Beachfront Queensland Mansion With Drive-In Foyer Lists For $6.8 Million

A contemporary waterfront megamansion with a drive-in foyer, a lionfish-stocked saltwater aquarium and direct access to the beach hit the market Monday with a guide price of $6.8 million.

Located in Kewarra Beach — which is part of the Cairns northern beaches region of Queensland—the residence is expected to set a record for the most expensive home in the area, according to listing agent Barbara Wolveridge of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty.

“The highest sale price [in the region] is $6.5 million and we anticipate exceeding that price with the Astoria House sale which has a price guide of $6.8 million,” she said in an email. “With the buyers’ interest that we have received to date, we anticipate establishing a new benchmark sale for the region.”

Designed by Los Angeles-based architect Andy Hall, the more than 1050sqm abode was commissioned by restaurant entrepreneur Alistair Paton and his wife, Theresa, and completed in 2018. They purchased the underlying property in 2009 for A$1.3 million, according to records on PropTrack.

The glass-and-steel home was designed to maximize views of Double Island and beyond to the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, it has the largest glass window in the southern hemisphere and it is manufactured with bulletproof glass, according to Mr. Paton. The couple also installed an array of impressive amenities, starting with the foyer, which boasts drive-in capabilities and room to display a car collection.   

“People [are] instantly wowed when they walk through the front door and see the massive steel-and-glass curtain wall,” Mr Paton said in an email. “Everyone wonders how it was built, how long it took and how we got the materials to the building site. They also love the Ducati inside, the extensive art gallery walls and the vintage Alfa Romeo that we used to have parked inside.”

The saltwater aquarium is another highlight.

“We have lionfish, an epaulette shark, stonefishes, Picasso triggerfish, and a dog-faced puffer,” Mr Paton continued. “I wanted a tank with a blue-ringed octopus and leopard sharks, however, that was sensibly tempered given our young children enjoying feeding the fish.”

The home has five bedrooms, including two primary bedroom suites which are “like little houses in themselves,” Ms. Paton said in an email. “I love the oversized balconies. In winter, we sleep with the balcony doors open. There’s nothing like seeing the stars at night and falling asleep to the sound of waves then waking up to a beach view in the morning. What a way to start the day!”

Other amenities include a soundproof office, solar panels, a concert-grade sound system “suitable to host a Rolling Stones concert or a solo violinist” and an outdoor entertaining area with a pool and sports fields. The home also has direct access to the beach and the paved walking trail that extends along the Coral Seas coastline.

Reprinted by permission of Mansion Global. Copyright 2021 Dow Jones & Company. Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Original date of publication:  June 15, 2022.