A MAN'S home is his castle - especially when it comes with a drawbridge, moat and a maze.
Ballarat tourist attraction Kryal Castle is being auctioned next Friday, the Herald Sun reports.
The medieval-style building was built in 1972 by Keith and Joyce Ryall, but the couple want to retire to a more manageable property.
Real estate agent Mark Deunk said interest had been overwhelming.
"I'm on my third print run of brochures," Mr Deunk said.
Possible uses for the property were many.
"People have had as many different ideas as there are individuals inquiring," he said. It is already used as a motel, wedding venue, function centre and museum.
Last year, Ballarat tourism boss Doug Sarah said the castle should become a Harry Potter theme park. Mr Deunk said it was difficult to put a value on the 10ha property, although the figure of $10 million has been mentioned in some reports.
"At the end of the day the property will be sold and the highest bidder will gain a very special piece of real estate," he said.
Kryal Castle was also controversially used for a series of rave parties.
Doug Lloyd, CEO of the Committee for Ballarat, said his organisation hoped the new owner would use the prominent tourist attraction to generate jobs.
"It is a memorable building. It's important in the region, and it's just waiting to achieve iconic status," he said.
Mr Deunk said the auction next week would be private and for genuine buyers only.
- Interested parties can call Mr Deunk on 9314 9284.
