The Namibian has learnt from the auctioneers in Cape Town that only two bidders were at the auction, which was lavishly advertised in South African newspapers and on the Internet.

"The bid for the Burning Shore Guesthouse started at N$10 million, and the highest bid was for N$12,5 million," the Chief Executive Officer of Claremart auctioneers, Jonathan Smied, told The Namibian yesterday.

One bidder was from South Africa and one from Namibia.

"The price was fair, but the owner, Guenther Heimstaedt, opted not to sell," Smied said.

Heimstaedt was unavailable for comment.

According to Smied, the owner has received several inquiries from other celebrities about staying at the Burning Shore and probably opted to delay any possible sale.

"There is an action hero from Hollywood who is finalising a contract with the Burning Shore to stay for a few weeks before the end of this year," Smied told this newspaper.

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