The Gold Coast Bulletin

Pensioner’s home pays big dividends

- ALEISHA DAWSON

A PENSIONER has made a huge $1.885 million profit over 50 years on the sale of her Gold Coast beach house.

The property, which gives house hunters a glimpse into life on the Coast in the 1960s, sold under the hammer over the weekend for $1.9 million.

Vendor Leon Williamson, 92, and her late husband John paid $14,500 in 1968 for the five-bedroom Mermaid Beach property at 7 Chairlift Ave East.

Her daughter, Robin O’Neill, said the couple moved from Hervey Bay and decided Nobby Beach would be the best place to raise their four children.

“When we moved into the house there was only bitumen RON LONDON

from Albatross Ave to Seagull Ave so on many occasions dad and his two sons would have to assist motorists who had bogged their cars in the sandy road near Lion’s Head (between Seagull and Petrel Ave),” Mrs O’Neill said.

“It was just a very carefree life with sand dunes everywhere and sand up around all of the fences. We spent our days going to the beach and to school.”

It was the first time the property has hit the market in 50 years – the auction attracted a crowd of more than 65 including 11 registered bidders.

Mrs O’Neill said while it was a sad day for her mother farewellin­g the house she lived in for five decades, the family was happy with the end sale result.

“The property sold well above the reserve so mum and the family were very happy with the

Mrs O’Neill said.

“The price achieved now provides certainty for mum with her aged-care needs and security to enjoy the rest of her retirement.

“... quite a good return on her 50-year investment,” she said.

Ms Williamson recently moved to Brisbane and reluctantl­y put her property on the outcome,” market: “The only changes to the house were the aluminium windows and a new kitchen upstairs. The old kitchen went downstairs,” Mrs O’Neill said.

“Apart form that original.”

The residence has three bedrooms on the second floor as well as a kitchen, bathroom and living areas. A self-contained living area and two it’s very WITH ALEISHA DAWSON & JESSICA BROWN

THE VALUE OF THIS PROPERTY IS UNDERPINNE­D BY ITS PRESTIGE ADDRESS AND EXCLUSIVE, IRREPLACEA­BLE POSITION

more bedrooms ground floor.

Ron London of London Estate Agents marketed the property and said it offered a possibilit­ies for investment, renovation or redevelopm­ent.

“The value of this property is underpinne­d by its prestige address and exclusive, irreplacea­ble position,” he said

The buyers are already residents of Nobby Beach. are on the

 ??  ?? 7 Chairlift Ave East, Mermaid Beach (main) sold for $1.9 million over the weekend. Leon Williamson, (inset, middle back) surrounded by her children Jan, Alan, Chris and Robyn, holding Digger the dog. This photo was taken at Nobby Beach in 1969.
7 Chairlift Ave East, Mermaid Beach (main) sold for $1.9 million over the weekend. Leon Williamson, (inset, middle back) surrounded by her children Jan, Alan, Chris and Robyn, holding Digger the dog. This photo was taken at Nobby Beach in 1969.
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