North Qld sale sets new region record, eclipses some coast mega mansions
A waterfront villa with access to a private beach has set a new property record in a tourism hotspot, eclipsing prices fetched by some city mansions.
A waterfront villa with access to a private beach has set a new property record for the Whitsundays, and eclipsed prices for some Queensland mega mansions.
Villa De La Mer at Airlie Beach has sold for “close to” its asking price of $15 million, with the contract due to settle on Friday.
It surpasses the previous record of $14 million set by Mandalay House, also at Airlie Beach, in 2017, and the second highest sale of $13 million for Aqua next door, which sold in 2018, according to property records.
Selling agents Wayne Singleton and Lynn Milsom of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty said the property had attracted around eight offers over its 16 month campaign.
“It is a new record for Airlie Beach, for the Whitsundays, even Hamilton Island,” Mr Singleton said, adding that The Beacons attracted an average of 170 views a day online.
He said the first offer came early in the campaign and was “knocking in the 10s (million)”, before further offers came in around $12.5 million.
“But the owner held firm,” he said.
“Then the latest offer came in and it is now under contract.”
The Beacons was owned by a local developer who used local contractors to build the stunning residence, which was completed in 2012.
It has now been purchased by a farming family from rural NSW, who it is understood will use it as a holiday home, at least in the short term.
The three-storey property boasts four bedrooms, five bathrooms and space for four vehicles, and sits on a 800sq m absolute beachfront block with a private 30m, multi-hull marina berth.
The ground floor is entered via electric gates, and has covered multi-car parking, a self-contained apartment with its own kitchenette, lounge, master bedroom and en-suite, all with stunning views.
Also on this level is a centrepiece atrium, an Italian-designed lift and two features stairwell,s a multi-purpose work area, wine cellar, bar, a basement wet kitchen with a fridge, dishwasher, sink and cool room, a rumpus room, commercial laundry, bathroom and utility room.
The first floor is where you will find the huge open plan kitchen, dining and living area, bi-fold doors that open to the lush gardens, pool and views over the Whitsundays, outdoor pavilions with BBQ, fridges and cabinetry, two secluded and bedroom pavilions overlooking the marina, a library and office and a private gate to the beach.
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The master suite solely occupies the upper level, and boasts a large dressing room, an oversized ensuite, and a private balcony with postcard views.
“The new owner has a few properties up this way and decided it was time to spoil himself,” Mr Singleton said.
“This sale really sets a new benchmark for property sales up here.”
Mr Singleton said “big money” was flowing into the region, with the seasoned agent noting an uptick in activity post-Covid.
“There is a lot of money coming out of Sydney and Melbourne, even southeast Queensland,” he said.
“It is getting too busy for them down south and up here it is like those holiday spots from 10-20 years ago.
“It (Airlie Beach) has really shed that backpacker vibe, which Covid all but eliminated for awhile there.
“They (backpackers) are still here, but they aren’t as dominant anymore with a lot of southerners coming up for the winter sun.”
Mr Singleton said there were some “big players” looking at property in the region.
“High-net worth people,” he said, adding this was having a flow-on effect right across the region.
Ms Millsom said another property to watch was 73 Murray Bay Road, Bowen, which is now listed for sale by expressions of interest, closing on July 26.
Described as “the gateway to the Whitsundays”, the 3.52ha property was once owned by Australia’s richest woman and is now in the hands of former NRL great and local publican, Mike McLean.
The Origin great purchased the property from Hancock Prospecting, which is owned by resources billionaire Gina Rinehart.
It has has 12 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, over 250m of beachfront, extensive landscaping and a natural spring.
With three distinct houses and three self-contained units, plans are available for a luxury home development and sub-division, according to the new listing.
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“Two of the interested buyers have also expressed interest in South Molle (Island),” Ms Millsom said.
“A few others have been commercial type parties, like investment funds and corporate entities.
“It speaks volumes for what is happening in the region.
“We slowed down over wet season but now its cooled down south, we are brimming with activity from southern states.”
Originally published as North Qld sale sets new region record, eclipses some coast mega mansions