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.
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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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Hospitality entrepreneurs Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh have set a new price benchmark for apartment living in Richmond with their purchase of a Carmine House penthouse.
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Leading Australian development manager Fortis has secured a landmark off-the-plan sale at Richmond Square, with high-profile hospitality entrepreneurs Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh purchasing a 550sqm penthouse residence in Carmine House, establishing a new price benchmark for apartment living in Richmond.
The purchase underscores the continued demand for premium, amenity-rich residences in Melbourne’s inner east.
The transaction marks a significant milestone for the $330 million mixed-use precinct, reinforcing buyer appetite for integrated, lifestyle-led developments.
Richmond Square comprises two residential offerings – Carmine House and Wiltshire House – alongside a 57-room boutique hotel, strata office space and a curated mix of retail and lifestyle operators.
As part of Carmine House, residents have access to hotel-style amenities and services, including concierge, housekeeping, dry cleaning and in-residence food and beverage delivery.
Best known for building The Big Group into one of Australia’s leading luxury hospitality and events businesses, the Keebaughs were drawn to the precinct’s integrated lifestyle offering and its proximity to Melbourne’s hospitality, cultural and sporting precincts, while remaining well connected to the Mornington Peninsula, where they spend much of their time.
As well, Chyka is well known to Australian audiences as one of the original stars of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, appearing across three seasons of the hit reality series.
Alongside her business ventures with Bruce, she has built a public profile as a lifestyle authority, authoring two books on home and entertaining, Chyka Home and Chyka Celebrate.
“We weren’t simply looking for a luxury apartment,: the couple said. “We were looking for a home that delivers an exceptional lifestyle every day. The combination of design, walkability, security and the broader precinct vision for the broader precinct immediately stood out.”
Jordan Winada, Head of Acquisitions (Commercial) Victoria at Fortis, said the result highlights evolving priorities at the top end of the market.
“This sale reinforces that premium buyers are prioritising the complete lifestyle experience,” says Winada.
“They’re increasingly looking beyond the apartment itself and assessing the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood as well.”
Sean Cussell, Director at Christie’s International Real Estate Victoria, who negotiated the transaction, said the result reflects the lack of comparable product at this level of the market.
“There’s simply no direct comparison for this in Richmond. It’s not just an apartment; it’s part of a fully integrated precinct combining residential, hotel, workplace and lifestyle amenity,” Cussell said.
“Buyers are increasingly assessing the broader offering, from amenity and walkability to service and convenience. Projects that deliver a complete lifestyle experience continue to outperform.”
The sale contributes to Fortis’ strong national performance, with the business recording more than $124 million in sales since March, the last three all record-breaking penthouse sales across the country, reflecting sustained momentum across its portfolio and continued appetite for premium, design-driven developments.
This follows Fortis’ recent record-breaking Ruby House penthouse sale in Sydney’s Double Bay, which set a new benchmark for apartment living in the suburb and underscores the strength of demand at the ultra-premium end of the market.
Richmond Square will announce its hospitality and lifestyle operators in the coming weeks as the project progresses towards completion this year.
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