This is the house that Christopher Skase built for a reported $35 million back in 1988.

The palatial Bromley estate at 36 Dickson Terrace with its Italianate interior was something Queenslanders had never seen before. But then, Skase, with his extravagance, was unique for his time.

Now, with Skase long gone after dying of stomach cancer in 2001 on Majorca, Spain, his former glory estate is about to finally have some work done since a $5 million extension in 1997.  

Its new owner is Steven Shoobridge, the head of Star Hotel Group, Queensland’s biggest independent hospitality outfit, who nabbed a bargain paying $10.139 million in 2017 when it was thought it would fetch $25 million.

But in terms of a ‘touch up’, not too much is expected. Neighbours have observed tradies come and go at the nine-bedroom, nine-bathroom mansion, although they may have to be satisfied with a freshly-painted exterior.

Skase’s former property occupies nine land titles, with a glass conservatory with city views, gymnasium, wine cellar with tasting room, large pool, terraced gardens, a children’s wing, self-contained housekeeper’s quarters, and a garage for eight cars.

 It was described in 2016 as “the most elite residence on the market”, representing “an extraordinary era in Australian history; a decadent period in Queensland’s past”.

Often described as Australia’s most notorious fugitive – he fled to Spain in 1991 after declaring bankruptcy – he is credited for putting Port Douglas on the map. His legacies include the Marina and the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas.

The Australian Government was unsuccessful to extradite Skase on 60 charges resulting from his corporate collapse.