Holiday vibes all year round

Gold Coast Titans departing chief executive Graham Annesley has put his sprawling resortstyle Sorrento home on the market

HE’S known for his no-nonsense approach with the media but Titans boss Graham Annesley loves nothing more than relaxing by his pool behind closed doors.

The departing chief executive who will leave the Gold Coast Titans next month, has put his luxurious Gold Coast home on the market.

The former top referee will head back to Sydney to become the NRL’s head of elite football programs.

“There’s a lot I’ll miss about the Gold Coast – mostly I’ll miss the people,” Annesley said. “It’s such a welcoming place and everyone’s been so hospitable and gone out of their way to make us feel welcome.”

“There’s the obvious advantages as well – the beautiful climate, the fantastic beaches and the city’s proximity to a major capital city in Brisbane.”

Annesley joined the Titans under the previous ownership of Michael Searle and has steered the club through numerous crises including a cocaine scandal, the club’s financial collapse, the takeover by the NRL and ultimate sale to Darryl Kelly and Rebecca Frizelle who plan to gift the team back to the local community when it is financially strong enough.

Annesley and wife Erica bought their Sorrento home in 2015, drawn to its resortstyle vibes, privacy and unusual floorplan where the lap pool is the centrepiece of the house.

“It’s a beautiful house,” he said. “It’s a bit like being in a resort. It’s a very private place and we hear very little from any neighbours.

Located in a cul-de-sac in the Riviera Estate, the one-off home was designed to embrace an indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

“The house has got two main buildings that are connected by a walkway that runs directly alongside the swimming pool.”

There are three living areas overlooking the heated lap pool while a covered poolside entertaining area comes complete with a built-in barbecue, wine fridges, and a projector and screen.

“In summer we’re outside on the outside furniture by the pool and in the cooler months, we’re largely in the living room,” Annesley said.

“I’ve got two daughters who live in Sydney and the come up on a reasonably regular basis and the love it.

“Everyone loves coming to the Gold Coast, even if it’s just for a weekend.”

The property also has a half-sized tennis court, triple garage, water tank and lowmaintenance gardens.

Annesley said the property would suit a range of potential buyers.

“It’s a house that could certainly suit professional people and it would be equally suitable for families particularly with the two living areas being separate.”

“Although it’s one single property it’s almost like two separate residences.”