The renovated result at 88 Clear Island Road, Broadbeach Waters. Photographer: Kristian Van Der Beek. Suppled: realestate.com.au
A dramatic makeover has redefined renovation goals on the Gold Coast.
In the space of a year, an original yet solid house has been transformed into a refined modern coastal residence, listed for offers over $3 million.
Architect Joe Snell was a judge on House Rules for four seasons.
The project was led by Havendeen Constructions, who engaged architect Joe Snell, of Studio Snell, to come up with a showstopping design.
A former judge on Seven Network’s House Rules, Mr Snell designed a stunning new build for Guy and Jules Sebastian in Sydney before quietly slipping into Queensland with his family last year.
Having settled temporarily in Southport, the mammoth makeover at 88 Clear Island Road is Mr Snell’s first complete concept to market project on the Glitter Strip.
BEFORE: The original dining and lounge zones.
AFTER: The renovated lounge and kitchen areas. Photographer: Kristian Van Der Beek. Suppled: realestate.com.au
The design, build and finishes have not gone unnoticed – an expat couple signed a contract as the house hit the market last week.
“I don’t think people were expecting such a transformation,” said Mr Snell, whose design set out to capitalise on the location for resale.
“A lot of people have been comparing it to a new build. It was already a big, solid house so there was plenty worth saving there.”
BEFORE: 88 Clear Island Road, Broadbeach Waters before renovation in 2019.
AFTER: The renovated residence as viewed from the water. Photographer: Kristian Van Der Beek. Suppled: realestate.com.au
Expansive black framed windows and doors open up the rear of the house to sky, sunlight, water and city views.
Vertical voids further enhance the indoor-outdoor feel while a ‘garden room’ opens to the front yard, directing interest beyond the canal.
A custom-made staircase is a hero moment in the centre of the house; a mobile crane was used to lift the 1.1 tonne steel frame into place.
AFTER: The custom made stair case is a visual feature. Photographer: Kristian Van Der Beek. Suppled: realestate.com.au
In a nod to a burgeoning remote workforce, the office is accessible from the street.
“There are a lot of people coming from down south to the Gold Coast who have decided they can work from home. We wanted to appeal to that market,” Mr Snell said.
Mr Snell worked closely with Gold Coast design consultant Tui McKinnon, whose selection of high end fixtures and finishes put a refined spin on the modern coastal aesthetic.
Ms McKinnon chose extra large format Brazilian tiles to enhance the sense of space throughout, while Smeg kitchen appliances, Reece tap ware and flawless trade finishes complete the quality build.
BEFORE: The original kitchen, prior to renovation.
AFTER: The newly renovated kitchen. Photographer: Kristian Van Der Beek
With the Gold Coast emerging as a safe haven during the COVID crisis, Mr Snell said an influx of new residents created an exciting opportunity to develop architecture in the city.
“The Gold Coast has enormous opportunity to lead and I’d like to be part of that,” he said.
“One of the things I’ve struggled with on the Gold Coast is that so many houses feel like they could be anywhere. They’re just big boxes that have been plonked down with a little bit of fenestration on the front and everyone’s saying that’s good enough.
“Both new residents coming to town and knowledgeable locals are demanding more.”
AFTER: The ‘garden room’ opens onto the front court yard. Photographer: Kristian Van Der Beek. Suppled: realestate.com.au
John Reid Real Estate – Broadbeach Waters agent Kurt Reid said the property had attracted phenomenal interest, locally and interstate.
“I think buyers have been waiting for something this exciting to hit the market,”
he said.
“People create homes of this standard for themselves, but they rarely renovate to this standard for resale.”
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