Imagine dropping $11 million on a home that feels like a slice of Europe transplanted to Australia’s Sunshine Coast. That’s exactly what Aussie supermodel Catherine McNeil and her NBA star husband, Miles Plumlee, did—and it’s as jaw-dropping as it sounds. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this power couple didn’t just buy any property; they upgraded from their already stunning Queensland retreat to a French-inspired chateau that’s turning heads across the region.
After selling their 1.9-hectare Tanawha hideaway for $5.7 million—complete with a basketball court—the pair splurged on a Hollywood-worthy estate in nearby Chevallum. Spanning 4 hectares, this $11 million chateau isn’t just a home; it’s a statement. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also a record-breaking purchase for the area, proving that the Sunshine Coast is becoming a magnet for luxury living.
But is this just a celebrity splurge, or does it signal a broader trend? Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agent Melissa Schembri, who handled both deals, admits she was initially skeptical about the Chevallum property’s price tag—until she stepped inside. ‘Holy hell! This place looks like it’s been transported from Europe,’ she recalls. With Italian flagstone floors, French chandeliers, and Portuguese limestone fireplaces, the chateau exudes old-world charm. ‘You feel like you’re in Europe,’ Schembri adds, noting that the couple’s extensive travels likely inspired their choice.
But here’s the controversial bit: is this lavish purchase a private sanctuary or a status symbol? Schembri hints at the former, suggesting McNeil and Plumlee, both accustomed to the spotlight, sought a secluded retreat. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion spans 1,340 square meters, featuring manicured gardens, a lake, and a lap pool. It’s grand, yes, but also deeply personal.
McNeil, 36, rose to fame at 14 after winning a modeling contest, later gracing the covers of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue and working with designers like Gucci and Chanel. Plumlee, a former NBA player with a seven-year career, won an NBL championship with the Perth Wildcats in 2020. Together, they’ve built a life that blends glamour with privacy, recently welcoming their second son, Atticus’s little brother.
Their former Tanawha estate, now owned by a local family, is a resort-style oasis with a tree-lined driveway, tropical gardens, and a pavilion-style residence. The guest house alone boasts two bedrooms and a designer kitchen. But does this kind of luxury come at the cost of accessibility? As Schembri notes, the Sunshine Coast is attracting more high-net-worth individuals, including expats fleeing global uncertainties like COVID-19. ‘It’s becoming one of the best places in the world to live,’ she says.
So, here’s the question: Is the Sunshine Coast’s rise as a luxury destination a welcome evolution, or does it risk pricing out locals? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take on this trend and whether it’s a win for the region or a cause for concern.
