RealEstate reported on June 28 that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returned to Australia after being freed, and his next step is to find a place to live.
Assange, who has spent the past five years in Belmarsh, Britain's highest-security prison, and the previous seven years at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, finally returned to Australia last night after a plea deal was reached.
According to his wife, Stella Assange, he plans to make the most of this opportunity to regain his freedom and enjoy the beautiful Australian seascape every day.
(Image source: RealEstate)
"Assange plans to swim in the sea every day, sleep in bed, taste delicious food, and enjoy freedom." Stella told the media. Stella also said Assange also plans to teach his two children, Gabriel and Max, to catch crabs.
Assange's home buying needs are probably similar to those of many Australian home buyers. As a family of four, he may need at least four bedrooms and preferably a home office. Having lived in small spaces for long periods of time, including a 2-by-3-meter prison room and a small office in Ecuador's embassy, Assange is likely hoping to find a detached home with a courtyard and plenty of fresh air.
In terms of choosing a location, he wants to be close to the sea and may consider communities with good dining environments due to the high demand for good food. Proximity to the school will also certainly be a priority factor in a few years.
(Image source: RealEstate)
Assange has lived in more than 50 different towns in Australia, so there are quite a few potential locations on his radar.
His father, John Shipton, said in an interview in 2020 that Assange could live in Mullumbimby or Melbourne, where he lived in Carlton during his time at the University of Melbourne. But Sydney is also expected to be one of his places to live, as the city has more than 100 beaches and bays.
While his financial situation and budget for buying a house are unclear, given that Stella is a human rights lawyer and Assange himself has multiple book publishing contracts, there should be plenty of options to choose from. In addition, Assange has claimed to be an early investor in bitcoin, saying that he bought it back in 2010 when the price was less than a penny.
The price of Bitcoin has now soared to more than $91,000, although it is unclear if or how much he still holds the cryptocurrency.
(Image source: RealEstate)
Combined with his needs and a potentially unlimited budget, here are several properties currently on the market that could be a perfect fit for the Assange family.
*125 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby, NSW*
Located just outside of downtown Mullumbimby, this home sits on a 34-acre plot of land and is a true expression of freedom.
According to the listing, the property is just a 15-minute drive from the beach and features lush pastures, rainforests and the Brunswick River at the back.
The converted farmhouse has three bedrooms and an open plan living area in the main building, a hallway leading to the main house, a two-bedroom pool house and two separate cottages.
(Image source: RealEstate)
Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Mullumbimby also has a farmers' market and dining options for fresh produce. Being far away from the city and receiving less media attention, Assange is here to settle into life in Australia.
*4A Molong Street, North Curl Curl, NSW*
In North Curl Curl, on Sydney's north shore, this almost brand new home allows Assange to enjoy his morning coffee while enjoying the sea view from his balcony.
The house has five bedrooms, a swimming pool, media and recreation rooms, and a spacious garage that can be double-doubled as a gym. What's more, it's less than a five-minute walk to the beach.
(Image source: RealEstate)
According to a new report from SGS Economics, Sydney's North Coast is ranked number one of the most liveable areas in Australia.
*23 Somerset Street, Horseshoe Bay, QLD*
Assange was born in Townsville and often travels with his family to nearby Magnetic Island.
He once saw it as a childhood playground for fishing, rafting and horseback riding. If he plans to return to the area, this five-bedroom home would be an ideal home to relive those carefree days and raise his children in a similar way.
(Image source: RealEstate)
Magnetic Island is perfect for water activities, with countless clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, as well as a great place to catch mud crabs.
*21 Bangalore Street, Kensington, VIC*
If Assange returns to Melbourne to settle down, he could consider this detached home with a double-door front yard in Kensington, which is located north-west of the city centre.
(Image source: RealEstate)
Recently refurbished, this single-storey home features an open-plan interior with luxurious marble, travertine and European oak. There are four bedrooms and a swimming pool. In addition, the home is within walking distance of Kensington Elementary School and not far from the area where he used to live in Carlton.