Whitsundays’ Most Exclusive Home Lists for Sale
Designed by the late Kerry Hill and built by Hutchinson Builders, The Residence at Hayman Island blends tropical modernism with absolute waterfront luxury.
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Is this Whitsunday’s best home?
Hayman Island may have been ravaged by Cyclone Debbie in 2017, which saw the island, one of the smallest of the major Whitsunday islands, all but shut down, but the 390-hectare paradise has made an extraordinary comeback.
The InterContinental brand took over the island’s only resort, which was completely devastated by the Category 4 cyclone. The same year the cyclone hit, The Residence at Hayman was built, one of just two private residences on the island.
Constructed by Hutchinson Builders, a Tier 1 builder better known for delivering some of South East Queensland’s finest multi-residential developments, the lavish home is made from reinforced concrete with a blend of glass and timber battening.
It was designed by the late, internationally renowned architect Kerry Hill, widely regarded as a key figure in refining tropical modernist architecture. Hill was an island specialist, having designed several major resorts in Bali.
The Residence at Hayman spans three levels and offers over 1,400 sqm of living space, including around 580 sqm of internal living areas. The remainder comprises breezeways, terraces, and balconies designed to embrace the island’s subtropical climate.
Entry to the home is via the upper level, as the property tiers down the site with direct access to the beach. The top and lower levels accommodate most of the home’s eight bedrooms, as well as a study and a double garage with buggy parking, the preferred mode of transport throughout the Whitsundays.
The middle level is home to the main kitchen, living, and dining areas, complete with a full butler’s pantry. It opens to a large, L-shaped terrace featuring an outdoor kitchen, alfresco dining and lounge zones, and a sundeck. The terrace flows to the basalt-clad infinity swimming pool, deck, and cabana with integrated seating, as well as a pool house.
Owners or guests of The Residence also have access to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort facilities, including 24-hour room service, butler assistance, private chefs, and the resort’s wellness centre.
Whitefox agents Cheyne Fox and Nic Whitehead are marketing The Residence as “a rare and extraordinary find.”
“This is more than just a home, it’s an opportunity to own a piece of paradise, a legacy to share with family and friends for generations to come,” Fox said.
The only other private residence on Hayman Island, Hayman House, is also on the market. Commissioned by Terry Peabody, former billionaire and Transpacific Industries founder, Hayman House was first listed last year with hopes of $27 million, later reportedly reduced to $20 million in early 2025.
Designed by Kerry Hill and also built by Hutchies (in 2010), Hayman House shares a similar design ethos to The Residence, albeit on a smaller scale. Its 18-week construction endured three cyclones, with all site access via the beach, which had to be reinforced to prevent heavy vehicles from sinking into the sand.
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This four bedroom coastal classic has been remade for modern living, delivering 270 degree ocean views and rare direct beach access.
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A beautifully renovated New South Wales home in a never-to-be-built-out location by the beach is on the market.
The property at 61 Hillcrest Avenue, Mona Vale, in New South Wales, has a price guide of $7.5+ million and is being marketed by Ray White Northern Beaches agents Emma Blake and Sasha de Bilde.
The property is set to go to auction on October 26.
Ms Blake said the “historic home” with direct beach access was set at the end of a cul-de-sac in one of Mona Vale’s most prestigious streets.
“The property is in a never-to-be-built-out position and there are large open plan living spaces looking out to Mona Vale Beach and beyond,” she said.
“The elevated position offers uninterrupted 270-degree views across Mona Vale Beach, the ocean horizon, and surrounding headlands – with expansive open-plan living spaces designed to embrace the coastal lifestyle.”
The home was once owned by local surf entrepreneur Shane Stedman, founder of Shane Surfboards and credited with popularising the Ugg boot in Australia.
Over the years, the property became something of a local icon – hosting several well-known guests, including Richard Branson.
In 2021, the home was purchased by Justin Riddett and his family, who were living in Singapore at the time.
Together with design firm Whitney & Co and Northern Beaches Constructions, the owners undertook a major renovation that transformed the home into a contemporary beachside haven while preserving its original character.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home features a high-quality build with thoughtful architectural enhancements, blending timeless coastal charm with modern functionality.
The renovation was led by Julie Fisk of Whitney & Co and Elliot Ryan of Northern Beaches Constructions, in close collaboration with the owners.
“From the outset, we wanted to honour the spirit of the home while elevating it to a new standard,” Mr Riddett said.
“The result is something truly special – a place where our family has thrived and connected deeply with the beach and community.”
While the family is ready to downsize, Mr Riddett said the lifestyle will be hard to leave behind.
“Most days the kids and I go to the beach after school – there’s no road to cross,” he said.
“For us, this house was about the kids, and I think it would best suit another family who can enjoy its location just like we have.”
The property’s location is unmatched – one of the few homes in the entire Northern Beaches with direct beach access and panoramic views, he said.
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