Texan town goes up for sale
A Texas town is up for sale on eBay, a spokeswoman for the popular auction website said today.
Albert, a 13-acre historic town in the heart of Texas Hill Country, is around 70 miles from the state capital Austin and includes a house, dance hall, tavern and a schoolhouse reportedly attended by former President Lyndon Johnson in 1920.
More than 35 bids, with the highest of $275,000 (€190,300), have been placed so far but the reserve price has not yet been met.
Its listing on eBay described the area as “known for its towering oaks, wildflowers, German heritage and laid-back attitude.”
It said: “The historic town, once a popular stagecoach stop, is a lot quieter now. Serene, even.
“No longer the Wild West, Albert is now a popular stop for weekend day-trippers in the middle of Texas’ burgeoning winemaking region.
“Music lovers have also discovered Albert, thanks to the live music performed regularly at the Icehouse.”
It went on: “On the edge of town sits an old stone schoolhouse, attended by a young Lyndon Johnson in 1920.
“There’s an outdoor patio and beer garden beneath massive 500-year old oak trees, under which Spanish explorers, early pioneers and Texas Independence fighters once rested.
“In their place you’ll now find crowds who come to Albert to enjoy the atmosphere of the Icehouse.”
The listing also said the sale includes detailed plans for improvements, including a restaurant, cottages, an outdoor cinema and refurbishment proposals for the old dance hall.
It added: “Or the new owners may want the whole, peaceful place to themselves. Whether someone wants a town they can share or they want their own private retreat, the next Mayor of Albert will be the owner of a very special place.”
Albert, originally named Martinsburg, sits on land which was owned by a man named Elmeier before the arrival of Albert and Minnie Luckenbach, descendants of a German family, in the 1830s, the listing said.
It added the town was renamed in 1982 and Mr Luckenbach, a respected merchant, was known for never breaking a peace treaty with the local Comanche Indians.
In response to a question from a potential bidder, the owner said that the buyer can “build what ever you want”, that taxes were low, and that permits had never been needed before.
The auction is due to close on November 23.
