They say a man’s home is his castle but it’s actually true for a Queensland builder’s turreted fantasy folly.

According to story in realestate.com.au, 80-something Brian Rumble, who is also an artist and sculptor, self-built and handmade many features of this mediaeval marvel, such as the leadlight windows, ornate sculptures and castle turrets – turning what was once a builder’s yard into a four-level residence.

Over the years, Brian has rejected offers of millions, in order to preserve his passion project but has now listed it for auction, along with enough land to build 100 homes in Brisbane’s Waterford West.

Add that to a tale of a tenant evicted because his back yard has too many plants, a mystery safe found under the floor boards of a UK home, and a house that straddles the border between two countries and you have this week’s cornucopia of quirk from LeftField Communications.

Free Reads

Domain

Rugby legend George Gregan’s Canberra roots: Beloved Kambah family home hits the market
The childhood home of Wallabies legend George Gregan has hit Canberra’s property market for the first time in nearly half a century.

The house that sits in two countries at once is for sale
If you’ve ever fancied living in two countries at the same time, this house makes it possible. For US$99,000 ($139,438), you can own a 167 square metre home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and direct access to snowmobile trains.

Zuckerberg closes on $200 million deal for Florida ‘building site’
Tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg has paid more than $200 million for an unfinished mega compound on Florida’s billionaire row.

‘Obviously a scam’: What happens when a landlord’s identity isn’t clear?
It started with a simple question: “Are we able to meet the landlords?” The answer only made things more confusing. A renter in the US has sparked debate online after claiming her future landlord refused to confirm she was, in fact, the landlord.

Tradies uncover long-forgotten safe buried beneath London floor
Tradies in the UK have stumbled across a long forgotten floor safe while on a job. Two plumbers were installing a new pipe at a house in London when they discovered the vintage metal box buried in the concrete floor.

Former Marvel CEO lists iconic $9.7m Palm Springs estate
Eric Ellenbogen, the former chief executive of the US entertainment giant Marvel, a stir in an exclusive community in California. It began when Ellenbogen listed his estate in Palm Springs on the open market rather than quietly selling it between family and friends, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Forget the grant – Brisbane first-home buyers are rentvesting
They can’t afford to buy where they live. They can’t live where they can afford to buy. So now, to get a foothold in one of Australia’s most challenging property markets, first-home buyers are turning to an out-of-the-box strategy: rentvesting.

‘Nightmare’: The ‘eyesore’ garage sparking neighbourhood uproar
Neighbours in an English commuter town are embroiled in a dispute over a massive garage allegedly built without planning permission.

How a single move can cost Aussies over $80k
When Diana Gyllen-Brissett packed up their Sydney rental she knew it would be stressful. What she didn’t expect was the expense.

Former All Blacks star selling his luxury Kawau Island retreat
Former All Blacks star Joe Karam and his partner Lisa Ligard are moving on from their luxury island hideaway.

The ‘ridiculous’ reason renter was given a 10-day notice
A renter has been handed a 10-day notice to clean up their backyard, not because of damage or complaints, but because it’s allegedly “too cluttered with plants”.

‘Loved for years’: Two brothers sell inner-city family home for $2.7 million
A young couple have secured their access to next year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, paying $2,730,000 on Saturday for a three-storey, three-bedroom terrace just minutes from the main route for the parade in Darlinghurst.

ABC Online

Can you ask a neighbour to remove or trim a large tree for safety or other concerns?
Trees are a common source of tension for neighbours, especially when they’re a threat or simply annoying. “Tree disputes can happen when tree branches hang over a fence, fruit, branches, nuts or leaf litter fall into the neighbour’s yard, roots damage property, branches block solar panels or natural light, or when a tree is unsafe,” explains Logan Mayor Jon Raven.

Gen alpha is obsessed with all things Asia, and a futurist says they will shape Australia’s culture
Australia’s cultural embrace of Asia — from Korean pop music and beauty regimens to Asian food and Eastern medicine — is expected to swell with the rise of generation alpha.

Blacktown and Hills Shire mayors call for greater contributions from developers towards local infrastructure
On weekends, the Blacktown Leisure Centre is often described as “chock-a-block”. Online reviews of the north-west Sydney facility say its pool is often so overcrowded that swimmers are left “fighting for a spot”.

Bowling green’s ‘unbelievable’ 86C temperature highlights need for urban heat mitigation
Thermal imaging by drones has shown that common surfaces in regional cities can be double the official ambient temperature on hot days. While there are heat protocols for sports groups, the actual temperature can be much higher even on cooler days.

Realestate.com.au

Inside big Kyle and Jackie O property moves as show axed
Australian radio stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson have continued making big money property plays behind the scenes despite the public on-air blow-up that resulted in their show being axed.

The unexpected household upgrade cutting Australian energy bills by thousands each year
Australian’s are getting savvy with their household budgets and this one unexpected move is saving homeowners an average of nearly $3,000 a year.

Western Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore sells Footscray house
Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore is set to farewell his Footscray house after it scored a $1.35m-plus sale.

Opera-singing auctioneer helps St Albans house score $160k bonus
A musical auctioneer’s vocal stylings helped a house in Melbourne’s west soar more than $160,000 dollars above expectations on the weekend.

Builder rejected millions but fairytale castle now for sale
After fending off multimillion-dollar offers for decades, a Queensland builder’s medieval turreted castle is up for sale – with potential for the 4ha site to hold more than 100 homes.

Vale Judi O’Dea: Tributes flow for legendary Queensland agent
One of Queensland’s most highly respected and deeply loved real estate agents, Judi O’Dea passed away over the weekend, leaving behind a community that is, quite simply, less colourful without her.

Abandoned Kalangadoo police station sold after a decade empty
An abandoned police station and residence in the state’s south east have gone under offer, finally ending a decade of uncertainty.

Cost of living crunch forces millions of Australians to choose camping over hotels
Millions of Aussies are trading hotel rooms for tents in a bid to save money on a holiday. New research by Finder has revealed that 12 per cent of 1006 survey respondents – equivalent to 2.6 million people – have gone camping in the past two years to save on accommodation costs.

Bob Hawke and Blanche d’Alpuget love hideaway for sale
Pitt Point Cottage, a Scotland Island home with private beach, has been listed for sale with Lachlan Elder at LJ Hooker Mona Vale issuing a $4m guide.

Inside Guy Sebastian’s $10m ‘Fort Guy’ Maroubra mansion
Guy Sebastian has given fans a rare look inside his $10 million Sydney that sparked a bitter years-long war with his neighbours.

Retired couple ordered to demolish 25-year-old granny flat in six-figure dispute
Australia’s property market is no stranger to high stakes, but for one retired couple, a decades-old renovation decision has spiralled into a potential six-figure dispute with their local council, threatening their very home.

28-year-old FIFO worker salary into seven-figure empire
The fly-in, fly-out lifestyle is one of risk and reward. Workers experience long hours in some of Australia’s most remote areas, but are rewarded with lucrative salaries.

Ex-New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern considering move to Australia
Dame Jacinda Ardern’s possible move to Australia has sparked some shock theories on why she’s really moving Down Under. The former New Zealand prime minister of six years was seen looking at property on Sydney’s northern beaches earlier this week, fuelling speculation she and her family might be jumping over the ditch.

Inside JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s New York love nest
The romance between political scion John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette, takes center stage in an FX drama series that casts new light on the “undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship, and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century.

Cricket superstar Pat Cummins sells house for $15m
Australian Test cricket captain Pat Cummins and his wife, Becky, have sold their Bronte home for about $15m.

‘Quirky’ Sydney blocks with electricity substations for auction
Sydney properties holding live electricity substations have again hit the market, following a burst of listings that sparked online outrage last year.

Designer Alexandra Kidd lists $12m penthouse with rooftop pool
Interior designer Alexandra Kidd has listed the Elizabeth Bay pad that she converted from a one-bedder into an extraordinary dual-level “sky garden” penthouse with rooftop pool.

Global illustrator Michel Canetti lists Camberwell Victorian home for sale
Chanel and Louis Vuitton illustrator Michel Canetti has listed his Camberwell home as he prepares to return to Europe after 20 years in Melbourne. Canetti, whose 45-year career spans Argentina, France and Germany, has illustrated for global luxury houses including Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton and Guerlain, and has been listed four times among the “200 Best Illustrators Worldwide”.

Racing star James Moffat lists Beaconsfield townhouse project
Racing car driver James Moffat is doubling down on a secondary career as a high-end home developer with a series of up-market Beaconsfield townhouses listed for sale.

Moonee Ponds: Footy player Curtis Taylor to farewell first home
Former Kangaroo player Curtis Taylor’s Moonee Ponds townhouse is under offer with a sale expected north of $1.45m. Following his 2019 debut in the AFL, Taylor played 76 games with North Melbourne across six seasons.

Viral Brooki Bakehouse founder makes shock move after global deal
The woman behind viral cookie brand, Brooki Bakehouse, is making a fresh start on the home front in the wake of last year’s recipe scandal.

Comedian Celeste Barber’s split from husband puts lucrative beachfront portfolio in play
Aussie comedian Celeste Barber and husband Api Robin stand to carve up a lucrative beachfront portfolio following their split after two decades together.

Max Basheer’s Wattle Park home hits market after almost 60 years
It was the cherished family home of an SA icon and a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of working life, and now it can be yours as the property hits the market for the first time in almost six decades.

Real Commercial

Australia’s new theme park: Asian buyer takes over
Plans for Australia’s newest theme park precinct have received a huge boost following a nearby $318 million land acquisition by an international developer. Singapore-based Ho Bee Land Ltd secured the 181ha site in Queensland’s Moreton Bay region with plans to build 1400 homes.

James Packer, Robert De Niro finalise Nobu Beach Inn with eye-watering price tag
Aussie billionaire James Packer and Hollywood legend Robert De Niro are nearing the finish line on a “barefoot luxury” playground.

View.com.au

Parramatta Eels, NSW star Mitch Moses sells Sydney home prior to auction
Parramatta Eels and NSW playmaker Mitchell Moses and wife Bri have sold a Sydney property for a multi-million dollar price.

From 1923 to 1993: Step inside the time machines that sold for millions
In 1986, the average Brisbane house price was a fraction of today’s deposit. For one Hamilton family, an apartment purchased for just $69,000 four decades ago has just become a million-dollar windfall, as equity-rich buyers fight over a vanishingly small pool of local listings.

Brooki cookie queen Brooke Bellamy lists multimillion-dollar heritage home
Ten months after being accused by RecipeTin Eats founder and cookbook author Nagi Maehashi of plagiarising her recipes, TikTok baking queen Brooke Bellamy is selling her multimillion-dollar home in Queensland.

How Margot Robbie built a $30m property portfolio from Gold Coast to LA
Queen of the press tour, Margot Robbie has been hitting the red carpet for her latest film Wuthering Heights. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film is an adaptation of the classic Gothic novel by Emily Brontë.

Pay-walled

The Australian Financial Review

They’re half of all voters, and they’re mad as hell about property prices
For millions of young Australians, housing affordability is the subject that looms over every life decision they make. After years of talk, they want action now.

Brooke Bellamy to sell Brisbane home as cookie empire goes global
Brooke Bellamy and her landscaper husband Justice Bellamy have listed her 1898-built Brisbane home, as the social media star who founded Brooki Bakehouse focuses on overseas expansion.

The Sydney Morning Herald

What passengers can expect from NSW’s long-distance trains
Recognisable for their slick orange exteriors, NSW’s new long-distance passenger trains are turning heads as they undergo testing across the state’s rail network. Part of a project that is more than three years late and more than $800 million over budget, the sight of the first of a fleet of 29 new regional passenger trains racing past stations instils a sense that their entry into service is finally in sight.

How a bunker-like cavern holds Sydney’s largest metro train station down
Deep beneath the northern end of central Sydney, a giant bunker-like cavern for the city’s largest metro train station is being built to withstand water pressures that would threaten to lift it like an object in a bathtub.

‘Speculative pervert panic’: Why these baths’ historic open-air changing shed is making a stir
For the past 30 years, retired nurse Peter Wickham has got up before some people go to bed to drive from his home in Maitland to Newcastle Ocean Baths by 4.30am for a 1.5-kilometre swim.

The Age

Former PM’s seaside residence passed in at auction after promised federal funding falls over
The seaside home of Australia’s second prime minister, Alfred Deakin, has passed in at auction after a plan to put the historic property in public hands was derailed when the federal government declined to contribute funding this week.

The energy vampire next door: Life next to an AI mega-factory
The front line of Australia’s data centre boom is a feverish place with government chasing the billions being spent, opponents querying the broader costs, while those next door to the huge structures are finding it’s really not a great place to live.

The Brisbane Times

Mayor reveals she refused to sign CEO’s contract
A south-east Queensland mayor has called for an independent investigation into her council’s hiring process for a CEO after allegations of conflicts of interest and potential political interference were uncovered by this masthead.

The Brisbane bus route that had a 190 per cent surge in passengers
The equivalent of 3.9 million private car trips may have been redirected from Brisbane’s roads, according to the council, after a 10 per cent surge in bus trips. That estimate was based on an average of 1.2 people per vehicle.

The curious case of The Wave contractors and a new consulting firm
Rightly or wrongly, the LinkedIn job update post is a fixture of modern working life. Announcing two new gigs at the same time is less common – particularly if they involve the public sector.

The Daily Telegraph

Boomers bite back: ‘Entitled’ Gen Z’s must stop demanding a life of luxury and quit the blame game
It’s a clash of generations – Gen Z argues Baby Boomers have locked them out of the housing market but older Aussies say they should quit the blame game and get to work.

Real estate group seeks manager with ‘ownership’ in bizarre low-paying job ad
A Sydney real estate agency has offered around half the minimum wage for a social media manager role demanding “ownership” of company accounts and personal branding duties.

The Herald Sun

Banker Marshall Baillieu battles $1.7bn wind farm over residents’ ‘spiritual distress’
A prominent Sydney banker from a wealthy political family will copy a move used by environmentalists to block coal mines in his bid to stop a giant $1.7bn wind farm.

The Gold Coast Bulletin

Why Gold Coast still remembers iconic Grundy’s fun park 45 years on.
The beloved Surfers Paradise attraction that welcomed three million visitors over 12 years has left an enduring legacy 45 years after its spectacular opening.

The West Australian

Matthew James Fry, Anna Katarzyna Fry given approval to build staircase from Dalkeith mansion to Swan River
Owners of a mansion on Perth’s Millionaire’s Row have been given the approval to build a $500,000 staircase leading from their Dalkeith property to the Swan River foreshore.

‘Difficult reality’: Gen Z and millennials feel left behind in the game of life, P&N Bank survey reveals
The adage that hard work and saving guarantees financial security is rapidly evaporating amid the ongoing cost-of-living and housing affordability crises, particularly for gen Z and millennials who say both are taking a heavy toll on their mental health.

Luxury resort featured in TV show White Lotus to open five-star hotel at Perth’s Burswood Point
A luxury hotel chain famous for featuring in the TV show White Lotus has been revealed as a major operator in Perth’s $4 billion Burswood Point. Anantara Hotel has been confirmed as the luxury operator to set up a five-star hotel in the inner southeastern suburb of Perth.

House That! World champ surfer Jack Robinson selling $3m Margaret River house overlooking the ocean
World champion surfer Jack Robinson’s love affair with the waves outside the Gnarabup home he recently listed for sale is the stuff of legend.

The Australian

Parents turn to buyer’s agents to give kids a competitive edge in buying their first home
Instead of adding more dollars to the deposit, a buyer’s agent fee might offer better value in a hot entry-level property market.

Sports car garages drive sales in Melbourne’s luxury property market
Luxury houses sporting premium garages and basements are helping shift Melbourne’s luxury residential real estate, with entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s seeking to accommodate their prestige car collections among the keenest buyers.