KEY POINTS:
The former Bluff paua shell house is to be auctioned.
The house was home to Fred and Myrtle Flutey and their lifelong iconic paua collection.
Mr Flutey died in 2002 and Mrs Flutey in 2000.
The Fluteys' grandson Ross Bowen bought the house and collection from the rest of the family, and was considering sending the shell collection to Canterbury Museum.
In February, the house was stripped of its more than 10,000 paua shells as well as many rare exotic shells, which were packed into a removal truck and are now being stored in an unknown location.
Carl Wilson, of Harcourts Real Estate, told the Southland Times the property was to be auctioned on April 26.
It was being advertised at a national level, and internationally via the company's website, he said.
A reserve price had not yet been established and Mr Wilson said he believed a wide cross-section of the public would be interested in the site.
"Although it is not our sole intention to market the house based on Fred and Myrtle Flutey's paua collection, there is no doubt the history of the house will be an attraction," Mr Wilson said.
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt said he was surprised the property was to be auctioned but he saw it as a positive sign.
It could be the beginning of a new and exciting venture, he told the paper.
- NZPA
