Vick's dogfighting base of operations fails to sell at auction

Vick paid about $34,000 for the land in 2002 and had the house built in 2003. Behind the house and a full-size basketball court, partly obscured by a fence, are four outbuildings and dozens of dog cages.

According to court papers, some of the dogfights were held on the second floor of one of the outbuildings. There are other remnants of Vick's "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting enterprise, including a metal pole and chain that was used to restrain pit bulls.

The house has two master suites and a media room with wet bar. A double-sided gas fireplace separates the bathroom from the bedroom in the upstairs master suite.

Other amenities include jetted tubs, freshly refinished hardwood floors, a two-car garage and an expansive kitchen with center island, granite countertops and built-in stainless steel appliances.

The bidding on the house, land and outbuildings started Saturday at $345,000. After considerable coaxing by Hause, someone in the crowd indicated with a scratch of the nose that he would pay $747,000. Hause, who later said the bidder wanted to remain anonymous, and Todd retreated to another room for about five minutes and came back with the answer: No deal.

Todd said later that the $250,000 profit he would have made simply wasn't enough.

"By the time you pay a commission and taxes, it gets eaten up real quick," he said.

If he can't do better in a conventional sale, Todd said, he has other ideas for the property.

"We've talked about a bed-and-breakfast," he said. "All the bedrooms have their own bathroom, and we could incorporate the kennels in the back: Bring your pet."