SUPERSTAR cricketer Brett Lee has been bowled over by the booming Sunshine Coast property market, snapping up a $1 million penthouse in Noosa.
Motivated by stories of the region's great beaches and top fishing spots on the reefs off Noosa, Lee wasted no time buying a penthouse off the plan in the Rise Apartments on Noosa Hill.
The 45-apartment development, to be built immediately behind the Noosa Reef Hotel, was only released to the market just before Christmas. The fast bowler was looking for a holiday property and will now join the likes of his one-day team captain Ricky Ponting and former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy as Sunshine Coast real estate owners.
Lee took advantage of Tuesday's optional training day for the national squad ahead of Wednesday's limited-over international against Sri Lanka at the Gabba to have a sleep in and rest.
He has been forced to shoulder a staggering workload in recent weeks after injuries to fellow fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie. After being dropped for the first Ashes Test of the summer against England, the 26-year-old has confirmed his star status with a series of quality performances.
Being the youngest of Australia's regular pacemen, Lee looks on track to confirm test skipper Steve Waugh's prediction that he will eventually become the country's first cricketer to earn a $1 million-a-year ACB contract. He already earns more off the field from lucrative endorsements for promoting products such as Gatorade and Weet-bix.