Boutique mountain retreat loved by celebrities on the market
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Boutique mountain retreat loved by celebrities on the market

This award-winning retreat on Tamborine Mountain blends country-chic design, VIP pedigree and serious earning potential in Queensland’s Scenic Rim.

By Kirsten Craze
Fri, Dec 19, 2025 10:50amGrey Clock 2 min

A boutique mountain retreat that has welcomed a long list of VIP guests has come to market in Queensland’s pristine Scenic Rim.

The Tamborine Mountain property, known as Verandah House Country Estate, is owned by designer Judy and Lawrence Pereira.

The couple bought the rundown B&B compound in the Gold Coast hinterland back in 2022 for $2.5 million. It was then transformed into a secluded child-free holiday spot where the high-profile guests have included the extended Irwin family, Jude Law and a bevvy of sports stars.

Listed via an expressions-of-interest campaign through Sotheby’s International Realty Main Beach agent Blake McDonald, the vast 2ha property has no official price guide. Under Queensland real estate law, agents cannot publish price estimates.

Judy Pereira, co-founder of Verandah House Interiors, has more than three decades of experience as a designer styling homes across south east Queensland, and even a private super yacht. The Pereiras are reportedly travelling and seeking out their next renovation project.

Her creative stamp on the mountain-top getaway features country-chic interiors with eight Ralph Lauren-inspired guest rooms that have fireplaces, bespoke French oak furniture, private outdoor spaces, and panoramic district views that capture Springbrook, Beechmont, Mount Warning, and the Gold Coast skyline.

The award-winning resort is famed for its spa facilities, including a day spa, an infrared barrel sauna, an ice bath, an outdoor cinema, fire pits, and expansive landscaped gardens. There is also a large pool area with an additional fire-heated cedar spa and direct access to the mountain’s walking trails, waterfalls, and nature experiences.

Additionally, the private four-bedroom main residence has 236sq m of internal living space and a communal entertainment lounge in a purpose-built barn, which comes complete with a cocktail bar and covered barbecue area.

Beyond the guest and owner accommodation, added investment in hidden infrastructure includes new septic systems, upgraded water tanks and filtration, the planting of more than 60 trees and manicured lawns.

Verandah House Country Estate received an industry gong last year, winning the 2024 Travellers Awards and a Booking.com guest award for its consistent 9.8 rating.

The owners dish up a private chef, complimentary minibars, custom picnics, and high tea. It has also earned its stripes as a romantic venue for weddings and proposals. Nightly suite rates average more than $1000 in high season.

Positioned within the Scenic Rim – named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top destinations in 2022 – Verandah House Country Estate is approximately 30 minutes to the Gold Coast and is surrounded by a thriving food and wine scene.

Verandah House Country Estate at 13-17 Munro Court, Tambourine Mountain is listed with Blake McDonald of Sotheby’s International via an expressions of interest campaign.



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FINAL RELEASE AT OPHORA TALLAWONG OFFERS QUALITY APARTMENTS UNDER $700K WITH RARE BUYER PROTECTIONS 

Ophora Tallawong has launched its final release of quality apartments priced under $700,000.

By Staff Writer
Tue, Jun 2, 2026 3 min

Ophora Tallawong has launched its final release of apartments, positioning itself as one of the last opportunities for buyers to secure a new Sydney home below $700,000. 

The project, located in one of the city’s fastest-growing corridors, is offering rare buyer protections at a time when affordability is tightening and competition for quality stock is intensifying. 

According to JLL’s Q2 2025 Apartment Market Overview, Sydney’s median apartment price has already climbed to $795,000, setting a record.  

With interest rates now on a downward trend and supply still heavily constrained, experts warn that today’s price brackets may not exist next year. 

Ronnie Rahme, Development Manager at KDMC, said buyers were responding to the combination of quality and value. 

 “You simply don’t see this level of finish at these price points anymore,” Rahme said. “That’s why demand has been so strong for this final release.” 

Dr Andrew Wilson, Chief Economist at My Housing Market, says the economic drivers are clear.  “High rents and higher prices continue to provide clear incentives for first-home buyers and investors chasing solid investment returns,” he told Kanebridge News. 

 “New government initiatives to support first-home buyers will also act to place upward pressure on prices.” 

The bigger picture 

JLL’s research reinforces that point. While over 15,700 apartments are expected to be delivered nationally this year, a 40% uplift on 2024, Sydney remains undersupplied, with demand continuing to outpace completions. 

The report also notes that reductions in the RBA cash rate are expected to further fuel buyer activity, with constrained supply continuing to push prices higher into 2026. 

With construction costs soaring, Government contributions climbing, and interest rates remaining high, projects are harder than ever to bring to market, putting upward pressure on newly completed apartments. 

The pipeline of new supply is shrinking as developers delay or abandon projects that no longer stack up financially. 

According to JLL’s overview, only 2,554 completions are forecast for Sydney this year – against annual demand exceeding 30,000 dwellings. 

At the same time, population growth, rental demand, and first-home buyer incentives are intensifying competition for limited stock. The imbalance between constrained supply and resilient demand is leaving new apartments scarcer and more expensive across Sydney. 

Ophora: Last Chance In Sydney’s northwest 

Developed by KDMC and designed by Architex, the $50 million project has launched its  final release, with limited availability of 81 brand-new residences from just $500,000 for a one-bedroom, or $625,000 for a two-bedroom, which is far below Sydney’s median and significantly cheaper than nearby competition. 

The five-storey development at 37 Reis St, Tallawong, combines affordability with premium inclusions more often seen in luxury builds: ducted air-conditioning, timber floors, premium finishes, fridge cavities with water plumbing, video intercom systems, fibre internet, EV charging, landscaped gardens and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views. 

It also comes with something almost unheard of at this price point, a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy. Typically reserved for multimillion-dollar projects, LDI guarantees structural integrity for a decade and is only awarded to developers with a strong building track record. 

SHC Insurance Brokers founder Stefan Hicks acknowledged the rarity of obtaining LDI, particularly for entry-level residential apartment complexes like Ophora.

“Gaining LDI is no mean feat. It’s offered selectively to developers and builders with a quality building history, and it requires both parties to employ an independent inspection service throughout construction,” he said. 

“While this insurance is well-established around the world in about 40 countries, in Australia, we’re typically seeing high-end buildings covet LDI. The fact that Ophora has joined this exclusive list of quality-assured builds is a coup for entry-level home buyers.” 

Raising the standard for affordable luxury 

Rahme says the KDMC team wanted to set a new benchmark.

 “Our mission with Ophora has always been clear: to raise the standard of what buyers should expect, regardless of budget,” he said. 

“We’ve delivered a collection of apartments with finishes and features you’d usually only find in luxury projects, and we’ve backed it with one of the most stringent insurances available in the market. That gives buyers peace of mind that their investment is protected for the long term. 

“People are walking through and realising you simply don’t see this level of quality at these price points anymore, as it’s effectively replacement cost in 2025. 

“With rates coming down and limited competition, buyers and investors are moving quickly because they know the window won’t stay open. Investors, who have recently purchased at Ophora, have reported a strong rental demand, with minimum rental yields exceeding five per cent.” 

Developments like Ophora, move-in ready, competitively priced and backed by rare structural protections (LDI), may represent the last chance for buyers to secure a sub-$700,000 apartment in Sydney. 

Contact Ophora to arrange a private viewing or request more information. View Ophora on realestate.com.au 

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