Kelvin Cruickshank. Photo / Supplied
He didn't see it coming, but Sensing Murder psychic Kelvin Cruickshank said "constant" attention from fans had forced him to "escape" Auckland.
The best-selling author and his partner Margarita have sold their four-bedroom home in the upmarket eastern suburbs for $1.125 million and will move to the Bay of Islands
with their three children.
Cruickshank said it was an honour to share his "gift" with the public, and he was fully available during working hours and book tours.
But increased attention during private time had proved too much. People visited his home, approached him in the supermarket and pointed at his family.
"I'm leaving Auckland to escape everybody, I want time with my family," Cruickshank explained.
Cruickshank said some people "have to learn there's an on and off button".
It was all right if people said "a quick hello", but they tended to want more.
The house was sold at public auction by Bayleys agent Gary Wallace.
Wallace said he talked to Cruickshank a few days before the auction about what the house might sell for - and the psychic ended up being dead right.
"He told me a figure and that's what it sold for. How scary is that?" said Wallace, who added, "He's obviously very good at what he does."
Cruickshank said his prediction came down to "the power of positive thinking".
He had worked hard for his home and done countless seven-day working weeks.
The sale price was above its capital value of $1.08m, according to Quotable Value's public records.
Wallace had no idea who Cruickshank was when he visited his office, but "the secretaries knew who he was". He said his client was relaxed and "a delightful guy".
Cruickshank said his new home was in a secluded spot and he and his partner were looking forward to raising their kids in a quiet country community.
He wanted the children to be able to attend calf days: "We want normal lives."
The former Waikato boy said he is "a country boy at heart" and his new home is near a fishing mecca, beaches and great locations for motor-cross.
He said he would still be in Auckland often for work. He is working on his third book, which is based on the idea there are no secrets in spirituality, and is due for release next year.
