A lush location and luxurious resort aesthetic in this real home creates a stylish, tropical North Queensland sanctuary.
It’s easy to mistake this Port Douglas home for a five-star Balinese villa. Surrounded by emerald green gardens abounding in thick, waxy tropical flora and towering palm trees, this soaring modern masterpiece is a picture of luxury. Add the expansive pool in the back, daybed hut and open plan entertaining areas and you have yourself a little patch of paradise which brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘holiday at home’.
Architecturally designed by Carr Resorts Group Melbourne and constructed by Cairns’ Matrix building company, the home’s exterior combines clean right angles, ambient uplighting and a celebration of natural materials. Magnificent stacked stone walls cut through the interior of the home, dividing living zones and adding texture throughout. A generous covered patio provides the ultimate indoor-outdoor entertaining space, fitted with its own outdoor kitchen and barbecue, whilst an internal butler’s kitchen ensures any clutter is kept out of sight. An additional dining room features a slatted roof to let in sunshine further extends the home’s living zones.
The expansive poolside area is a combination of paving and decking, with glass fencing maintaining the open plan feel. But it’s the enormous rectangular pool by Kirretech Lifestyle Pools that is the backyard’s true showpiece – underwater feature lighting and a timber gazebo fitted with lounges at one end ensure this is one of the most popular spots of the home during the balmy summer months.
The mature tropical garden creates an oasis of green, designed by Rob’s Landscaping Port Douglas and maintained by Hortulus Landscaping. Backing onto Port Douglas’ Mirage golf course, it was vital that the home had ample privacy, a dense garden providing the perfect solution. A vibrant mix of native Alexander Palms, Livistonia, White frangipani, Screw pines, Elephant ear, Red ginger and lily varieties have thrived in the tropical climate, forming a dense living wall which not only provides a natural sound barrier, but an unbeatable ambience.
The entry to the home’s interior is through an oversized wooden pivot door into an impressive foyer, a soaring timber ceiling echoing the warmth of the timber floors underfoot. Stone adorns the walls on either side, with powerful uplighting installed along the top drawing the eye towards the ceiling to create a sense of drama. A floating balcony, fitted with glass balustrades, hovers above the entry hall, whilst treasures from around the globe line the hallway, beckoning visitors in for a closer look.
Bedrooms combine timeless neutrals with pops of vibrant fuchsia and teal – the master features a set of multi-coloured chandeliers which add a hit of girly glamour to the modern space. Architectural timber feature chairs and an eclectic mix of antique side tables and minimalist bedheads decorate the spaces, which also house bright and energetic canvas artworks.
The master bathroom is a luxurious haven, blending floor to ceiling marble tiles with wooden accents and a black and white marble vanity top. But it’s the home’s secret addition which takes bathing to a whole new level – step just outside and you will find yourself in the midst of a divine outdoor bathroom, sea breezes gently delivering intoxicating tropical scents from the surrounding garden to this magical private spot.
In love with the idea of a tropical paradise to call your own? The good news is this magnificent property is available for hire through Executive Retreats. Live like the other half and immerse yourself in this stunning North Queensland gem for a getaway like no other. Visit Executive Retreats for information and rates.
As seen in Queensland Homes summer 2014/15.
Words by Alexandra Schultz. Photography courtesy of Executive Retreats.
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