Sky High Real Estate Above Glass House Mountains

A futuristic fortress in the clouds, Asgard sits above the Glass House Mountains at Mount Mellum; the epitome of a sky-high real estate dream come to life.

At an altitude of nearly 400m, the remarkable residence is a modern retreat hidden from the world, but crafted so the homeowner can cast an eye over the Sunshine Coast hinterland out to the Coral Sea.

Named after its mythological namesake, Asgard was designed by Dan Sparks of Sparks Architects and completed in 2020.

A year later, the enviable estate earned the coveted Australian Institute of Architects Commendation Award for Residential Architecture and was featured in a long list of publications, including The Design Files and The Local Project.

Today, agents Melissa Schembri and Daniel Rees of Sotheby’s International Realty Maroochydore have been tasked with selling the contemporary home, which has price expectations of more than $15 million.

“It’s rare to find something this elevated in both design and geography,” Schembri said.

“Asgard is for someone who wants to feel like king—or queen—of the mountain.”

In Nordic mythology, Asgard is a location associated with the gods, befitting of this parcel of paradise.

Tech entrepreneur and vendor Matthew Myers is no stranger to innovation.

After exiting multiple startups, he built Asgard as his dream home. However, with a new partner and a baby on the way, Myers is preparing for his next chapter; a nearby property complete with equestrian facilities and a go-kart track.

“I built this to be my forever home,” he said.

“But forever just got a little more exciting.”

The main home and separate guest lodge span a combined six bedrooms and four bathrooms, complemented by three fireplaces and a solar-heated infinity pool. The compound has also been built to withstand a Category 5 cyclone.

Thanks to an L-shaped dual-pavilion design, the footprint makes the most of sweeping 360-degree views and allows for loads of natural light to stream through walls of engineered glass.

The exterior is a sophisticated palette of blackened Ironbark cladding—treated using the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique—adds a layer of fire and pest resistance while complementing the rugged Queensland landscape.

European oak floors are contrasted against darker architectural elements, while a gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances, black granite bench tops, and a butler’s pantry anchors the home’s central living area.

For days when the Sunshine Coast turns off the heat, a fireplace warms the space and bifold doors blur the line between indoors and out, spilling onto a covered terrace with a built-in barbecue and bar fridge.

Beyond the living areas, the main bedroom is a luxury hotel-inspired zone including a walk-in wardrobe and a spa-like ensuite with a freestanding soaking tub.

The sleeping quarters also feature three additional en-suite bedrooms, a flexible sitting room, and a handy study nook.

A partially subterranean level hosts a gym, a laundry, an infrared sauna, and a fifth bedroom – ideal for dual living or longer-term guests.

The second residence, tucked behind the main home, was also finished alongside the main house five years ago. A fully self-contained guest lodge, it includes its own kitchen, designer bathroom, alfresco deck, and open-plan living zone.

Across the 4.7ha grounds, there are 7000 native trees, plenty of room for wallabies and deer, a 127,000 litre rainwater tank, a grand saltwater and chlorine pool, fire pits, and multiple storage sheds.

Backed by solar, Tesla battery power, a generator, and rainwater tanks, Asgard offers off-grid capabilities without compromising comfort.

The townships of Landsborough and Beerwah are nearby, while Noosa Heads is approximately an hour away, with the Sunshine Coast airport accessible within about 30 minutes.

Asgard, at 35a Agnew Rd, Mount Mellum is listed via private treaty through Sotheby’s International Realty Maroochydore with a price guide of more than $15 million.

As local legend has it, retired Colonel William Farrell Commanding Officer of the first infantry regiment, stood on the balcony of his new Randwick residence back in 1906 and watched his soldiers parade by, saluting his honour.

Today, more than a century later, Swan Isle itself deserves a salute as it remains one of Sydney’s most meticulously maintained heritage addresses.

The 1349sq m estate in Randwick made an appearance on the market in early 2024, at the time asking $20m – a figure that would have eclipsed the suburb price record of $14.35 million set that same year.

Ray White Double Bay’s Kate Smith, and principal Elliott Placks, have brought the palatial seven-bedroom home back to market with a new campaign and an amended guide of $14 million.

The $6 million price correction may seem significant, but the eastern suburbs’ prestige property scene evidently sets its own pace.

Just last week the period residential estate Iona in Darlinghurst – once owned by Hollywood elite Baz Luhrman and Catherine Martin – sold for top dollar after an apparent $13 million “discount”.

That heritage estate had been marketed unsuccessfully in 2024 with a $40 million guide, was then slashed to $27 million at the start of this month, but sold in just 12 days for $37.5 million.

Since Swan Isle last sold in 2002 for $2.02 million, the two-storey home at 87 – 89 Darley Rd has been lovingly restored by the current owners and retired hoteliers, Robert and Mary Lou Richards.

The Richards were the publicans of The Strand, in Darlinghurst in 1992 and the Rocksia in Rockdale between 2012 and 2020.

After Colonel Farrell and his wife Frances raised five children at the historic home, the property was later used by St Jude’s Anglican Church for monthly services.

By the mid-20th century it became a private hotel and was then returned to private hands in 1960.

Inside, the stately residence expertly balances period charm and contemporary convenience with formal and casual living rooms featuring high ornate ceilings, chandeliers, polished timber floors and intricate lead light windows.

There are also original fireplaces and bespoke joinery that has been crafted to suit the home’s Victorian past, while modern upgrades include a modern kitchen with stone surfaces, Ilve and Miele dishwasher and a butler’s pantry.

All seven bedrooms are spread across both levels, plus two of the four bathrooms have elegant freestanding tubs and dual vanities.

In addition to multiple entertainment spaces downstairs, the upper floor houses a study, media room, billiards room and several balconies capturing panoramic views of Centennial Parklands and the city skyline.

Outside, the expansive grounds are home to manicured gardens befitting the romantic era, and more 21st century inclusions such as a barbecue area, a heated swimming pool, and a self-contained pool house that doubles as a studio.

The block has dual street access with Huddart Lane and there is an automated four-car garage with ample storage.

Swan Isle is close to Royal Randwick Racecourse, Allianz Stadium, Moore Park Golf Course, the Entertainment Quarter and the SCG.

Swan Isle at 87-89 Darley Rd, Randwick is listed with Kate Smith and Elliott Placks of Ray White Double Bay. It is listed via private treaty with a $14 million price guide.

Sky High Real Estate Above Glass House Mountains

A hidden masterpiece above the Glass House Mountains, Asgard is a $15 million modern fortress where luxury meets breathtaking elevation.

Randwick’s Swan Isle is a meticulously restored heritage estate. With a $14 million guide, the palatial residence blends Victorian grandeur with modern luxury.