Barking mad? Designer doghouses auctioned in Austin

Barking mad houses hit Texas this week, as Austin’s annualBarkitecture show took place. The event, which raises money for charity,is a showcase for revolutionary modern designs of new homes – for dogs.

Hosted by the Animal Lovers of Austin, Barkitecture2011 saw houses inspired by barcodes and even wine barrels as theproject entered its sixth year. Austin’s ideal designers, architects andbuilders all submitted doghouses, which were then auctioned off to interested propertybuyers to support local animal rescue groups.

Doghouse prices began at $250, with silent bids increasingin increments of $50, while prizes such as “Best in Show” and “Best UrbanDwelling” were awarded by a panel of judges, made up of local developers, designersand media outlets. The winner of Best in Show was co-designed by Cesar Millan, widely known for his TV series The Dog Whisperer.

Here are some of the ideal doghouses that went under thehammer:

(Cesar Millan / Spring Builders)

Unleashed – made from real dog leashes
(STG Design / Balflour Beatty Construction / LLC / FlexCo)

Austin’s auction will be followed by Barkitecture Houston, a separate event, onFriday 14th and Saturday 15th October. But Barkitectureisn’t just a concept limited to Texas: festivals celebrating custom-built doghousesare held in California and Florida every year, as Americans let their fondness for pet property off the leash.

Given some of the larger doghouses upfor auction (and the $250 starting price), Barkitecture property values could nearly match some of America’s human-sized houses, as researchrecently showed that Houston homes have an average price of just $54 persquare foot. With house prices staying low across the market and stylish petaccommodation up for auction each year, American real estate is perhaps the only property in The World that can claim to be both dog and man’s ideal friend.

Looking to collar a property bargain?

Browse our pedigree listings of houses, apartments and other overseas property, all designed for humans:

http://usa.themovechannel.com/property/all/

More source:

Barking mad? Designer doghouses auctioned in Austin
Loving Long Beach & Lakewood by Allison Van Wig: Barking mad ...
Loving Long Beach & Lakewood by Allison Van Wig: October 2011
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Submited at Saturday, October 8th, 2011 at 2:00 pm on News by samantha
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