Basketball legend Luc Longley lists beloved WA beach house

The former Chicago Bulls champion is farewelling his cherished coastal retreat, a sprawling 140ha sanctuary at 132 William Bay Road, William Bay which he purchased sight unseen in 1991 at the age 22 while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The basketballer, who became the first Australian to play in the NBA and win three championships, bought the property with the money he made from his first trading card deal as the first Australian in the big league.

"Dad nailed it in 1991. I set him a challenge to find me a place near the bush and the beach. He found this total unicorn with a freshwater supply and no neighbours," Longley recalls of seeing the property for the first time in April 1992.

"It was wild and rudimentary but I fell in love with it straight away. I've always loved the smell of peppermint trees. There's nothing better than the smell of peppy trees and salt air.

“It’s not a working farm but there is scope to add wind and solar power and be self-sufficient."

The 2.18m tall basketballer from Fremantle always loved the bush, sitting around fires and riding bikes and so this property always represented far more than real estate, it was the place where one of Australia's greatest sporting heroes found peace, raised his family, and reconnected with the land he loved.

The property became Longley's "tethering point" throughout his high profile career, serving as the ultimate reset facility between seasons and following his retirement in September 2001.

"It's been the best place on earth to rest and reset," says Longley. "It was also my hideout."

During his 15 years playing in America, including the historic three-peat with the Chicago Bulls alongside super stars Michael Jordan, Denis Rodman and Scottie Pippen from 1996 to 1998, the beach base served as a sanctuary of sorts for Longley.

In the decade leading up to 2024, Longley lived there full time with his wife Anna Gare, embracing a lifestyle of surfing, sustainability and solitude,

“I retired in September 2001 and went straight to the beach house. I couldn't wait to get there.”

Selling agents Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park principal Jody Fewster and Andrew Barrow of Ray White Denmark have both been appointed to the campaign which is seeking buyers $4.5m plus with a closing date of November 5.

The agents said the property's appeal lies in its extraordinary setting within the William Bay National Park.

“The estate boasts a remarkable 943-metre coastal boundary leading directly to the pristine Mazzoletti Beach. From the doorstep, you can access world-famous natural landmarks including Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Madfish Bay, and Waterfall Beach, with the Bibbulmun Track and Wilderness Ocean Walk running along the property's edge,” the duo said.

For Longley, the manual work required to maintain the property provided ideal cross-training for a professional basketballer.

He built a tree house for his blended family with four children, constructed a viewing platform for sunset sundowners and yoga plus established a productive orchard growing citrus, olives, and Mediterranean produce.

"We grew vegetables, fruit trees, chillies, olives, Mediterranean fruit and vegetables work well here," he explains. "With more than 140ha and no one around you, it's special. We even built an amphitheater!"

The main residence sits elevated above a private lake with sweeping lawns, featuring expansive open-plan interiors and a commercial-grade kitchen designed for both family living and large-scale entertaining. Multiple outdoor entertaining areas and a generous deck capture serene views.