Texan town sold on eBay for $3m

A US town was sold for more than $3m on auction website eBay today.

Albert, a 13 acre historic town in the heart of Texas Hill Country, is around 112km from the state capital, Austin, and includes a house, dance hall, tavern and a schoolhouse reportedly attended by former President Lyndon Johnson in 1920.

The town was sold to a private bidder.

Bobby Cave of real estate company urbanspace Realtors, said he sold the property after three and a half years as he was ready to move on to his next project.

'I bought it with the intention of creating a little family camping venue where people could come out and drink and enjoy local live music,' Mr Cave said.

He said it was supposed to be a 10-year project, but it had been completed in three and a half years.

He said the town's population consisted of himself and a groundsman at weekends.

A total of 58 different bidders placed more than 120 bids since the item was listed on eBay last month.

Its listing described the area as 'known for its towering oaks, wildflowers, German heritage and laid-back attitude'.

The listing also said the sale included detailed plans for improvements, including a restaurant, cottages, an outdoor cinema and refurbishment proposals for the old dance hall.

An eBay spokesman said: 'You can buy pretty much anything on eBay, but this is certainly one of the more unusual listings we have had on the site. For someone, this could be the ultimate Christmas present and will also make a fantastic investment purchase for buyers too.'