Outback Wrangler’s house tops hottest listings
By
In an unexpected twist, the home of Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has become the most sought-after property in Australia, despite being under offer. The four-bedroom residence, located at 124 Virginia Road, Virginia, has captured the attention of real estate enthusiasts across the nation, topping the list of most-viewed properties on realestate.com.au for the week leading up to September 9.
The property, which boasts a sprawling 3-hectare plot, has garnered over 51,000 views since its listing seven months ago. This surge in interest has eclipsed other high-profile properties, including a Sydney residence known as ‘Windsor Castle’, which famously sold for $11.8 million in 2015, and a less remarkable home at 9 Morse Place, Morley in Western Australia.
The heightened interest in Wright’s property follows his recent legal troubles. On August 29, Wright was found guilty on two of three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice, charges that stem from a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of his co-star Chris Wilson. Despite the verdict, Wright has announced his intention to appeal the decision.
In a bid to sweeten the deal, Wright took to Instagram in August with an unconventional offer: the inclusion of a 4.5-metre saltwater crocodile named ‘Spicy’ with the property. “If you really, really want the place, I’ll even leave ya with Spicy,” Wright quipped in a reel, adding a unique twist to the property’s appeal. However, it remains unclear if the crocodile was part of the final agreement when the listing was marked as “under offer” later that month.
Wright and his wife have owned the property for nine years, during which they transformed it from a standard Darwin elevated house into a minimalist masterpiece. The home now features high-end finishes such as Taj Mahal stone and quartzite benchtops, Venetian plaster, and Murano glass, alongside four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a self-contained unit downstairs.
The home’s popularity can be attributed not only to its luxurious renovations but also to Wright’s celebrity status. Wright gained fame through the reality television series Outback Wrangler, which highlighted his daring work as a helicopter pilot and crocodile catcher in Australia’s rugged Top End. The show, which first aired in 2011, enjoyed several successful seasons before tragedy struck with the helicopter crash that led to Wilson’s death and permanent injuries to pilot Sebastian Robinson.
Wright’s legal challenges began when NT Police charged him with three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice related to the crash. Wright pleaded not guilty to all charges, but a Territory jury ultimately found him guilty on two counts. Despite the legal setbacks, Wright remains determined to clear his name, stating his intention to appeal the jury’s decision.
The real estate community has been abuzz with the news of Wright’s property topping the charts. A spokesperson from realestate.com.au noted the unusual circumstances surrounding the property’s popularity, saying, “It’s not every day that a rural home in the Northern Territory outshines some of the most prestigious properties in Australia. The combination of celebrity intrigue, legal drama, and a unique selling proposition with the crocodile has certainly captured public interest.”
As the dust settles on Wright’s legal proceedings and the property sale progresses, the fate of ‘Spicy’ the crocodile remains a topic of curiosity. Whether or not the reptilian resident will accompany the new owners is yet to be confirmed, but one thing is certain: the saga of Matt Wright’s Virginia Road home has captivated the nation, blending the worlds of real estate and reality television in a way few could have anticipated.