Lowes boss lists $30m Whale Beach super-estate

It’s only fitting that the CEO and co-owner of menswear giant, Lowes, has fabricated an extra-large family compound overlooking one of Australia’s most exclusive beaches.

Linda Penn and her dentist husband, David, have just listed their clifftop villa, Lodge Dauphin, at Whale Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Although no public price guide has been announced by the father-and-son agent duo, David Edwards and BJ of LJ Hooker Palm Beach, a source places expectations at “about” $30 million.

More than just a glamorous trophy home, Lodge Dauphin is a self-contained resort, complete with a private golf course, sauna, spa, and infinity pool.

The Penns bought the mansion in 2012 for $3.075 million, according to title records, but took three years to craft a show-stopping estate with the help of an expert team of award-winning designers.

Acclaimed architect Michael Suttor crafted the sandstone main residence, while designer Deanne Rooz curated its sophisticated interiors. Outdoors, landscapers Richard Unsworth and Paul Bangay created a waterside wonderland with terraced fairways on the 2150 sq. metre site.

A private playground with sweeping ocean views across Whale Beach up to the Central Coast, the expansive Whale Beach property cascades down the clifftop, surrounded by towering pine and gum trees as well as gardens bursting with native flora, manicured hedges, and immersive garden zones.

The five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built from more than 1000 tonnes of stone, and features multiple living spaces over three primary levels. Rich natural materials are showcased throughout the property, with stone, solid oak, marble, brass, and European Oak antique basket-weave flooring all elevating the luxury interiors.

Beyond a central entry court, the everyday spaces include a palatial lounge and dining area with high cathedral ceilings, a central marble fireplace, and a vast balcony with enviable views.

This same level houses a state-of-the-art kitchen with an integrated Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, a Wolf oven, a gas stove, and a separate drinks fridge.

The upper level features a separate lounge area and four bedrooms, each with a private ensuite and built-ins. In the primary bedroom, there is an opulent open ensuite with a handmade freestanding bathtub, twin vanities, a powder room and a walk-in wardrobe.

Three of the four bedrooms also have personal balconies.

A self-contained guest bedroom with a kitchenette on the entry level is an ideal space for visitors or live-in staff.

Resort-style amenities on the lower floor include a large gym or games area with a wet bar, a sauna, a wine cellar, and a vast terrace spilling out to the heated infinity pool, “egg” spa, and poolside lounge room.

Taking resort-style living to another level, the landscaped grounds also feature more than 50 smart-zoned areas, 200 LED copper garden lights, and A4 Bent Grass greens on the personal golf course.

The high-tech compound has the latest smart home integration, including lighting, seven-zone air conditioning, Vintec air filtration, 30 security cameras, Sonos sound, and irrigation.

Additional features of the property include three water tanks, Wi-Fi throughout the grounds, an elevator to all levels, underfloor heating, three powder rooms, and a double-lockup garage with a turntable.

Lodge Dauphin at 143-145 Whale Beach Rd, Whale Beach is listed with LJ Hooker Palm Beach agents BJ and David Edwards.

An ultra-luxury Main Beach penthouse with 360-degree views of the beach, hinterland and city skyline has hit the market with an $18 million price tag, as buyers seeking a rare slice of coastal opulence continue to drive the top-end of the Gold Coast market.

The sprawling 600sqm residence will occupy the upper two floors of the 29-level La Mer tower on Main Beach Parade, and has been released as its construction reaches top-out, ahead of completion later this year.

The lavish penthouse boasts four bedrooms, all with ensuites, including an ocean-facing master retreat with private lounge, a kitchen designed for a private chef, a rooftop pool, huge entertaining zone with outdoor kitchen, a grand staircase, and its own express lift.

Demand for high-end Gold Coast property remains strong, with a Burleigh penthouse sold off-the-plan for $30 million earlier this year, surpassing the $24 million record set in 2023.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location – not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” said OTP Group director James Elliott, who is marketing the project.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

The $155 million La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said with construction powering ahead and the 29-level structure now complete, it was the ideal time to launch the penthouse to the market.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio, Sici Design, on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake – every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” he said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.

“Now that construction of La Mer has topped out, prospective buyers can experience how the building is taking shape and the exceptional location on offer, just 68 steps from the sand.”

Sici Design founder and director Maria Papadopoulos said the penthouse interiors exemplified effortless luxury living.

“The views weren’t something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” she said.

“Luxury isn’t defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

Refined yet durable materials include premium natural stone Austral Dream Dolomite, with travertine bringing warmth and timelessness, complementing timber flooring, and a coastal colour palette.

The ocean-facing resort-style master retreat occupies half the upper level, with its own private balcony, lounge room, two walk-in wardrobes, and an oversized ensuite with double shower, double vanity, and solid stone freestanding bath overlooking the views.

The kitchen features a 3.6-metre statement island bench and expansive butler’s pantry, complemented by a dedicated wine cellar and integrated bar area.

Designed by architects, Plus Studio, La Mer features 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room residences, along with the dual-level penthouse. Exclusive resort-style facilities include a pool, spa, fully-equipped gym, sauna, barbeque facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and an outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse is being launched as part of the final release of apartments at La Mer, with prices starting from $4.3 million.

Lowes boss lists $30m Whale Beach super-estate

Lodge Dauphin, a sprawling designer compound above Whale Beach, hits the market with expectations around $30 million, offering a private resort with ocean views.