The lure of life beside the beach

This modern three-level residence is the ideal solution for a family wanting all the benefits of a beachside lifestyle

HAVING access to multiple living areas, outdoor spaces and the beach were never more important to Donna Tickle than during the local period of COVID restrictions.

When she wasn’t working a shift at Gold Coast University Hospital, the nurse kept herself fit and sane by making good use of the space on offer at her Mermaid Beach abode.

“I could go upstairs to do yoga and went out into the courtyard to do my body attack workout,” she said. “Being so close to the beach was also a godsend.”

Global health crises aside, the three-level beachside residence has been a blissful place to call home for Ms Tickle and her family for the past eight years.

Believed to be the first architecturally designed house on a side street in Mermaid Beach, visitors to the suburb were said to drive down Dudley Street to see the striking design.

The “strong bones” of the house coupled with the promise of an active life by the beach are what drew Ms Tickle to the property in the first instance.

“The art deco style is less typical of the Hamptons or coastal homes you find in this area,” she said.

“I also like the fact that you don’t need to leave the postcode, every thing is within walking distance.”

Italian tiles, dark timber, glass and stainless steel finishes create a contemporary feel inside, while watching waves from the entertaining deck is a pleasant reminder that the beach is a short walk away.

“The deck is where we spend most of our time or gathered around the kitchen bench,” Ms Tickle said.

“We’ve also discovered Netflix, so bingeing by the fireplace is a favourite now too.”

Large or extended families are well catered for in the five-bedroom residence — a guest retreat is ideal for an elderly parent or teenager, while a master suite on the third level ensures parents get their peace too.

“The whole street is surprisingly quiet,” Ms Tickle said.

“The hedges and established gardens also make it incredibly private.”

The strong sense of community in Mermaid Beach has been a major perk of life on Dudley St, said Ms Tickle who looks forward to the annual Christmas Eve catch up.

“Even if you haven’t seen someone all year, we all get the chance to catch up at the surf club,” she said. “We love our neighbours and friends, and hope to stay in the area. It’s the best postcode on the Gold Coast.”

Marketing agent Luke Henderson of Professionals – John Henderson said the local lifestyle made it equally appealing to spend time outside of home.

“The early demand is from families coming from outer suburbs wanting to move closer to the beach,” he said.

“They like the size of this house and the beachside lifestyle, which is what residents really come to value around here.”