Australian TV tycoon Grundy puts Bermuda home up for sale for $38.2m

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Australian television pioneer Reg Grundy has put his huge Tucker’s Town estate up for sale for just over $38.2 million.

Behind former US consul general’s residence Chelston in Paget, Idolwood Lagoon Estate is one of the most expensive homes ever listed in Bermuda. Chelston is listed with Christie’s local affiliate John Sinclair for $45 million.

Mr Grundy’s palatial Idolwood Lagoon Estate is set on the waterfront on 4.25 acres and has a 10,000 square-foot main house, three cottages and its own beach, dock, tennis court and four garages.

The home and grounds featured extensively during Mr Grundy’s interview a few years ago with Australian TV host Tracy Grimshaw. He and wife Joy invited her exclusively into their sprawling Bermuda home and grounds.

Mr Grundy, the man behind the Restless Years, Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, Neighbours and Sale of the Century, had not given a major interview in decades.

His home is listed with Rego Sotheby’s International Realty, and agent Margaret Young. She declined to comment on the listing or reason for the estate being put up for sale.

Rego’s website describes the estate as having a main residence which was completely rebuilt in 1997 includes five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a study with half bathroom.

“As well as a spacious two-storey entrance hall, grand living room, formal dining room, kitchen, family room and two-storey library, two of the guest bedrooms have their own living room, dining area and kitchenette,” the listing says.

“Summer Cottage is a self contained guest cottage with studio kitchen and patio overlooking the lagoon. Little Moss Cottage has 2 bedrooms ensuite, living room with open plan kitchen and outdoor terrace as well as a studio annex with bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom. Mayfield Cottage is currently used as an office but has the ability to be three bedrooms with one ensuite and two half baths with entrance hall, kitchen and living room and a terrace overlooking Castle Harbour. Adding to its desirability are four garages, gym, tennis court, an extensive orchard, nature trails with ravines, two docks and moorings.”

Mr Grundy, now nearly 90 years old, often ventured out from Idolwood Lagoon Estate to photograph his beloved Bermuda longtails.

He published a book of photographs in 2005, “The Wildlife of Reg Grundy” and has exhibited his photos of longtails at local galleries. They are also displayed at LF Wade International Airport.

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