Winning bidder a shoo-in

Mr Hardy paid $540,000 for the split-level apartment in a converted shoe and boot factory in one of Sydney's first warehouse conversions.

Thick glass windows meant only a faint rumble could be heard from inside the Marian Street apartment as the auction got underway.

The pace was quick after an opening bid of $425,000, a black cat circling happily around house hunters' legs before Mr Hardy, of North Sydney, made his winning bid. The 100-square-metre apartment - sold by Charles Touma, from Bresic Whitney Estate Agents - features a marble kitchen benchtop, high ceilings and parking.

Heritage features included heavy wooden ceiling beams and an original brick facade. As well as the proximity to rail, Mr Hardy said: "I like the building and the security of the building. I like the warehouse conversion."

He said he had been house hunting since January and it had been "tough".

"Everything goes for more," he said. "I have been to so many auctions where I thought I was in with a chance."

The vendors sold so as to buy another apartment in the same building with city views.

One of them, Australian Women's Weekly managing editor Caroline Roessler, said she enjoyed the apartment's abundant light, with the high windows helping to "let the sky in".

Photo: Lisa Wiltse The view of Redfern's hectic rail network from the apartment.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/winning-bidder-a-shooin/2007/06/23/1182019436795.html