Paris Hilton Chases Coast Hideaway

July 03, 2008

Infamous party girl Paris Hilton could be moving to the Gold Coast to escape Los Angeles' intense paparrazi pack.

A source yesterday told The Bulletin the model/singer/actor was seeking Australian residence and had enlisted an Australian to assist her in sourcing a suitable property to shield her from growing media scrutiny.

The most likely option is that Hilton, who has had a long love affair with the Coast, had secured one of the luxury penthouses in the Hilton Hotel development being built in Surfers Paradise.

Real Estate agent Luke Woollard from Pacific Lifestyle Property, who is marketing the multimillion- dollar apartments, would neither confirm or deny the rumours yesterday.

But he said there were no penthouses or sub-penthouses available in the $700 million development that will be managed by Hilton Hotels when completed.

"I can't say who has bought properties in the Hilton because of the Privacy Act," he said.

"People from all over the world have bought in the Hilton. It has attracted a lot of interest from everywhere."

Ms Hilton is no stranger to the Coast, having lived here for a few months during 2005 while working on the House of Wax remake at Warner Bros Movie World.

While filming in the Hinterland she told The Bulletin she would love to get herself a place here one day.

"I love the Gold Coast, it's amazing," she said. "I really enjoy it here. I think it would be a fantastic place to come when you have kids.

"It's just so laid-back and cool. I am very happy here."

Coincidentally the party girl, who shot to fame on the back of a home-made porn movie, is starting to settle down with Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden.

Mr Madden is also a big fan of the Coast, falling in love with the city while he was engaged to local star Sophie Monk.

Last year, while Good Charlotte were touring Australia, Mr Madden and then fiancee Monk went house-hunting on the Coast.

"We talk about it (buying a home in Australia) all the time," he said.

"When we get free time in Australia, we'll look at some places there."

The couple split in February, ending the 18-month relationship, with Mr Madden hooking up with Ms Hilton not long after.

While they claim they're not engaged, Ms Hilton has been spotted wearing a new ring on her left hand engagement finger.