Imagine dropping $11 million on a home that feels like a slice of Europe tucked away in Australia. 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 to a French-inspired chateau on the Sunshine Coast, setting a record price for the area. And this is the part most people miss—they sold their previous sprawling Queensland hideaway for a cool $5.7 million, proving that when it comes to real estate, they’re playing the long game.
The chateau, nestled in Chevallum, spans 4 hectares and boasts features that scream luxury: Italian flagstone flooring, French chandeliers, Portuguese limestone fireplaces, and acres of manicured gardens. It’s so grand that Melissa Schembri, the Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agent who sold both properties, admitted she was initially skeptical about the $11 million price tag—until she stepped inside. ‘Holy hell! This place looks like it’s been transported from Europe,’ she exclaimed. But is this the ultimate dream home, or just a lavish indulgence? Let’s dive in.
Catherine McNeil, now 36, has been a fashion icon since winning a model search contest at 14. Her career skyrocketed with features in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and campaigns for designers like Gucci and Chanel. Miles Plumlee, a former NBA player with a seven-year career and an NBL championship under his belt, is no stranger to the spotlight either. Together, they’ve built a life that’s as glamorous as it is private—something Schembri hints at: ‘They’ve had so much time in the spotlight, I think they just wanted somewhere private.’
Their previous home in Tanawha, sold to a local family, was no slouch either. Described as a resort-style oasis, it featured a tree-lined driveway, tropical gardens, and a pavilion-style main residence with five bedrooms and a chef’s kitchen. But why trade all that for a chateau? Schembri suggests it’s about more than just the property—it’s about the Sunshine Coast itself. ‘There are more and more people recognizing how amazing it is,’ she says. But here’s the controversial part: as expats return to Queensland, seeking safe havens in the wake of global events like COVID, are we seeing a shift in who’s calling the coast home? And what does that mean for locals?
Catherine and Miles, now parents to two young boys, Atticus and a newborn, seem to have found their slice of paradise. But as the Sunshine Coast evolves, one question lingers: Is this the future of luxury living in Australia, or just a trend for the ultra-wealthy? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’re all ears!
