Think of it as the ultimate garage sale.

Those looking for a place to store that boat or RV might want to keep an eye on some Douglas Boulevard property in Granite Bay. The South Placer Fire District is expected to put its original fire station on the block in a sealed-bid auction this fall.

“It’s got a little history and sentimental value to everyone but we’ve decided to sell it,” said Chief Tony Corado, who worked his first shift there in 1979.

The auction follows the move of firefighters into a gleaming-new structure, Station 19, on Olive Ranch Road earlier this year.

That meant the fire district, which serves primarily Granite Bay, suddenly had a piece of desirable – and unique -- Granite Bay real estate on its hands.

District staff is currently in the process of opening up the sale to the public and setting a minimum bid price, Corado said. But already, SPFD has fielded more than 50 calls on the property, which is zoned residential, since “for sale” signs went up recently.

“I was absolutely surprised,” Corado said of the level of interest in the former station. “I think people are intrigued by a sealed bid process.”

Originally built in the 1950s, the three-bedroom house at 4410 Douglas Boulevard was purchased by the fire district in the early-1960s and converted into a firehouse. A later project added a 1,350-square-foot garage.

“You want to talk about a great spot – it could be perfect for storing a motorhome,” Corado said.

It’s not the only station on the market. Sac Metro recently listed a former fire station at 970 La Sierra Drive. Asking price? $500,000.

The Granite Bay facility boasts 3,182-square-feet of living space. But less tangible benefits include having an address instantly recognizable as the official start of Granite Bay.

“It’s been right at the entrance to Granite Bay for all these years,” Corado said. “It belongs there.”

Corado couldn’t say how much officials hope to raise with the sale, but that it would likely be in line with what other properties have gone fore in the area of late.

He added funds from the sale would be placed into the department’s facilities budget, whose next big project will be financing the rehabilitation of 30-year-old Station 17 on Eureka Road.

All in all, the Douglas Boulevard building is what real estate folks might call one hot property.