French chateau for sale on own private island

THE palatial hideaway called Chateau Le Marais, on a private island near Forster, is the stuff seachange dreams are made of.

Get on the road and head 300km north of Sydney and you’ll find the beautifully secluded paradise called Wallis Island, only accessible by boat or air on its own helipad.

This five bedroom French chateau-inspired mansion was built by stone masons from Europe at a time pre-GFC when no expense was spared.

It once had a price guide of $20 million.

The mansion also comes with a 1.5-kilometre beach plus an orchard with established fruit trees and botanical gardens.

Ray White Narrabeen agent Mark Clarke said there was a renewed push by its current owner to sell the immense trophy home now it had been completely finished.

“The property has no doubt had an exciting history. It’s got Sphinx-like sculptures, 18th century French chimneys, imported parquet floors that mimic the palace of Versailles and chandeliers in every room made it a one of a kind, a truly rare find,” Mr Clarke said.

“The house is on the market now with a realistic price guide of $6M and set to impress buyers from across Australia and overseas. The owner undertook a multi-million renovation which included a new roof, flooring, chandeliers, a helicopter pad and even a diesel generator.

“It’s got to be Australia’s best holiday home!”

The Neo-Classical style home offers luxury, privacy and all the advantages of modern living.

The two-storey chateau was built from the finest European-imported materials by award-winning builder, sculptors and master stonemasons from Australia and France, and is the highest possible standard workmanship.”

Current owner Adam Dai, who works in the construction industry based at Baulkham Hills, has enjoyed many family holidays at Chateau Le Marais.

“We have spent a lot of good times at the house with our friends and business partners,” Mr Dai said.

“The chateau needed a lot of work when I bought it, and it’s now perfect. We have spent millions on the renovation.”

Mr Dai, who owns a boat, arrives at the palatial holiday home by water or sometimes helicopter when they visit.

“You could be in Europe at Wallis Island or at least miles away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. It’s so quiet, and so peaceful and relaxing there surrounded by the garden and water,” he said.

“I find I am still very busy in Sydney, and don’t get to spend enough time there unfortunately.”

With exceptional views over Wallis Lake and the surrounding area and just 50 metres from its own jetty, the chateau offers fantastic opportunities for water skiing, windsurfing, fishing and swimming.

At more than 990sq m the property has five bedrooms, each with parquet de Versailles-floored en-suite bathrooms, four of which open onto terraces on the upper level.

This land is considered to have one of the best climates in the world, with its own orchard and botanical collection from tropical and sub-tropical temperate regions, and the vast natural surrounds including two lagoons, three ponds and fishing wetlands with local animal wildlife such as deer, black swans, eagles and pelicans all contribute to the tranquil lifestyle this property has to offer.

AUCTION: Thursday, June 6 at 6pm, at New South Head Rd, Double Bay