A private tropical island that inspired a famous film series has been bought by an Australian family.
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 C.S. Lewis, who wrote the beloved fantasy novel series “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Mr. Gresham served as executive producer on the film adaptations of the novels.
Harcourts MackTown director Tina Sander said the island was the creative inspiration for the films.
“I’ve had the privilege of staying overnight there a couple of times and it’s not until you visit the island that you truly understand its true magic, beauty and aura,” he said.
The new owners of Little Green Island are a Mackay family who asked not to be identified.
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 caretaker’s cottage set in a rainforest.
They purchased the island after outbidding another Mackay location.
The auction attracted bidders from Australia and abroad, with almost 300 initial enquiries.
“It’s an incredible result, an amazing result; I personally think it’s worth every penny,” Sander said.
“Everyone is very happy that a local buyer ended up acquiring 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 caretaker’s cottage nestled in a rainforest.
“The main house is a modern interpretation of a Queenslander-style home, with a pool and terrace overlooking the Coral Sea,” Sander said.
The house was originally designed for Edward de Bono, the Maltese doctor and author who coined the term “lateral thinking”.
Ms Sander said Mr Gresham now lives in Malta and the island had always been for the family’s personal use.
Little Green Island’s main house features a pool with panoramic views of the Coral Sea.
‘He bought the island so that he and his family could come on holiday whenever they wanted and with complete confidentiality.’
Ms Sander said Mr Gresham was now in the “final stages of his life and his family were liquidating all his assets”.
“The family feels it is time to pass the island on to a new family or a new owner,” he said.
Ms Sander said the owners contacted her six months ago.
“I’ve never sold an island before,” he said.