Nisha Downes, once the central figure in a high-profile polyamorous relationship with Travers ‘Candyman’ Beynon and his wife Taesha, has broken her silence about her life in the opulent yet controversial Candy Shop Mansion on the Gold Coast. Her revelations come as Beynon, the flamboyant tobacco tycoon, retreats from the public eye.
Downes, who moved into Beynon’s mansion in 2015 at the age of 19, has confirmed that she left the relationship three years ago. Now 29, she has transitioned from a life of extravagant parties and designer shopping sprees to a more conventional lifestyle as a development manager in the construction industry.
The End of an Era
In an exclusive interview, Downes shared her reasons for leaving the high-profile relationship. “I was 19 when I moved in, and when I turned 27, I wondered if this was what I really wanted,” she admitted. “I started thinking about my life and how long I wanted to do this. If we had kids, would I be comfortable in that dynamic forever?”
Her departure marks a significant change in the dynamics of the Beynon household, known for its lavish parties and social media spectacle. Downes described her decision as a move towards a more intimate relationship, leaving behind the grandeur of the Candy Shop Mansion for a ‘normal life’.
The Candyman’s Disappearance
Meanwhile, questions are mounting about Beynon’s sudden disappearance from social media. Known for flaunting his opulent lifestyle, Beynon last posted on Facebook in April 2023 and has been inactive on TikTok since August 2019. This retreat coincides with changes in his business operations, as the main site for FreeChoice Tobacco is currently offline, although its franchise stores continue to operate.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that FreeChoice vacated its Gold Coast head office earlier this year, with the space now leased to a new business. This shift has fueled speculation about the future of Beynon’s business empire.
Real Estate Moves and Market Speculation
Adding to the intrigue, Beynon is once again attempting to sell his 14-bedroom mansion, a property that has been on the market since 2023. Initially listed with a $25 million price tag, the property is now being marketed by agents Ivy Wu and Isaac Kim of Ivy Realty. The mansion, located in Helensvale, boasts an expansive 2,230 square-meter floorplan, mosaic murals, and hand-painted frescos.
Beynon’s decision to sell comes amid what appears to be a period of upheaval. The mansion, with its 1.4 acres and 175 meters of private water frontage, represents both the height of his flamboyance and a potential turning point in his lifestyle.
Reflections and Future Prospects
For Downes, the decision to leave the Candy Shop Mansion was not driven by any dramatic incident but rather a personal reflection on her future. “Nothing hectic happened in the end,” she said. “I just felt being with one person would be a bit more intimate.”
As Beynon steps back from the spotlight, the future of his public persona and business ventures remains uncertain. Whether this retreat is temporary or marks a permanent shift in his approach to life and business is yet to be seen. For now, the Gold Coast’s most notorious playboy seems to be reevaluating his priorities, just as Downes has done.
