We'll never be royals? Sunshine Castle, Bli Bli in search of a new king or queen
Bli Bli's Sunshine Castle is on the market.
The property, which boasts the title of Australia's only Norman style castle, was built in 1972 by a Scotsman to exhibit his apparently enviable collection of dolls and fairy tale themed paraphernalia. Over the years it's served as a children's tourist attraction, catering to motorists passing along David Low Way, back when the road was a major transport link between Noosa and Brisbane.
According to Benecke family, the current royals of Bli Bli, the castle attracts about 100,000 visitors per year.
When visiting, tourists can take part in a treasure hunt, feast in the great hall or enjoy the comforts of the castle's dungeon. The castle's various venus can be hired out for children's parties, weddings, private and corporate functions, and, according to one website, the castle cafe also offers a German sausage platter "to die for."
Selling through James Zhou of Ray White and Nick Dowling and Daniel Vella of Colliers International, the Sunshine Castle is being packaged with two adjoining lots, making a total land allotment of 8,242 square metres.
While the two lots on either side of the castle are currently residences for the the manager and caretaker, the listing agents think the local council is likely to support a change in zoning from neighbourhood residential to tourism, allowing the new owners to develop more function facilities or a hotel on the site.
Sitting over the quiet suburb of Bli Bli, the Sunshine Castle apparently received its fair share of notoriety from the neighbours in the 70s and 80s. It first entered into the Benecke family's hands at $550,000 in 2002, with Property Observer estimating that the castle will attract offers between $3 million and $5 million.
Colliers International and Ray White are accepting expressions of interest until March 13.