IF you’re a beer fan with a wallet big enough to afford a private island, this listing could be the perfect investment for you.
Pumpkin Island is a demure paradise located in the Southern Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia, easily recognised by ale fans.
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It was made famous in a comedic advert for Brisbane-based beer company XXXX, which touted the place as a remote man cave.
Brewers at Castlemaine Perkins leased the picturesque island as part of a promotional campaign in 2012 for three years, welcoming thousands of boozers to their boozy oasis.
The memorable publicity stunt poked fun at their clientele by dubbing the island “the perfect male hideaway from ladies”.
XXXX called on their fans to help build it and vote for the amenities they wanted included – such as an “ingenious beer-delivery system” and a “one-hole golf course”.
The advert wrapped up with the message: “XXXX Gold fans far and wide have a place to call their own for years to come.”
But beer lovers were given the boot in 2015 when the lease came to an end – although the Aussie company has left a lasting legacy.
Pumpkin Island’s notoriety from the advert easily justifies the £11.3million price tag that it has hit the market with.
The delightful weather all year round is also a welcome bonus – as the temperature rarely drops below 25C.
Investors breathed a new lease of life into Pumpkin Island in 2016, transforming the haven for blokes into a landmark eco-retreat.
Spanning just an acre and a half in area, the intimate island boasts five solar and wind-powered oceanfront cottages as well as two beach bungalows.
It is completely off-grid and relies on the elements to sustain itself, so it is probably a good job it can only accommodate 34 guests.
Pumpkin Island was the first beyond carbon neutral island in Australia, incredibly offsetting 150 per cent of its annual greenhouse gas emissions.
The listing on Private Islands Online describes it as a “tiny gem” where the exotic wildlife wows those lucky enough to visit it.
Dolphins, turtles and whales grace the turquoise shoreline, while guests can explore the stunning coral reefs on snorkelling trips.
The lucky buyer can call its pristine, protected beaches their backyard and spend their days harvesting their own oysters or fishing for their supper.
Pumpkin Island may take an eco approach to life, but there is still an air of luxury to the Australian sanctuary.
As well as an array of grand buildings, there is a helicopter pad, two moorings and a passenger boat dedicated to ferrying clients.
An adorable open beach bar, a raised lookout area and a small playground for children also give Pumpkin Island some charm.
Extraordinarily, this is only the second time Pumpkin Island has been put up for sale since it was won in a poker game in the 1960s.
It was snapped up by Queensland-based company Sojourn Properties Pty Ltd, a luxury accommodation company owned by the Rumble family, in 2003 for just £682,000.
The uber-rich brood suggested it was the perfect place to escape to during a future pandemic, as Covid did not manage to cripple it.
Real estate agents at Knight Frank previously dubbed the listing an “opportunity that only presents itself once in a blue moon”.
They said: “Pumpkin Island is a very unique property offering privacy, seclusion and exclusivity, and is a fantastic destination for tourists or locals wanting an escape.
“We expect it will be even more attractive in the current climate post COVID-19 for someone who wishes to use it as a safe haven during any possible future pandemics.
“During this pandemic, life continued on the island as normal.”
The tropical haven has continued to thrive, making it quite the promising investment.
The sellers are offering a leasehold until 2046, when it will become a rolling lease over the entire island.
If you need any more convincing, purchasing Pumpkin Island would allow you to apply for a Business Innovation and Investment Visa too.
This means the buyer would be able to enter and become a permanent resident of Australia – which is an enticing BOGOF offer.
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