1 Little Green Island, Shoal Point
A Queensland island that inspired a beloved cult classic has sold after a happy ending bid of $5.6 million.
Little Green Island, which is off the coast of Mackay, was owned by American-British actor and producer Douglas Gresham, who is best known for his role in the production of The Chronicles of Narnia blockbusters, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).
He is also the stepson of the author of the beloved series, CS Lewis.
Registered bidders watched the auction online and in person at a mainland park with views to Little Green Island, which is off the coast of Mackay.
Perfection
It sold for $5.6 million this morning at an auction at Shoal Point Park.
The one-of-a-kind island getaway was listed for sale with Harcourts MackTown agent Tina Sander, who described it as the “creative inspiration behind The Chronicle of Narnia movies”.
“We had two registered local bidders onsite and eight on the phone,” Ms Sanders said, adding that two of those phone bidders were overseas, one in Singapore and the other in the US.
“A local bidder won, a beautiful local family who are still deciding how they will spend their time between Mackay and the island.”
Public records show that Gresham purchased the island haven in June 2009 for $2.45 million, just after filming The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and before The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. 15
To put that auction sale price into perspective, a four bedroom residence on a 394sq m block on Brisbane’s riverfront recently sold for $5.901 million.
In Sydney, a house in Leichhardt that was missing planks of wood from walls and window panes and was deemed “unsafe to inspect” recently sold for $2.28 million at auction.
1031 Brunswick St New Farm sold for $5.901m
41 Macquarie Street, Leichhardt, sold for $2.28m
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Now that’s a view
The freehold property includes the entire 25.5ha island, and is just a short boat ride from Mackay’s Northern Beaches and 30 minutes from Mackay Airport.
The main residence
The award-winning main residence was originally designed by acclaimed architect Tone Wheeler for creative guru Dr Edward de Bono, who was a physician, psychologist, author, inventor and philosopher who termed the concept of lateral thinking.
De Bono hosted “corporate think tanks” on the island.
In a tribute to De Bono after his passing, Wheeler wrote: “Edward was charming, super intelligent, witty and full of stories. He used the house for 15 years before selling it, along with other islands, reputedly to pay his divorce bill.”De Bono died in June 2021 aged 88.
The Little Green Island residence, described as a “modern interpretation of the traditional Queenslander”, has soaring raked ceilings, polished timber floors, living and dining areas with vast windows and sliding glass doors, and a gourmet kitchen.
The living areas
It has three bedrooms showcasing rich timber accents and industrial finishes, including a master suite with balcony access and a spa-like ensuite, and another bedroom with an ensuite and private deck.
There is also a dedicated office space.
The perfect place to wake up
Outside is a pool and pool deck with “world class views of the Coral Sea and national parks”, and rainforest vistas galore.
“Designed with self-sufficiency and sustainability in mind, the property boasts an endless supply of water, 60 solar panels with extensive battery set up and a diesel generator,” the listing says.
“Additionally, there is a second dwelling on the island that can be used as a caretakers lodge (when you are not residing on the Island) or additional accommodation.”
Ocean views
That second dwelling offers an open-plan layout, well-equipped kitchen and bathroom.Both residences are fully air conditioned and can be securely closed up and locked with electric security shutters.
There is also the option to purchase a 2683sq m block on the mainland that features a self-contained unit with a shed.
Other features on the island include a freshwater lagoon, paperbark forest, sandy beaches, rockpools and cliffs.
“This experience is enhanced by the abundant and varied wildlife including whales, dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles and wallabies, just to name a few,” the listing says.
Ms Sander said the property is “truly amazing”.
“I stayed there for 24 hours and the photos and videos do not do it justice,” she said.
Ms Sanders said the Gresham family and the buyers were both ecstatic.
She said the marketing campaign as a whole had been “incredible”, and a massive boost for Mackay and the region.
“I had one hour conversations with some people,” she said.
“The island, which I have had the privilege to visit and stay at, is worth every penny, every day of the week.”
Ms Sanders said the bidders came from a wide range of ages, demographics and needs, from people looking for their “next lockdown location” to those scoping out new opportunities and places to retire.
“Some only look at islands,” she said.
English (US) · 