From reality TV to real estate: MAFS contestant's lakeside gem sells for $1.55m
The renovation added $640,000 in value to the property.
A former Married at First Sight contestant has sold her Mediterranean-inspired home in Lake Macquarie.
Tara-Lee Preston, who appeared as a "back-up bride" on the 2025 season of Channel Nine's reality television show, listed the four-bedroom, three-bathroom house at 6 Elizabeth Place in Swansea with Shanti Page at SOLD Real Estate.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The property sold for $1.55 million.
Cotality records show Ms Preston purchased the lakeside home, El Castillo, in August 2020 for $910,000.
It returned to the market five years later after undergoing a major makeover that celebrates the home's European roots.
The renovation added $640,000 in value to the property.
The property sold to a young couple moving from a house on waterfront reserve at Summerland Point.
Ms Page said the listing generated strong levels of inquiry, however, the home's small floor plan and single living area deterred family buyers.
"We had hundreds of people through the door because it was so interesting and fun," Ms Page said.
"Everyone said 'we want to buy it, it's gorgeous' but once they got inside, they realised it didn't fit.
"It was perfect for a single professional or couple because it is quite small and only has one living area."
The property hit the market with price hopes of $1.7 million but sold after a price reduction at the owner's request after she accepted a job offer in Brisbane.
Ms Preston celebrated the sale on her Instagram account with the caption: 'Been busy!!! Chapter closed. Let's get moving'.
According to listing agent Ms Page, the house was built in 1981, and the original owner was from Portugal.
Arched windows and terracotta tiles create a distinct Mediterranean flavour.
"It is the genuine article," Ms Page said.
"The original owner was Portuguese, so he tried to create something special and wanted it to be authentic.
"He wanted to recreate his homeland by the lake, and now, it's more popular than when it was originally built."
Set on 559 square metres in a cul-de-sac and only 15 steps from the lake, the house spans two levels, including a large outdoor terrace.
New additions include an in-ground swimming pool surrounded by landscaped gardens with tropical plants and cacti.
The property also has a drive-through garage, with a bathroom and a kitchenette.
According to Cotality, the median house value in Swansea is $1.08 million.
Originally published as From reality TV to real estate: MAFS contestant's lakeside gem sells for $1.55m
