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Bathing Box 89’s koala mural was recognised by the Bayside Council as the best exterior mural on the famous sandy strip.
A Brighton beach box dubbed the “ultimate Australian icon” has equalled the record price for the famous stretch of sand.
Bathing Box 89 sold on Thursday evening for an undisclosed figure, understood to have matched the record price of $337,000 set at an April 2018 auction for Bathing Box 76B.
Marshall White agent Matthew Pillios confirmed No. 89 sold above its price range of $300,000 to $330,000 on March 21.
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Two entrances offer wide views out on the bay.
Bathing Box 89 is on a quieter stretch of sand, removed from the Life Saving club.
Bathing box 89 before it captured beach walkers’ attention with the relaxing koala mural.
The record-setting auction of 76B last year saw Nick Johnstone Real Estate’s eponymous director conduct the event in board shorts and dive into the ocean to celebrate a successful sale.
Thursday’s sale didn’t make it to Saturday’s auction though, much to the dismay of an excited Mr Pillios.
“We had a lot planned for the auction — I was arriving on a jet ski, we had food and festivities, but we had to put the vendor first,” Mr Pillios said.
The beach box, which has a mural of a koala enjoying a relaxing day at the beach, was picked up by a local middle-aged couple with children.
“It was picked up by local residents who love the beach box for them and their kids to enjoy,” Mr Pillios said.
“They love the artwork, they fell in love with the beach box the first time they saw it.”
The mural was painted by artist Daniel Worth and was awarded by the City of Bayside as the best exterior mural along the beach, according to the listing.
The beach boxes bring colour and character to Brighton Beach.
Mr Pillios said the overwhelming interest in Box 89 included well-known former cricket and football stars, as well as a current TV star.
“My phone was running hot the last month. The property was very well received and very highly spoken about in the local community.”
The colourful beach box had been owned for three decades by one family, who decided it was time to let a new family bring the idyllic space to life.
Mr Pillios said the box was further down the beach from the Brighton Life Saving Club, making it a more private location.
A second entry alongside the main double doors allows a virtually unobstructed panorama of the ocean and distant city views.
Nick Johnstone, of Nick Johnstone Real Estate, conducts a Brighton beach auction in board shorts in December 2016. Picture: Sarah Matray
Overwhelmed by hot demand for Bathing Box 85, auctioneer Nick Johnstone chose to cool down in the dwelling’s front yard. Picture: Sarah Matray
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