilet
Auction hammers are falling in the Home of Golf. Last month in St. Andrews, Scotland, a public toilet that formerly charged 20 pence per admission sold for £195,000 in an impromptu bidding war that involved 15 interested buyers. (Americans, those figures translate to roughly 40 cents and $396,000). The 662 square-foot stone structure had an original guide price of £50,000, and was described by the sellers as "being in need of extensive renovation."
According to the BBC, the mysterious buyer hails from western Scotland and plans to convert the property into a home. He best give the floor a thorough mopping before installing any carpet. There are certain scents even the strongest Scottish gales cannot blow away.
To put the value of location in perspective, consider that a similar public toilet structure in the neighboring town of Kirkcaldy recently fetched only £38,000 at auction.
Why would anyone wish to sleep where so many have, ahem, sat? With official St. Andrews residency, the mysterious developer will be able to play the Old Course, as well the six other Links Trust gems (including the upcoming Castle Course) all year for about what it costs a tourist to play a single round. As long as he stows his golf bag under his bed, 662 square feet should suffice.
-- Max Adler
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