Mansion in a league of its own

From a black kitchen to an underground theatre room, this riverfront mega mansion pushes the boundaries of traditional housing design

IT’S nestled among some of the Gold Coast’s finest homes but this mega mansion stands out from the crowd.

From the black kitchen to an underground theatre room, this Isle of Capri home pushes the boundaries of traditional housing design.

Concrete, glass and wood have been expertly blended to create the luxurious riverfront residence on the coveted Amalfi Drive.

Owner Paul Ridley, who is a concreter by trade, drew inspiration from various houses and buildings, including those of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, to design the multilevel home.

He brought his idea to life with the help of architect and good friend Marshall Keen, who is known as “The Bondi Builder” on Channel 9’s Buying Blind series.

“It took a bit over a year to build, the design didn’t take too long,” Mr Ridley said.

He has spent the past six years living in the property with his wife, Nicolette, and their two daughters.

“It’s an easy house to live in,” Mr Ridley said.

An older brick home stood on the property when they bought it in 2004 but Mr Ridley said they quickly outgrew it.

The mansion that towers over the waterfront block today is a far cry from its original.

It has five bedrooms, the master of which has views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and an ensuite with freestanding bath.

A parent’s retreat just outside the master bedroom has a gas fireplace.

Two of the upstairs bedrooms share on ensuite and rumpus room that makes for an ideal children’s retreat.

There are two other bedrooms, one upstairs, which has an ensuite, and another downstairs.

The huge basement has a media room, gym and space for eight cars.

The home also has a study, eight-person elevator, and library.

Outside, an entertainment area overlooking the river and city skyline has a custom-built outdoor kitchen, a dining pavilion and an infinity edge pool with heated spa.

As a nod to the old house that once stood on the block, Mr Ridley retained its street address sign, which is displayed next to the property’s front gate.

Mr Ridley said he wanted the home to be different, hence including quirky features like the American Walnut matte black finished kitchen.

He struggled to choose a feature or room he liked best but said the basement was a standout.

Mr Ridley said it would be sad to leave the home but he planned to spend more time with his family, potentially travelling, once it sold.

“I know I can build another one like this again if I wanted,” he said.