Want to spend a small fortune on an investment that's out of this world? Head to
Chattanooga, Tennessee. That's where you'll find a home like few others, a place where 'space' is literally at a premium. Welcome to the abode originally built by Claude King and his family, a dwelling that's now up for auction.
What's so special about this place? It has 2,000 square feet of living area, three floors, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a nice kitchen, a living room, a large bar, and a wonderful scenic view of a mountain and a river. And did we mention it looks like every science fiction movie's image of a flying saucer?
The cylindrical house landed in 1970, just after the first moon landing and the cancellation of the original "Star Trek" TV series. It was considered state of the art when it was built almost four decades ago. What's inside this round rarity?
It boasts a series of small square windows, sits on six re-enforced cement "landing legs" and can only be accessed by a stairwell that retracts and extends whenever you hit a button.
There are also once-futuristic-like controls inside that operate a variety of different electronics. Those who like more traditional forms of transportation can find plenty of parking underneath the suspended structure.
And there aren't any aliens - although if a Canadian were to buy it, decided to live there and didn't have U.S. citizenship, you might be able to say there would be.
The home isn't for everyone. It's completely curved, which presents a bit of a challenge to those into decorating using more commonly available objects. That means the ceiling slopes, the walls are short, and it needed a custom bathtub to fit into the washroom.
The other thing you'll find - a bizarre curved bar, complete with a picture of an extra terrestrial and a sign that reads "I am only here for the beer."
It might take a lot of that liquid to get you to decide to buy something that will surely attract the attention of gawkers. The place is going under the hammer on Saturday and promises to garner a lot of interest - if not a lot of dollars.
The current owner has only been in the UFO home for about four months and hasn't given any reason for why he's put it back on the market.
"This is an opportunity to own a unique property and is ideal for that weekend get away," suggests real estate agent Terry Posey on the site promoting the sale. "This is truly the most unique property we have ever sold! If you are into Unique Homes, Space Ships, Flying Saucers, Star Trek, A Mountain Get Away Home, or Investment Properties, this is your opportunity. This property has never been offered at Auction before."
So far, he's had a $100,000 bid on the place. But those involved hope it will, you should pardon the expression, take off from there.
Update: In the end, this story doesn't have an ethereal
finish. The place went for just $135,000 and it was bought by a Cincinnati woman who doesn't say if she plans to live there.
Photo courtesy: Crye-Leike Auctions