Aussie paradise sells for record $5.6m
An Australian island which inspired scenes from the Chronicles of Narnia film franchise is back in Australian hands following a $5.6 million sale.
Little Green Island, located off the Central Queensland coastline near Mackay, was snapped up during an auction on Monday for almost double the price it was first purchased for more than a decade ago.
The 25 hectare private island was sold by American-British actor and producer Douglas Gresham, who was a co-producer for the film adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia between 2005 and 2010.
Mr Gresham – who is the stepson of The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S Lewis – purchased Little Green Island for $2.45 million 15 years ago.
The island’s main dwelling was designed by award-winning architect Tone Wheeler.
Mr Wheeler created the house for creative guru Dr Edward de Bono, where he held “corporate think tanks” on the island.
The three-bedroom house boasts a pool with sea views, a Caretakers lodge and a freshwater lagoon, pristine beaches and rockpools and cliffs.
“The property is currently owned by a world-renowned movie producer who used the island as creative inspiration behind The Chronicle of Narnia movies,” the listing on real estate agency Harcourts states.
“The main residence combines luxurious living with natural aesthetics. Adjacent, the gourmet kitchen, with its sleek cabinetry and high-end appliances, offers ample space for expressing your culinary talents.
“On one side, the home opens to a pool encapsulating world class views of the Coral Sea and national parks in the distance.
“While the other side greets you with lush rainforest and tropical birds, crafting an unparalleled living experience.”
Mr Gresham now lives in Malta.
Harcourts’ Tina Sander said Mr Gresham’s family had disclosed the island’s idyllic landscape inspired Ramandu’s Island in the 2010 Chronicles of Narnia film The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Ms Sander said the $5.6 million sale was an “amazing result” following hundreds of inquiries in the lead-up to the auction, which eventually narrowed down to just 10 parties.
The new owners are a family from Mackay, she said.
Little Green Island’s listing states it has a “legacy of joy, adventure and memories that will last a lifetime through multiple generations”.
“The memories will be bountiful and include swimming, sailing, kayaking, hiking and of course some of Australia’s best fishing … just to name a few,” it continues.