The Weekend Post - Real Estate
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many southerners to seek their own tropical paradises – here are just a few Port Douglas mansions to drool over
PORT Douglas is home to some of the most luxurious — and expensive — properties anywhere on the east coast, and big-time buyers are coming for them.
The pandemic-induced lockdowns in Victoria and New South Wales have inadvertently stimulated the high-end housing market in the seductive seaside village, with cashed-up southerners embarking on a mass migration north.
Sotheby’s International Realty director Barbara Wolveridge said the spike in sales and interest was through the roof.
“If COVID had not happened, I don’t believe we would have these buyers here,” she said.
“We are seeing huge interest from southerners wanting to get away from Melbourne, and these people had already left, went to Noosa and then made their way up the coast to Port Douglas.
“A lot have fallen in love with the place and purchased a property for their families to get away from the cold winters.”
And the trend is expected to continue for the next 12 months, according to Ms Wolveridge.
“People are too afraid to travel (overseas) and we’re seeing buyers taking the time to explore our own country, and falling in love with the lifestyle up here,” she said.
Ms Wolveridge’s portfolio is expansive, with a swath of gorgeous properties, but there are five in particular that will leave your jaw on the floor.
One of them, owned by millionaire businessman John Morris, lays claim to being one of the most sought-after mansions anywhere in Australia, with its private hilltop outlook hovering over the Coral Sea worthy of its almost $10m asking price.
1
1 Wharf Street
5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 0.59 acres Price: $9,620,366
This is Ms Wolveridge’s No.1 property in Port Douglas “and possibly the entire east coast”.
“We have had a lot of interest in this property, in the last month, all from southerners,” she said.
With magnificent views to the Coral Sea over this stunning double block, sipping margaritas
and watching the boats come has been a pastime for the Morris family for almost 30 years.
2
26 Island Point Road
3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 0.47 acres Price: $4,995, 190
Legendary rock publicist Patti Moyston and her late husband, Eric Robinson, commissioned award-winning architect Charles Wright to redesign this home, which is now on the market.
“The property reflects the glamour of the pair and Patti’s interiors are just divine,” said Ms Wolveridge.
Situated on “millionaires’ hill”, the home has stunning views of the Coral Sea and Dicksons Inlet.
Sweeping vistas to the mountains complete this masterpiece.
3
26 The Sands Estate
3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1135 sqm Price: $2,300,000
This property has instant ‘wow’ factor and is attracting interest from Melbourne and Perth buyers. The bespoke kitchen was the winner of Master Builders best kitchen in Queensland.
“This property is perfection,” Ms Wolveridge said.
“An elegant semiprecious Onyx light box cleverly cantilevers a 3m stone island bench and gives the appearance it’s floating.”
4
172 Syndicate Road, Miallo
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 190.27 acres Price: $3,750,000
This stunning property has 360-degree views wherever you are in the home, and is just 30 minutes from Port Douglas.
“We have had tremendous interest from our international site on this property. I would expect to get a contract in the near future.”
5
70 Bale Drive $1.350,000
Situated in the stunning Niramaya resort gardens, the four generous bedrooms of this property all have a fabulous upstairs master suite.