War hero Ben Roberts-Smith lists breathtaking Queensland estate
Embattled war hero Ben Roberts-Smith has listed his breathtaking Queensland hinterland estate, just days after he denied any war crime allegations.
Roberts-Smith bought the five-bedroom, two-storey home in Ilkley in the Sunshine Coast hinterland for $1.45 million in 2015.
The sprawling property however has undergone numerous renovations and is now set to fetch more than its selling price when it goes to auction next month.
The Victoria Cross recipient and his family fell in love with the property’s private setting when they moved to the Sunshine Coast to pursue a work opportunity five years ago.
“It’s a magnificent area and a beautiful home,” the couple said.
“Unfortunately due to changes in our employment, lifestyle and our children’s school, the time is right for us to move back to Brisbane and to sell.”
The family got to work in 2015 and built an outdoor area featuring an infinity pool and pool house with a barbecue, kitchen and dining setting.
Ray White Buderim agent Kathryn Willshire said that the Ilkley Road property is one of the best acreage estates in the region.
“Ilkley is just eight minutes from Buderim, which is one of the most popular home buying destinations in all of Queensland,” Ms Willshire said.
“Everyone is looking for a tree change or a sea change in 2020 and here you can have the best of both worlds as it’s only 20 minutes to the beach, yet set in a stunning bush environment.”
The private-gated, two-storey home boats five bedrooms and four bathrooms, and sits on a huge 3.5ha block.
“The view is arguably one of the most breathtaking settings I have ever seen,” Ms Willshire said.
“The owners have created a formal manicured garden brimming full of roses and gardenias.
“The elaborate formal dining area overlooks a charming internal French Provincial inspired courtyard.”
Sunshine Coast hinterland properties have been in strong demand with buyers seeking a treechange since COVID-19.
Mr Roberts-Smith’s listing of his family home follows just days after the release of a damning inquiry into the behaviour of elite Australian troops in the Middle East.
Mr Roberts-Smith has denied any wrongdoing during his time in Afghanistan or Iraq.