A private tropical island that inspired a famous film series has been purchased by an Australian family for less than the price of some more expensive homes.
Little Green Island, located off the coast of Mackay in North Queensland, was sold at auction on Monday to a local family for $5.6 million.
The former owner, British-American film producer and actor Douglas Gresham, bought the island 15 years ago for $2.45 million.
Mr. Gresham is the stepson of author CS Lewis, who wrote the beloved fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia.
Mr. Gresham was executive producer of the film adaptations of the novels.
Tina Sander, director of Harcourt’s MackTown, said the island was the creative inspiration for the films.
“I have had the privilege of staying there a few times and it is only when you actually visit the island that you understand its true magic, beauty and aura,” she said.
The new owners of Little Green Island are a family from Mackay. They wish to remain anonymous.
Little Green Island off the coast of Mackay in northern Queensland was sold at auction on Monday to a local family for $5.6 million
The 24.4 hectare island is a short boat ride from Mackay and features pristine beaches, a freshwater lagoon, a main house and a caretaker’s cottage set in a rainforest
They bought the island after outbidding another Mackay local.
The auction attracted bidders from Australia and abroad and initially attracted almost 300 bids.
“It’s an incredible result, an amazing result – I personally believe it’s worth every penny,” said Sander.
“Everyone is thrilled that a local buyer finally bought it.”
The 24.4-hectare island is a short boat ride from Mackay and features pristine beaches, a freshwater lagoon, a two-bedroom main house and a rainforest caretaker’s cottage.
“The main house is a modern interpretation of a Queenslander style home, with a swimming pool and a terrace overlooking the Coral Sea,” says Sander.
The house was originally designed for Edward de Bono, the Maltese physician and writer who coined the term ‘lateral thinking’.
Mrs Sander said the previous owner, Mr Gresham, now lives in Malta and the island has always been for the family’s personal use.
The main house on Little Green Island features a swimming pool with sweeping views over the Coral Sea
‘He bought the island so that he and his family could go on holiday whenever they wanted, and in complete privacy.’
Mrs Sander said Mr Gresham was now in ‘the late stages of life and his family were winding down all of his assets’.
“The family feels it is time to pass the island on to a new family or a new owner,” she said.
Mrs. Sander says she was approached by the owners six months ago.
“I’ve never sold an island before,” she said.