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A Queensland development company has beat overseas and interstate competition to secure the Tweed Coast site currently home to Australia’s premier glamping resort.

The Hideaway holding at 2-6 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita sold for ‘circa $5 million’ – the biggest sale the seaside village has seen in a decade.

The Hideaway site at 2-6 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach has sold for ‘circa $5 million’.

The sale brings a reprieve of sorts for The Hideaway following community fears for the future of the resort and possible development of the site.

“It’s been bought by a Brisbane-based civil contract company for circa $5 million,” said Nick Witheriff of LJ Hooker – Kingscliff.

“They have got a view to keep the business going as it is for now and then look at an alternative for potential development of the site down the track.”

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The Cabarita Beach site is zoned for development or subdivision.

Located between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, the 2.803ha parcel is the only development land remaining on the eastern side of Tweed Coast Road and is R3-zoned for a unit or townhouse development or land subdivision.

Mr Witheriff said the beachside holding attracted strong interstate and overseas interest.

“There were six written offers, with three rounds of negotiations to get the best and final offer,” he said.

“Offers came from Sydney, Melbourne, New Zealand, Brisbane, a local government entity and a local party.”

The Hideaway will continue to operate as a glamping resort for now.

Formerly home to the Cabarita Beach Caravan Park, the site was purchased by a syndicate of investors in 2018 before reopening as an outdoor hotel at the start of last year.

The idyllic seaside resort has received rave reviews worldwide for its spacious bell tents with all the modern trimmings and luxe bohemian decor.

News of the sale raised concerns within the Cabarita community who led a campaign to keep the land in local hands.

“There was a lot of anxiety from local community groups,” Mr Witheriff said.

“There’s been a lot of discussion around how locals might somehow retain the site to avoid future development.”

The existing infrastructure and amenities were included in the sale, due to settle on September 23, with the resort having resumed trade last month when COVID-19 restrictions were eased.

The post Top glamping resort sold in multi million-dollar deal appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Sydney has seen its third straight month of home values falling. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

Sydney dwelling values have recorded their largest monthly fall in 16 months, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the property market.

The latest CoreLogic Home Values Index reports the median property value across Sydney dropped 0.9 per cent to $866,110 during July.

The slump is largest monthly fall of the past three months and means the average dwelling is now back at January prices. Despite this, property prices still remain 12.1 per cent higher than a year ago.

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The market has remained stable since the pandemic Picture: Gaye Gerard/ Sunday Telegraph.

The median price of a freestanding house was $1,002,107, 1.0 per cent lower than at the start of July, while the median unit price was $747,238, 0.7 per cent lower. The fall is being fuelled by homes at the top end of the market, which have suffered more a substantial drop in value than cheaper houses.

CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said the market has remained resilient during the pandemic, with prices only falling 2.1 per cent since the peak in April.

“Record low interest rates, government support and loan repayment holidays for distressed borrowers have helped to insulate the housing market from a more significant downturn,” he said.

Mr Lawless added government incentives that have targeted first homebuyers has result in increased demand for property from that section of the market.

With fiscal support set to taper from October and repayment holidays expiring at the end of March next year, Mr Lawless said these two events will test how strong the market is and could result in larger price falls.

“Urgent sales are likely to become more common as we approach these milestones, which will test the market’s resilience,” he said.

CoreLogic reports new listings are up 46 per cent from the recent lows of early May and are now at a similar level to a year ago.

Apartments dropped 0.7 per cent during July.

“The rise in fresh listings implies homeowners have become more willing to test the market,” Mr Lawless said.

CoreLogic property analyst Eliza Owen said the market in Sydney is unlikely to improve on a pricing front until international borders reopen and the economy starts to recover.

“The Sydney market relies on migrants to help fuel demand for property, so until they can enter again, prices are unlikely to increase,” she said.

Regional NSW was one of the best performing markets in Australia, with home values up 0.5 per cent to $468,220 during July.

Regional NSW saw home values jump 0.5 per cent during July. Picture: Tourism Wollongong.

Ms Owen said the pandemic has helped the regional property market due to Sydneysiders looking to leave the city for regions with working from home now normal.

“It is early to see how this will play out, but generally regional markets lag behind capital cities, so we could see prices begin to fall later this year.”

Values across Australia dropped 0.6 per cent to $552,912 in July, with Melbourne the hardest hit. Canberra on other hand saw property prices increase 0.6 per cent to $641,360.

The post Sydney property prices record largest monthly fall in 16 months as coronavirus affects the market appeared first on realestate.com.au.

National property values have fallen for the third successive month.

Australian home prices have fallen for the third successive month, due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to CoreLogic’s home value index, housing prices nationally dropped by 0.6 per cent in July. This followed a 0.7 per cent drop in June and a 0.4 per cent drop in May.

Overall values have slipped 0.7 per cent since the pandemic began to bite in the middle of March. For that month values were up 0.7 per cent, followed by an increase of 0.3 per cent in March.

Canberra was one of the places to enjoy home value growth in July. Picture: Getty Images

The figures indicate the resilience of the market, according to CoreLogic’s head of research Tim Lawless.

“The impact from COVID-19 on housing values has been orderly to-date, with CoreLogic’s national index falling only 1.6 per cent since the recent high in April and housing turnover has recovered quickly after it’s sharp fall in late March and April,” he said.

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Melbourne, which has been hit hardest by COVID-19 saw housing values slide the greatest by 1.2 per cent. In Sydney they fell 0.9 per cent, in Perth by – 0.6 per cent, in Hobart by -0.2 per cent and in Darwin by -0.3 per cent.

Adelaide (0.1 per cent) and Canberra (0.6 per cent) were the only cities to enjoy a value increase in July.

CoreLogic Homes Values Index July 2020

“Record low interest rates, government support and loan repayment holidays for distressed borrowers have helped to insulate the housing market from a more significant downturn,” Mr Lawless said.

“Advertised supply levels have remained tight, with the total number of properties for sale falling a further 4.3 per cent in the four weeks to July 27th, sitting 15.2 per cent below where they were this time last year.

“Additionally, increased demand driven by housing specific incentives from both federal and state governments, especially for first home buyers, have become more substantial.”

Prices in regional areas, such as Bathurst, NSW, are holding up well.

With welfare packages JobKeeper and JobSeeker to be scaled down from October and Victoria entering stage four lockdown yesterday, the medium term outlook is for a continued drift downward of the market.

“Urgent sales are likely to become more common as we approach these milestones, which will test the market’s resilience,” Mr Lawless said.

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“Similarly, the recent concerns of a second wave of the virus and the potential for renewed border closures and stricter social distancing polices are likely to further push consumer sentiment down. This is likely to weigh on both home buying and selling activity more broadly.”

This is likely to be reflected first at the premium end of the market, Mr Lawless pointed out.

“Higher value markets tend to be more reactive to changes in the economic environment, having led both the upswing and the downturn over previous cycles,” he said.

“The COVID related downturn has seen this trend playing out again, with upper quartile values down 2.9 per cent across the combined capital city index since the end of March, while lower quartile values have fallen by only 0.5 per cent.”

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Melbourne home values are taking the biggest hit of Australian cities amid COVID-19. Picture: Alex Coppel

Melbourne’s coronavirus-driven property downturn has deepened, with the city again recording the largest monthly and quarterly value declines of any Australian capital.

House and unit values fell 1.2 per cent in July to a $678,334 median, raising Melbourne’s quarterly drop to 3.2 per cent, according to CoreLogic’s latest Hedonic Home Value Index.

The next worst-performing capitals were Sydney, with 0.9 per cent monthly and 2.1 per cent quarterly declines, and Perth, down 0.6 per cent and 2.2 per cent.

Home values also dipped 0.5 per cent in regional Victoria in July.

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Melbourne’s property downturn continues to deepen. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

The figures were released on Melbourne’s first morning under tight stage four COVID-19 restrictions, which have placed the city under an 8pm-5am curfew and banned residents from travelling further than 5km from their homes for the next six weeks.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Leah Calnan said she had not been informed of any further restrictions being placed on the Melbourne real estate industry, but that may change as a result of Monday’s more detailed announcement from Premier Dan Andrews.

“As of yesterday (Sunday), we were still able to conduct online auctions and private inspections by appointment,” she said.

Ms Calnan understood regional Victorian markets would be restricted to these methods when its stage three lockdown kicked in.

She noted many regional agents had already converted to private inspections, rather than open homes, given a large chunk of the buyers they dealt with were based in metropolitan Melbourne.

“Agents will just continue to adjust with any further changes that might be announced,” she said.

“Agents have continued to acknowledge the very privileged place they work in. We’ll make sure they continue to abide by the highest level of hygiene and processes.”

Ms Calnan said the combination of low levels of available housing stock, low interest rates and financial support measures like the federal government’s JobKeeper and mortgage holidays had insulated Victoria’s market from large price falls during a “very challenging” period.

Nick Johnstone conducts a socially distanced auction between lockdowns. Picture: Alex Coppel

It’s not clear when conditions will improve in Victoria amid a lengthened second lockdown. Picture: Jason Edwards

CoreLogic’s head of research Tim Lawless agreed, adding the total number of properties for sale across Australia fell a further 4.3 per cent in the four weeks to July 27, to sit 15.2 per cent lower than they were a year ago.

But he warned the downturn could deepen further following the tapering of financial support from October, and loan repayment holidays expiring at the end of March.

“Urgent sales are likely to become more common as we approach these milestones, which will test the market’s resilience,” Mr Lawless said.

He added the virus’s second wave and accompanying further border closures and stricter restrictions was likely to “further push consumer sentiment down (and) weigh on both home buying and selling activity more broadly”.

Consumer sentiment could decline further. Picture: Alex Coppel

Wakelin Property Advisory director Jarrod McCabe expected Melbourne’s stage four lockdown to bring “added tension” and further thin out the pool of potential buyers active in the market.

“The lack of stock throughout the whole period of COVID-19 has meant prices haven’t been as impacted as people may have thought, but that’s not to say it won’t happen,” he said.

“It’s difficult when vendors don’t have the confidence to put properties on the market and buyers aren’t as active, given lot of them don’t have the ability or the confidence to borrow.”

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samantha.landy@news.com.au

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Paul Espie and his wife Ros at their grand Darling Point home, which has sold after almost two years on the market. Picture: Bob Barker

The $25m Darling Point gothic mansion Callooa, owned by investment banker Paul Espie and his wife Ros, has sold after almost two years on the market.

The five-bedroom, five-bathroom circa 1850s home on 1500 sqm at 5 Bennett Ave — “Chez Espie” for 30 years — was first listed in October, 2018 with Michael Dunn of Richardson and Wrench and Peter Blacket of the Blacket Agency.

Dunn was tight-lipped when contacted by the Wentworth Courier this morning, unable to reveal the sale price due to confidentiality agreements.

However, he confirmed that an eastern suburbs family had snapped up the extraordinary historic residence in the past few days.

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Callooa was built circa 1850s.

It has beautiful harbour views and is on a 1500m block.

And the mere fact that it has exchanged shows that buyers continue to have confidence in Sydney’s uber prestige market as we head towards spring, despite us being in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

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It follows the sale of “well over $21m” little more than two weeks ago — reported exclusively by the Wentworth Courier — of one-time Sleeping Giant owner Fred Bart’s Bellevue Hill Art Deco mansion by LJ Hooker Double Bay’s Bill Malouf and Margaret Morosi.

That was purchased by property developer Willi Phillips.

Grand interiors.

The home, which comes with a pool, is an extraordinary property.

It’s understood the Callooa has sold for more than that.

The Wentworth Courier toured the grand home when it was first listed and I was blown away by its grandeur.

Mr Espie, who is the founder of Pacific Road Capital and a director of Liberal Party think-tank the Menzies Research Centre, had recalled the story of when the late Labor legend Gough Whitlam came to visit.

Mr Espie told me: “He said ‘Oh, so this is Chez Espie’ … typical pomposity from Gough Whitlam.”

Gough and Margaret, who lived across the road in an apartment tower, were impressed by the amazing beauty of the heritage treasure designed by architect Francis Clarke and the massive restoration project commissioned by the Espies.

The couple rebuilt the entire western wing.

It features a modern kitchen and family room opening to the lawn and harbour view.

They’d been in no great rush to sell, prepared to hold out for their double-digit price.

But they’d been wanting to downsize and spend more time at their Dungog farm.

The beautiful home has glorious harbour views from everywhere.

When the Espies bought it for $5.25 million in 1988, they consulted the best heritage architects – including former National Trust President Richard Rowe and Richard Mackay — and rebuilt the entire western wing with a modern kitchen and family room opening to the lawn and harbour view.

Throughout the timber floors have all been restored; the garage and driveway built to reflect the style of the house. A pool has also been added and the garden redone.

The house, lawn and garden has been the scene of countless family and charity events.

Mrs Espie had said at the time: “It is a good time for us to leave Callooa — a big move that Paul and I can do together for the next phase of our lives in Sydney.

“My hope of course is that another family will come and enjoy what we have in living here over 30 years.”

The post Paul Espie’s $25m Darling Point Gothic mansion Callooa sells after two years on the market appeared first on realestate.com.au.

27 Swordfish Court, Palm Beach.

THE property market in Palm Beach is “on steroids” according to an agent who made a record sale in torrential rain the first day the house opened for inspection.

More than 20 groups showed up during a downpour on Saturday, July 25 for a glimpse inside 27 Swordfish Court, Palm Beach.

“It was bucketing down, water was running over the gutters, but the street was full of cars,” said LJ Hooker agent Mark Jensen.

27 Swordfish Court, Palm Beach.

By that evening there were six offers on the property, with a Brisbane buyer ultimately signing a cash unconditional contract for a street record of $2 million.

Listed for offers over $1.75 million, the presentable six-bedroom house occupies a 1050 sqm canal front block and is within walking distance to the beach.

Mr Jensen said quality homes in preferred locations were being snapped up within a week of going to market.

“I’ve been selling real estate for 17 years and I’ve had my best quarter ever,” he said.

“I’ve never seen a bounce like we’ve had in the past 10 weeks. The market in Palm Beach is on steroids.”

The sandy beach and water views along Swordfish Court.

Mr Jensen said buyers were drawn to the lifestyle.

“We had an investment banker, doctor and business owners looking at this property,” he said. “People are looking for a better lifestyle closer to the beach and all of the goods and services available here in Palm Beach.”

House prices in Palm Beach have surged by a whopping 45.5 per cent in the past five years, with the median price now at $900,000.

Unit prices, meanwhile, have risen by 51.9 per cent – the highest five-year increase in any Gold Coast suburb – with a median of $508,750.

Magnoli Apartments are selling well at Palm Beach.

Apartment shoppers have been quick to swoop on Sunland Group’s Magnoli Apartments, taking shape on the site of the former Palm Beach caravan park.

Of the twin 12-storey buildings, 37 apartments have been snapped in the North Tower since being released on July 11, while the South Tower is almost sold out.

Realestate.com.au data shows the development is one of the most searched for projects in Queensland.

Sunland Group Managing Director Sahba Abedian said demand was strong among downsizers chasing luxury by the beach.

“Magnoli Apartments is attracting owner-occupiers seeking a beachside address, close to the leading lifestyle and educational amenities that make Palm Beach such a wonderful part of the world,” he said.

“We are seeing a large number of downsizers and
locals from the southern
Gold Coast, Tweed and Brisbane, keen to swap their family homes for large, luxury apartments.”

Founding residents of the completed South Tower are already moving into their new homes while the North Tower is scheduled for completion in October.

The post Downpour does nothing to deter hungry Palm Beach buyers appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Brisbane and South Australia appear set to lead Australia’s real estate markets back up the property ladder later this year.

But new research is showing the “car crash” doom and gloom fallout expected from COVID-19 has not eventuated, and that our “insurance policy” is already kicking in.

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PRD Real Estate’s Australian Economic and Property Report for 2020 released this week shows the nation’s two hardest hit capitals, Melbourne and Sydney, still had the strongest median house price growth over the 12 months to the end of June.

Despite falling values recorded in Adelaide, the report reveals the nation’s capital cities rose an average 1 per cent over the period. The PRD capital city figures track inner-ring suburbs.

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The property price analysis second guesses doom and gloom predictions from banks and data firms, which have predicted home values could fall $100,000 in some cities.

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PRD chief economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo likened the situation to the aftermath of a car crash and said early forecasts based on transactions activity in March or April had “only captured the shock, not what was done to try and balance the shock”.

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Describing government stimulus programs such as JobKeeper and HomeBuilder, as well as rapidly improving real estate industry technology, as the nation’s “insurance policy kicking in” the situation now didn’t look so bad, Dr Mardiasmo said.

“Our property market is still growing,” she said.

“People are still buying and selling. Our vacancy rates aren’t doing that badly.”

The Victorian vendor of this 513 Station St, Box Hill, home turned down a pre-auction offer $200,000 above their reserve — and got an even bigger price under the hammer.

Real Estate Institute of Australia president Adrian Kelly backed the research and said while many were surprised at how well real estate had held up in the face of the virus, there were reasons for its success.

Low interest rates, a shortage of homes for sale across the nation and continued signs the nations lenders were determined to create a “soft landing” for those who had lost work.

“So we aren’t likely to see the level of forced sales of the global financial crisis,” Mr Kelly said.

“If we all keep doing the right thing we could get out of this unscathed.”

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Despite early signs of success the next six months would be important as increasingly varied COVID-19 case numbers in different states set the nation’s housing markets up to run at very different speeds.

“At the moment, it feels like we are balanced on a tightrope,” Dr Mardiasmo said.

“But the rate of infection and how COVID is going in different states is literally creating different speed property markets.”

She said at present Queensland and its capital Brisbane appeared set to be the nation’s top performers over the coming six months, though it had grown just 3.6 per cent in the past year.

South Australia was also well placed, despite a 15.4 per cent reduction in the median house price.

NSW and Victoria would both trail behind as they were left to focus on fighting the virus rather than rebooting their economy in the short term.

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Enjoy your own Phillip Island surf break.

One of Phillip Island’s premier properties — featuring a private beachfront and century-old chapel — is vying to smash its own price record.

Boasting idyllic ocean views at sunset, the 33.76ha Trenavin Park at 746 Ventnor Rd has a $7-$7.7m price guide.

CoreLogic records show the secluded property last sold for $4.25m in September 2008. This remains the highest residential sale price achieved in the town of Ventnor.

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Live the postcard life at Trenavin Park.

Sunsets at the property are spectacular.

The property was settled by brothers John and William McHaffie in 1842, as the first homestead on Phillip Island.

In 1923, Albert and Eleanor Sambell built the Arts and Crafts-style manor that stands today in place of the McHaffies’ homestead.

Mr Sambell went on to become the founder and first president of Phillip Island Shire Council, Victorian Collections records show.

Trenavin Park comes with its own surf break.

A driveway through the 33.76ha site to the main dwelling.

Arrive in style.

Recognising the island’s potential as a tourism hotspot, Mr Sambell invested heavily in ferry services, road networks and a golf course.

Roads were constructed to Summerlands Beach to give visitors access to the little penguin colony, spawning the popular Penguin Parade.

The five-bedroom house was built with locally sourced bricks and Welsh slate roof tiles, and features period details including a craftsman-built timber staircase, coffered ceilings and timber wall panels.

The property comes with an asking price of $7-$7.7m.

Entertaining space adjoining the five-bedroom main dwelling.

Stylish period features inside the 1923 built Arts and Crafts-style home.

Contemporary renovations carried out over the past decade have transformed the kitchen and adjoining open-plan living and dining space, with French doors opening to a wide veranda.

Also on the property are a three-bedroom house known as The Cottage and the fully restored 1906 San Remo Church, transported to the site over 30 years ago.

The San Remo Church was transported to the property over 30 years ago.

The chapel is a popular wedding spot.

Dreamy destination.

The vendors have used the non-denominational chapel as a popular wedding and event venue.

Prestige Homes of Victoria director Sean Cussell described Trenavin Park as “the ultimate Australian beachfront rural property with breathtaking views”.

“It’s pretty rare — there aren’t too many times you get to buy a property with its own surf break,” he said.

Inside the bright and airy renovated kitchen, with original AGA and Italian Bertazzoni oven.

Contemporary style at the rear of the home, where French doors extend to the outdoors.

Modern finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows.

“The new owner can enjoy a short stroll across the paddock to the beach for a surf or catch a fish before breakfast.”

Other additions on the sprawling block include a tennis court, fenced paddocks, dams and storage sheds.

The property’s expressions of interest campaign closes September 4.

Renovations have been done over a decade at the property.

A craftsman built timber staircase inside the house.

There’s also a tennis court, paddocks, dams, sheds and additional water storage.

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jack.boronovskis@news.com.au

@jackboronovskis

The post Phillip Island dream home with ‘own surf break’ for sale appeared first on realestate.com.au.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay.Picture: SUPPLIED

THERE is so much to love about this Sandy Bay abode.

It starts with the private street frontage, the light-filled and spacious living areas and the sunny aspect.

And then there are the water and mountain views.

No.513 Churchill Avenue is a property with enormous potential.

On show are original retro features next to contemporary updates throughout this 1960s brick home.

The entry level of this triple-bedroom home is bathed in natural light with extensive glazing in the open plan living space.

Here, the large windows frame an ever-changing vista.

Pop by, say “Hi”.

Fresh and funky.

The living zone comprises a kitchen with heaps of cupboard and benchspace plus mountain views, as well as a living and dining area with glass sliders that provide access to a large deck.

Buyers in 2020 are often looking for that seamless indoor/outdoor living and this home delivers that in spades.

There is so much room to relax outdoors and admire the view.

Each of the bedrooms have the convenience of built-in wardrobes serviced by the generously proportioned family bathroom.

A corner spa bath, timber floors and contemporary tiles make the bathroom sing.

The laundry completes the floorplan on this level.

Head downstairs to discover a rumpus and studio space that could be further developed to suit individual needs, STCA.

Functional for a family lifestyle.

Relax right here.

It currently has gleaming floors, a neat kitchenette and a veranda.

Outside the home is surrounded by established, easy-care gardens. There is a carport and additional off-street parking available in the driveway.

This family home is desirably located close to UTAS, excellent schools, public transport, the Hill Street Grocer and the shops and amenities of Sandy Bay.

This property presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to add to their investment portfolio or purchasers seeking a home they can enjoy in one of Tassie’s most sought-after suburbs.

So comfortable.

What a view.

New realestate.com.au data reveals Sandy Bay to have some of Tasmania’s highest median house and unit prices.

Both medians have been steady over the past 12 months with houses faring well with 3.4 per cent growth.

Compared to three years ago, the house median is up by 45.7 per cent, an example of the excellent value and steadily climbing trajectory of this hugely popular suburb.

The hold period for Sandy Bay houses is 9.3 years.

Per the data, Sandy Bay houses sell in 30 days on the market.

No.513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay is priced at “Offers over $795,000” and listed with Knight Frank.

The post Water views, enormous potential and funky 1960s vibes appeared first on realestate.com.au.

This home in Miami on the Gold Coast took out two top national awards, winning the coveted Australian House of the Year and the award for Best House Alteration and Addition Over 200 Square Metres. Pictures: Christopher Frederick Jones

A Queensland renovation of a “ramshackle 1970s-era house” has been named the best in the country, and is so good it went on to scoop the coveted Australian House of the Year title as well.

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Two awards were presented to this home located in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones  

The home located in Miami on the Gold Coast won the top gong at the Houses Awards that were handed out Friday, where 10 of Australia’s best homes were selected across nine residential design categories.

The jury statement over the win said Cantala Avenue House designed by ME “champions the capacity for modest residential architecture to significantly impact the way we live in Australia”.

The renovation transformed the 1970s home. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.  

It said the home was “within an unremarkable yet incredibly familiar suburban context” but the renovation of the “ramshackle 1970s-era house offers its neighbourhood a welcoming communal space comprising a new brickwork entry sequence, planting and seating under a mature poinciana tree”.

The jury said the design balance between public and private space was “skilfully navigated”.

ME had told judges that the design established a private north facing courtyard and re-engaged the public components of the dwelling with the street and wider neighbourhood. “Planted courtyards permeate the plan providing access to light, ventilation and nature.”

Judges said it was a “contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional beach shack”. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones 

The judges were sold on the idea, saying the design responded to its location on the Gold Coast and was a “contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional beach shack”.

“It is a playful and refreshing reinvention of this typology,” the jury citation said. “It has civic respect, yet individualism.”

The home also took out the best house alteration and addition over 200sq m title.

“Once typified by scenes of bronzed bathers enjoying long, hot summers, the Gold Coast has been going through a slow transition from holiday playground to Australia’s sixth-largest city,” the jury statement said. “With the unfortunate demolition of many of its understated 1950s houses, the laid-back and neighbourly feel of the area has shifted.”

The backyard and pool before the renovation.

The stunning new pool area after renovation.

“Located within this challenging suburban context, Cantala Avenue House by ME is an alteration and addition that joyously reinterprets the history of its place and beach shack typology.”

“Rather than erase the character of the neighbourhood, ME has tactfully taken an ordinary 1970s split-level house, reworking and extending the plan to better engage with the street, the garden and the yard.”

The statement said the courtyard and pool allowed privacy, while a low brick wall and terrace connected the home’s interior to the activity of the street.

“Acknowledging its humble origins while meeting the needs of a young family, the project sits comfortably within the suburban Gold Coast and adds to the sociability of its quiet cul-de-sac.”

The award for Best Emerging Practice was presented to Brisbane-based architect, Lineburg Wang – designer of this home. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

A Brisbane firm also took out the award for best emerging practice. Lineburg Wang, located in Brisbane, had a “palpable freshness” in design, the jury said.

“Park Road is a fine example of a response to a traditional Queenslander house: it is subtle and sympathetic to the existing condition, with layers of history revealed. Simultaneously, the architects’ bold and clever design moves transform it into a contemporary home.”

The judges decided that Lineburg Wang “solves pragmatic concerns with poeticism”.

“The jury was impressed with the formal clarity and spatial experimentation seen in the collection of predominantly alteration and addition projects and are looking forward to seeing what’s to come for Lineburg Wang.”

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