House Hunters International films in Townsville

Townsville makes it onto international TV show as couple set their sights on Townsville – the city that had everything on offer.

Real estate agent Martin McDonough from McDonough Property Townsville with Mollie and Steven Townley at a home in Townsville's CBD. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville will be showcased to millions of people around the world when it features in an episode of the US television show House Hunters International, being filmed in town this week.

The episode will feature Mollie and Steven Townley as they hunt for the perfect North Queensland home after moving from the US in December with daughter Matilda and dog Victoria.

The couple were long-time fans of Home Hunters International when friends suggested they apply to the show when relocating Down Under.

“When we were dating, it was a show that we watched all the time,” Mr Townley said.

“We thought we’d give it a go.

Real estate agent Martin McDonough from McDonough Property Townsville with Mollie and Steven Townley at a home in Townsville's CBD. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We didn’t expect anything but we passed the two interviews and here we are today.”

Martin McDonough, of McDonough Property Townsville, was tasked with helping the couple find their dream home, making this his fourth appearance on the show.

Mollie and Steven Townley checked out this Townsville home while being filmed for House Hunters International

“Home Hunters International goes to 101 countries and about 10 million viewers per episode, which is absolutely amazing,” he said.

“We’ve done some filming on The Strand and the weather has been magical so it’ll show Townsville off in a really good way.”

Mr McDonough said the Townleys would be filmed viewing three Townsville properties, including one in the heart of the city, before deciding on one to purchase.

“It’s a great time to buy in Townsville,” he said.

“The market is still very strong regardless of what’s happening down south.”

Mrs Townley grew up near Knoxville, Tennessee, and Mr Townley is from Adelaide but spent the past 20 years in the US.

The couple, who are both teachers, decided Townsville would make the perfect Australian hometown.

“Townsville had everything we wanted,” Mrs Townley said.

“It had beaches, mountains and opportunity for permanent teaching jobs.

“Our daughter’s a figure skater so we needed an ice rink and we wanted somewhere warm year round.

“So we kind of just landed here.”

Mrs Townley said Townsville had a similar feel to their Tennessee home of Lenoir City, only with an added beach lifestyle.

“University of Tennessee football is huge in Knoxville … and coming here we don’t have university sports but we have the Cowboys and such,” she said.

“It’s cool to still be able to take Matilda to sporting events with the cheerleaders there and though it looks a little different, there’s little touches of home.”

Mr Townley said they were hoping to find a house with a similar vibe to their US property.

“It was the home we bought when we were dating, we got married there and we had our child there,” he said.

“We want that kind of homey feel that is similar in size with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a nice outdoor area.”

Originally published as House Hunters International films in Townsville