Retired AFL superstar Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and his wife, model-turned-businesswoman Jesinta, have made a decisive move away from the spotlight, purchasing a $4.6 million estate in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The couple, who are expecting their third child, have officially swapped their glamorous Reedy Creek mega-mansion for the serene, semi-rural setting of Guanaba.
Securing the Secluded Estate
The property, known as Avonleigh Park, was quietly sold before its scheduled July auction, according to reports. Situated on 3.2 hectares of land on the banks of the Coomera River, the estate generated massive online interest, amassing over 21,000 views.
Agents from Kollosche, Kara Christensen and Bella Sorenson, finalised the deal after just 20 days on the market and 15 private inspections, securing the Franklins' new family sanctuary.
A Family-Focused 'Hobby Farm' Dream
The main residence is a contemporary farmhouse perched in an elevated position, offering views across manicured lawns and established gardens. Designed for family living, the home features multiple kitchens and dining areas, a home office, and generous open-plan spaces that open onto a large entertainer's deck.
This deck leads to an alfresco pavilion and an infinity-edge pool, providing resort-style luxury. The property fully embraces the couple's desire for a 'hobby farm', coming complete with equestrian facilities, stables, a barn, a large chicken coop, and garden beds ready for home-grown produce.
A riverside gazebo and riparian pumping rights from the Coomera River add to the country retreat feel and practical functionality.
Leaving the Glamour Behind
This purchase marks a significant downsize from their previous home, the Mediterranean-inspired Villa Casa in Reedy Creek. The Franklins had bought that property in 2022 for $8.75 million and, after several attempts, finally sold it late last year to a family from Victoria.
Speaking about their motivation for the move, Buddy, 38, has been open about seeking a slower pace after his 2023 retirement from the AFL. He reflected fondly on his time in Sydney but admitted that after having children, the constant attention from paparazzi became overwhelming.
Jesinta has echoed these sentiments, stating they now crave privacy and space for their children—daughter Tallulah, five, and son Rocky, four—to roam freely, prioritising a more grounded lifestyle over red carpets and city convenience. Their new home in Guanaba, a world away from the hustle of their previous lives, fulfils that long-held dream.
