Fantastic French flair
Forget modern coastal – this bold red house has a style all its own, inspired by the flamboyant tastes of its French owners.
Francis and Michele Errera designed and built the rouge retreat 20 years ago, bringing the flavours of their native Bordeaux to the incredible headland position commanding ocean views from Burleigh to Coolangatta.
Known simply as “the red house”, the quirky beachfront property has become a local icon and is attracting plenty of attention since hitting the market as the Erreras prepare to downsize.
The five-bedroom, fourbathroom home at 1 Kelly Ave, Miami is listed with Michael Kollosche and Matthew Follent, of Kollosche, and goes under the hammer on May 17.
Mr Errera said they secured the 405sq m property in 2004, two years after migrating to Australia, attracted by the parcel’s rare 40m beach frontage.
Ms Errera drew on her background in design and art history in rebuilding the original brown brick home, incorporating French as well as Asian influences over a twostorey floorplan capturing views from almost every room.
“We love the red colour,” Mr Errera said.
“First of all, I am from Bordeaux, which is the world capital of red wine. Also, we have lived in Asia, in Hong Kong and China, for many years, and in China, the colour red and the number eight are very important. They mean success and long life.”
The home has long stopped passers-by in their tracks with its crimson exterior, embellished with ornamental flourishes and the owners’ initials.
But the interiors are a timeless fit to the coastal surroundings, featuring soaring ceilings and blond-toned timbers.
Elements of feng shui were employed across expansive upstairs living areas lined with Blackbutt and Tasmanian oak, leading onto an al fresco terrace catering for large gatherings.
There’s also an indoor entertaining lounge with a bar on the ground level, opening out to the heated saltwater pool and patio.
Mr Errera said the protected coastal position provided direct access to North Burleigh’s famed surf beach and surrounding parkland, walking and running tracks, while shops, cafe and restaurants were a few minutes’ walk away.
Mr Follent said the listing had attracted plenty of interest, with curious locals and other agents among a crowd eager to see inside the home for the first time.
He said the property had been immaculately maintained and could serve as a beautiful family home, or an enviable parcel for small-tomedium scale development.