14 southern cross driveA GRAND Cronin Island mansion formerly owned by a TV game show co-host will go under the hammer next month — and the many antiques that fill it will go with it. Property records on Corelogic show the owners, Murray and Julie Bailey, bought the sprawling mansion at 14 Southern Cross Drive in 1999 from Australian television personality Joan Waters. 14 Southern Cross Drive“It has hardly been lived in, the only other owner has been Joan Waters,” he said.The three-level mansion has soaring ceilings and a guest wing with a kitchen. The basement has space for eight cars, a sauna and a climate-controlled wine cellar.The property will go to auction on April 8. 14 Southern Cross DriveThe home was built by Mrs Waters, a co-host on 1970s game show Spending Spree. She sold the property for $4 million. Poised on a 1262sq m waterfront block the home has six bedrooms and six bathrooms and greets guests with an extravagant port cochere-style driveway. More from news02:37Purchasers snap up every residence in the $40 million Siarn Palm Beach North10 hours ago02:37International architect Desmond Brooks selling luxury beach villa1 day agoBelle property principal Dennis McDermott is marketing the property and said the mansion had attracted interest from Asian buyers. 
14 Southern Cross Drive“A lot of people are really sold on the classical furniture,” he said.“I rarely see this type of classic style on the Gold Coast and it is not for everyone.“The furniture is really big and beautiful and it needs a place of this size to fit it.”Mr McDermott said the owners bought the home while they were living in America but have decided to downsize and travel.
At home with Blockheads Caro and Kingi
Inside Caro and Kingie Tahana’s home.Caro said it was important their home cater for their growing family and after a suggestion from their builder decided to turn the walk-in wardrobe attached to their daughter’s room into another bedroom.Renovating also allowed the couple to design the home around the lifestyle including the laundry being able to fit two washing machines.Caro, sick of her clothes coming out of the wash covered in dust and small rocks from her husband’s rendering clothes, now has a washing machine dedicated to Kingi’s work clothes.“I was having render and rocks in all my beautiful clothes and I was like ‘I’m going to kill this render’,” she said.“We have definitely tweaked things to make our life just a little bit easier.” Caro and Kingie Tahana with daughter Halia 4 at their Hyde Park HomeFRESH from their season of The Block, Caro and Kingi returned to their new Hyde Park home with no furniture and a single old airconditioner that was loud enough to wake Sleeping Beauty. Luckily it wasn’t long before the reality stars embarked on a massive renovation and now the family of three, with another on the way, are living in stylish comfort. CLICK here for all the latest Townsville real estate news The couple said they had just bought the home when they were told they would be appearing on The Block so they put their belongings in storage and headed to Melbourne.“When we came back (from The Block) we had just been living in a $2 million apartment with amazing views of South Yarra and we were sleeping on a mattress on the floor because we had no furniture,” Kingi said.“We had one old Kelvinator airconditioner in the master and it was absolutely freezing,” Caro added.“This house was horrible and it had no wardrobes … but we could see the potential.” Caro and Kingie Tahana with daughter Halia, 4, at their Hyde Park Home
One of the couple’s favourite styling pieces is a pendant light made out of duck feathers.Kingi and Caro live in the five-bedroom home with their four-year-old daughter Halia, cat Big Puss and dogs Reno and Arly.They describe their style as a blend of Scandinavian and industrial with a touch of modern minimalism.The couple favour natural materials like timber which is used on their floors, in the kitchen and on the ceiling of their theatre room.More from news01:21Buyer demand explodes in Townsville’s 2019 flood-affected suburbs12 Sep 202001:21‘Giant surge’ in new home sales lifts Townsville property market10 Sep 2020Kingi’s signature rendering will be making a welcome appearance on the upcoming season of The Block and features heavily throughout the home.Caro said their time on The Block had heavily influenced how they styled their own home.“I think if we weren’t on the show we definitely wouldn’t have been as creative as what we have been,” she said.“Being on the show teaches you to take risks and we have really found our style on the show.”“Style runs through everything,” Kingi added.“I think Caroline is really good at dressing herself and fashion so you just carry that through everything.”
Townsville’s dream rentals
19/18 High Vista Drive, Mount Louisa is for rent for $950 per week.You’ll have no shortage of room in this seven-bedroom, three bathroom home located in a gated community in Mount Louisa. It’s $950 a week to rent but the property comes with one week’s rent for free. The master suite has a walk-in-robe, own patio and ensuite with a spa bath. There is also a children’s retreat, two large decks overlooking Townsville, pool with amazing views and theatre room fitted with a projector. 1588 RIVERWAY DRIVE, KELSO 21 Balmoral Drive, Castle HillRENTING in Townsville doesn’t have to mean sacrificing living the high life with a plethora of luxury rentals on the market. We take a look at some of the best out there. Pools, wine cellars, media rooms and water views are just some of the luxurious features in these high-end rental properties. Take a walk through these properties and you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to real estate heaven. 21 BALMORAL DRIVE, CASTLE HILL More from news01:21Buyer demand explodes in Townsville’s 2019 flood-affected suburbs12 Sep 202001:21‘Giant surge’ in new home sales lifts Townsville property market10 Sep 202021 Balmoral Drive, Castle HillThis four-bedroom home in Townsville’s most exclusive suburb could be yours for $1300 a week. There will be no fighting over the bathroom with four toilets including a bidet, three showers and two spa baths. Perched high on the hill this home has uninterrupted views of Cape Cleveland, Magnetic Island, Castle Hill and the CBD. There is also a cold room, media room, climate-controlled wine cellar, fire place and in-ground pool with ocean views. 19/18 HIGH VISTA DRIVE, MOUNT LOUISA 
1588 Riverway Drive Kelso is for rent.For the same price as a one studio apartment in Sydney you could be living in this four-bedroom house right on the river in Kelso. It’s luxury at a bargain price of $595 per week which also includes pool service and gardener so you can kick back on the huge deck and enjoy the river views. The home also has a vacuum maid, ducted airconditioning, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a purpose built children’s room and spotted gum timber floors.
Enjoy that holiday feeling every day in this Gold Coast property
92 Waitomo St, Broadbeach Waters is going under the hammer on February 17.YOU’LL feel like you’re on an island holiday all year round in this entertainer’s haven.The Broadbeach Waters property offers a huge 12m pool overlooking the water as well as a Bali hut.The recently renovated house has high end finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows complete the stylish look.92 Waitomo St, Broadbeach Waters.More from news02:37Purchasers snap up every residence in the $40 million Siarn Palm Beach Northless than 1 hour ago02:37International architect Desmond Brooks selling luxury beach villa20 hours ago92 Waitomo St, Broadbeach Waters.Enjoy wide water views from the living areas and master bedroom which also has its own balcony with views of the Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise skyline.The kitchen is practical with integrated appliances, breakfast bar and dining area.Ron London of London Estate Agents is taking the property to auction on February 17.92 Waitomo St, Broadbeach Waters.
Queenslander sells within days as demand for them lifts in the city
Bags of potential in the back garden.She said the sale was fast because her office did the building and pest inspections before listing the property.“We get those done for houses that we think are going to be sold quickly. The reason we do it is so if there’s a problem we can get it fixed, but also it’s fast. Sometimes it’s better to take the money while it’s there and my owners were really quiet people who like their privacy.”The home was listed as a “timeless Queensland treasure” that was built in the 19th century and maintained its period features and had a level rear garden.FOLLOW SOPHIE FOSTER ON FACEBOOK The open plan family room opens to the back deck and rear garden. Period features including the fireplace were maintained in the property.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus21 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market21 hours agoHigh ceilings and well maintained floorboards were a winner.Ms Trickey said demand had ramped up significantly now for certain types of homes in the neighbourhood.“Some of the reason for that (price) is that the market’s moved here. We’re about to do a letterbox drop to people in the area to let them know that three bedroom homes on 405sq m are worth a lot more than they were last year.“The last sale similar to that house we had was 18 Quinn Street in Toowong that sold for $870,000 in September (2017).”The successful buyers of the Dacre home were parents from country New South Wales who were buying the property for their daughter.Loads of rooms in the kitchen.
18 Dacre Street, Toowong, has sold for $915,000.A LATE 19th century inner city Queenslander has sold within days of listing, fetching close to two and a half times what the owners paid.The three bedroom, two bathroom, double car garage house at 18 Dacre St, Toowong, was sold by Gabrielle Trickey of Gabrielle Trickey Properties for $915,000 on January 17.“We put it online on Saturday morning at 5am, we got 30 groups through, then we had four offers by Monday,” she told The Courier-Mail.“A lot of buyers were telling me that it wasn’t worth more than $860,000. Then we had a buyer who went to $915,000. It was cash unconditional, no terms, and was sold by Wednesday.”The front veranda is the hallmark of a good Queenslander.
Have a look at what is on offer across Brisbane this weekend
Perfect for entertaining.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus21 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market21 hours ago This charming brick house in Fortitude Valley will also be auctioned, and at first glance you might not pick that the home once served a very different purpose. Although 194 Arthur St is now a modern four-bedroom home, it was originally the local police station for the neighbourhood. Classic Queenslander.But it is undoubtedly the full-sized tennis court that has sparked a lot of interest according to agent Tom Lyne.“We expect there to be multiple bidders on this,” Mr Lyne said. “A lot of people appreciate that this sort of property does not come up very often.”The home will be auctioned off on site on Saturday, February 17 at 1pm. Impressive house, but wait until you see the view.THERE is something on offer for just about everyone this weekend with a number of unique and interesting homes going under the hammer. Tennis lovers could find themselves right at home at this colonial Queenslander home in Windsor. The property at 38 Palmer St, Windsor already has an awful lot going for it, with its city views, inground pool and its charming historic Queenslander home. The Indooroopilly home is just four years old.Agent Jason Adcock said potential buyers said the four year home had a lot of modern conveniences that you would not find in historical homes. From cop shop to laid-back retreat.Over in Indooroopilly a three-storey riverfront home is attracting interest from international buyers. The home at 10 Twigg St has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, in ground pool, all overlooking the Brisbane River. What’s behind the red door?Agent Karla Lynch expected the unique home to be sold this weekend. “It’s a really cool property, it’s got a great vibe to it,” she said.The agent has tried something different to show off the property by hosting a yoga session at the open house. It will go under the hammer on-site at 11am, Saturday, February 17. Riverfront views.“It’s got a self contained granny flat on the downstairs level and it’s got a lift that covers all three levels,” he said.“It is very luxurious.”It will be auctioned on-site on Saturday, February 17 at 10am.
Luxury Gold Coast penthouse hits the market with price to match
Soul Penthouse, Gold CoastThe apartment has changed a lot in that time, with architectural firm BVN hired to create a luxurious interior design to suit the surroundings.The 1040 sqm apartment comes with six bedrooms, each with ensuite, a double storey lobby and a private pool and spa. The penthouse has the highest private pool and spa in Queensland.ARE you looking for a place on the Gold Coast in time for the Commonwealth Games? With spectacular views right in the heart of Surfers Paradise this could be the perfect place, provided you have got the cash. Beachside living at its best.Agent Michael Kollosche said its size would be a selling point.“At more than 1,000sqm it is 30% bigger than the Australia 108 Penthouse in Melbourne that sold for $25 million in 2016 and nearly four times bigger than the Opera Residences 280sqm penthouse that sold for $27 million late last year,” Mr Kollosche said.The Soul residential tower is the second tallest building on the Gold Coast, behind the Q1.
Premium luxury.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus21 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market21 hours agoAt 220 metres above sea level, the Soul Penthouse boasts views to Stradbroke Island in the north, Coolangatta to the south and the Gold Coast hinterland to the west. It has been listed this week for $7.95 million through Kollosche Prestige Agents, almost three years after it was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung for $7 million.
Brisbane surge: 10 houses sold for $30m with one giving its owner $100k for every year of ownership
Great spot to watch the river go by. Source: CoreLogic BRISBANE’S TOP 10: (House sales revealed this past week) 1a Eldernell Tce, Hamilton $7m+127 Laurel Ave, Chelmer $5m5 Henry St, Ascot $3.3m33 Tooth Ave, Paddington $3.3m33 Ivy St, Indooroopilly $3.325m.35 Elliott St, Hawthorne $2.7m132 Ernest St, Manly $1.82m30 Yabba St, Ascot $1.6m37 Southerden Ave, Grange $1.46m19 Prince St, Paddington $1.401m (Source: realestate.com.au, Instagram/prestigepropertyau; CoreLogic) Open plan stunner in Hamilton. Source: CoreLogic 35 Elliott Street, Hawthorne. The view from 1A Eldernell Terrace Hamilton, which has sold for over $7m. Source: CoreLogicBRISBANE’S prestige market is surging with the top 10 house sales revealed in just the past week totalling a massive $30m.The market blew wide open with confirmation to The Courier-Mail yesterday of the $7m-plus sale of a blue chip property in Hamilton which effectively gains its owner $100,000 for every year of ownership.The sale of 1a Eldernell Terrace in Hamilton was the cherry on top for a week that saw millions thrown into Brisbane real estate, including the successful auction of 127 Laurel Ave, Chelmer on the weekend for $5m.Other sales revealed during the past week were 5 Henry St, Ascot and 33 Tooth Ave, Paddington which fetched the same price of $3.3m while 33 Ivy St, Indooroopilly was under contract for $3.325m. FREE: GET THE COURIER-MAIL’S REAL ESTATE NEWS IN YOUR INBOX AGEING HOMES HOTTEST ON MARKET HOME HITS MARKET FOR FIRST TIME IN 100 YEARS 33 Tooth Ave, Paddington.According to a prestigepropertyau list, big dollars were also on the table for 35 Elliott St, Hawthorne ($2.7m) and 132 Ernest St, Manly ($1.82m).Auction results by realestate.com.au saw 30 Yabba St, Ascot go for $1.6m, 37 Southerden Avenue, Grange sold for $1.46m while 19 Prince St, Paddington attracted $1.401m under the hammer.Coronis agent Patrick McKinnon – believed to be acting for the buyer of the $7m-plus Hamilton home – was unable to disclose the full value of the sale but confirmed to The Courier-Mail that it was under contract.“The market is very strong in the high end at the moment,” Mr McKinnon said. “Even with the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade happening people are still buying in the area and prestige properties will be still going strong when the upgrades are finished. It’s a good time for the Hamilton, Ascot, Hendra areas.” 132 Ernest Street, Manly. 30 Yabba Street, Ascot.According to property records, the last time 1a Eldernell Terrace in Hamilton sold was in 2008 when it fetched $6.1m. The owners have had the property languishing on the market since October, entertaining all expressions of interest.What does $7m-plus buy these days in Brisbane? CoreLogic records show Alma Clark Real Estate Ascot had marketed the 1a Eldernell Terrace home as a “luxurious family residence with spectacular views” which underwent a contemporary renovation to turn it into a grand home. The triple story home has formal and informal zones, as well as floor-to-ceiling glass to make the most of bridge, river and city skyline views, as well as a new kitchen and butler’s pantry “designed with entertaining in mind”. The home also has a second kitchen for casual dinners, a teen retreat, as well as a temperature controlled wine cellar. FOLLOW SOPHIE FOSTER ON FACEBOOK 127 Laurel Ave, Chelmer. 33 Ivy St, Indooroopilly.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus20 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market20 hours ago What a fantastic wine cellar. Source: CoreLogic 19 Prince St, Paddington. 5 Henry St, Ascot. 37 Southerden Avenue, Grange.
This Grange home is tipped to be a hot item when it goes under the hammer this weekend
Edward and Petra Ohlrich with Lucy (5) and Samual (3) at their Grange home. Picture: Peter WallisPetra and Edward Ohlrich had not been looking to buy in Grange when they bought their house at 36 Howard St, six years ago.But Mrs Ohlrich said they came across it while searching and just really loved the house. It didn’t require any work and had all the features they were after so they could move in and start enjoying it straight away.“What is appealing about the house is the amazing flow from the kitchen to the huge veranda,’’ she said.“No matter the weather, the children can play outside on the veranda.’’Her favourite part of the home is the kitchen which they recently renovated. More from newsNew apartments released at idyllic retirement community Samford Grove Presented by Parks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus19 hours ago36 Howard St, Grange. Picture: realestate.com.au“It is the central point of the house where everyone gathers,” Mrs Ohlrich said. “It is a beautiful kitchen but it also functions incredibly well.” Mrs Ohlrich said that while the house was a worker’s cottage, it had been well cared for and had a modern feel.“We didn’t realise it when we moved there, but the suburb is perfect,” she said. “It has excellent amenities with many parks, Kedron Brook, the library and excellent schools. It is also close to the city and the tunnels, giving quick access to just about anywhere.”The three-bedroom, two bathroom home still retains its post-war features including high ceilings, polished timber floorboards, VJ walls and plate rails. 36 Howard St, Grange. Picture: realestate.com.auIt is on a 556sq m block. The kitchen has a five-burner gas range, Caesarstone benchtops and pullout pantry.A wall of seven bi-fold doors opens out onto the deck which is lined with plantation shutters.All of the bedrooms are airconditioned and two have built-in wardrobes while the main bedroom has its own bathroom with double showerhead, floor-to-ceiling tiles and a timber benchtop.The home, which is listed through Ian Cuneo and Andrew Flanagan of Ray White Ascot is for auction tomorrow at 9am.