PHOTO: Queensland Reds rugby star James O’Connor at his family home in Paradise Point, which he is selling. Picture: Nigel Hallett. Source:News Limited
RUGBY prodigy James O’Connor is selling his family home of 20 years on the Gold Coast to focus on his career comeback in Brisbane.
It’s a bittersweet move for the 29-year-old, who fondly recalls his years as a teenager having barbecues with friends and playing on the beach in front of the home at 94 The Esplanade, Paradise Point.
The Wallabies star loved the house he grew up in so much that he bought it off his parents when they moved interstate a decade ago. Yet his return to Australia, after a stint playing overseas, has led him to Brisbane where he recently signed a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.
The view from the kitchen in the property at 94 The Esplanade, Paradise Point. Source: Supplied
“The commute just isn’t possible anymore,” O’Connor said.
“I want to be closer to the Reds’ headquarters and make Brisbane my home in Queensland for good now.
“It is sad to see it go, but time moves on and your plans change.”
O’Connor renovated the property himself, including turning the backyard into a Balinese inspired ‘recovery area’, featuring a straw hut, spa and saltwater pool.
“That was my little creation,” he said.
“We used to set up the flat screen, have tea in the spa and then have a dip in the pool.”
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