'Really creepy' story behind $2m property for sale
A plot of land in Sydney’s north is set to go under the hammer with a “really creepy” detail from its past.
The land at 31 Greendale Street, Greenwich is described as a “truly rare offering” in a “premium location”, in its listing on Real Estate.com.au.
The house which used to be on the land belonged to serial hoarder Bruce Roberts and he was found dead in the home in July, 2017, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Mr Roberts was found after a worker at an IGA supermarket became concerned for his welfare and went to the Greendale Street house to check on him. The worker said Mr Roberts visited daily.
Neighbours told the ABC Mr Roberts was somewhat of a recluse.
“He was childlike in a way. He just had no expressions, nothing,” a neighbour told the ABC.
“You’d say 'hello' and he’d just mutter 'hello' or just not notice. He lived in this tiny little house on the corner. It’s completely overgrown, and you can see rubbish in the garden.”
Police said he had mental health issues.
As the property was cleared, before it was sold for more than $2 million and demolished in 2018, forensic cleaners made a disturbing find in the carpet.
Forensic clean-up specialist and Hoarder Clean Up founder Chris Burgess told realestate.com.au the house “was a really creepy place”.
He added it took his team three weeks to clear the clutter and about 30 truckloads.
Forensic cleaners found the mummified body of a man in the carpet.
The man was later identified as Shane Snellman who was shot in the shoulder. It’s alleged he was trespassing on the property.
Police told 7News Mr Snellman’s body had been in the home for 16 years.
“This is particularly a bizarre case. Extremely unusual,” Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jones said.
“We did find some air fresheners that were located around his body, which obviously would indicate someone in the house knew he was there.”
Mr Snellman’s family said he led a troubled life.
NSW Police said he was known to them and had been released from jail in October 2002.
As for the property, it’s set to go under the hammer in May and has a price guide of $2.25m. It’s for sale listing notes a development application has been approved for a luxury, two-level home with views.
Listing agent Karl Ferguson of McGrath, Greenwich told realestate.com.au neighbours were happy when the home was torn down in 2018.
He added every buyer he spoke to then wanted the house destroyed too with a majority of them not wanting to walk through the front door due to a “substantial ‘ick’ factor”.
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