Michael Yates lists in Port Douglas

Michael Yates lists in Port Douglas
Title TattleDecember 7, 2020

The veteran Melbourne property developer Michael Yates and wife, Lou have listed their luxury Port Douglas retreat for $8.8 million.

Surrounded by tropical flora and towering palms, the house takes its inspiration from the plantation-style British West Indies architectural vernacular - cathedral ceilings, columns and lots of louver shutters.

Set on the Wharf Road dress circle, the property was designed as three pavilions by architect Alex Gencur.

The property has been listed through Barbara Wolveridge of Raine & Horne Port Douglas Mossman, in conjunction with New York agent Dolly Lenz. The marketing has been co-ordindated by Lynn Malone at Lynn Malone Design Travel Publicity. 

It was bought from the Juniper development family.

Yates has holidayed at Port Douglas for the last 40 years.

"I have visited other areas such as Noosa, Hamilton Island etc, and while they are very attractive, Port Douglas appealed to us more, as it has the most wonderful lifestyle, coupled with sophisticated restaurants, all year round moderate temperatures, and the people are very down to earth," he told Mansion Australia magazine.

He said that he's owned commercial properties in Port Douglas over the years, but 7 Wharf Street was his first house purchase.

"The house is one of the most appealing waterfront homes that I have ever encountered."

Yates is selling as he and wife Lou are building a home on the Murray River at Tocumwal in southern New South Wales, which they have in mind for future retirement.

Yates believes the market is showing significant signs of an upward turn, especially given the new waterfront restaurants following the completion of Marina Mirage.

The property joins other luxury offerings including The Edge, Port Douglas, a hillside Charles Wright designed trophy home, listed initially with a $7.4 million asking price, but now at $5 million plus.

The single-level two bedroom home located on Flagstaff Hill was built for the late Sydney industrialist Peter Graham and his wife Claire.  

It was listed while still receiving architectural commendations as it was only completed in mid-2014 to its design like an outdoor shell with cantilevered roof.

Wealthy property seekers in the Far North Queensland hamlet can also secure Villa Hemingway, spread across six-levels on Island Point Road, which has been listed for $14 million, through Wolveridge alongside Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates Australia.

This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.

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