Doyle’s lived in Queenstown since 1971, but he’s originally from Sydney — and he’s regularly paid tribute to his homeland by hosting Australia Day cricket games on his 2.4-hectare property, which he’s built up over 35 years.
Keeping the Aussie theme, the pad — on the corner of Lower Shotover and Speargrass Flat Rds — was listed by local Harcourts agent Allyra McGrath, who hails from the Gold Coast.
And, after almost a year on the market, it’s been bought by Australians who live south of Sydney.
"So it’s staying in Aussie hands, but Queenstown lovers," McGrath says.
During the marketing campaign, which resulted in eight offers, she reports there were 47,000-plus online views, "which is huge", 56 direct enquiries and 28 viewings — it’s understood the sale price was over $3.5million.
"A lot of inquiry was from Australia — lots of people looking to move over here.
"A surprising number of people did just want to buy it as a holiday home, and there were quite a few local buyers looking to upgrade as well — a lot of local interest just came from people seeing the sign on the corner."
McGrath says the new owners are excited about moving in and see a lot of potential in the property.
Meanwhile, Doyle, who’s yet to confirm his next move, says "everyone wanted to know whether they can subdivide".
"You’re not allowed to, and I look at my view up to Coronet Peak and there’s no homes in front of me, and I go, ‘why would you want to?"’
He admits he’ll leave with some regrets.
"I’ve raised three boys out of this place, and my wife and I had a wonderful time.
"We’ve had some fabulous music and sports things here, lots of parties and lots of great times with lots of people, it’s been a thrill."
When people hear he’s sold, "they go, ‘oh, no, that’s the best party place I’ve ever been to’.
"But then I start thinking, ‘well, I’m getting a bit older now’."
