Stunning views and family vibes

Watching whales playing in the sea is just one of a cache of unforgettable memories held by the owners of this luxe sky home, writes Lisa Hughes

THE penthouse that tops the Ultra building, just back from the beachfront in Broadbeach, has been a sought-after piece of real estate ever since construction started on the tower in 2007. One of the original buyers, who was seeking more space, bought and combined two apartments to create the sprawling penthouse sky home that crowns the building today, covering more than 1000sq m across levels 30 and 31.

When the sky home went on the market in 2016, it featured on the cover of the Gold Coast Bulletin’s first Real Estate magazine (below). Six years on and things have come full circle, with the penthouse now back on the market.

Despite it still being one of the Coast’s biggest units, filled with luxury furnishings and fittings, the attraction for its owners stretches far beyond its size or material inclusions. For Melbourne-based James Grege and his three siblings, who inherited the property after their father passed away, it is the quality times the family spent there that resonates the most – along with the magical views.

“Dad moved to Queensland for the weather and he particularly loved the

Gold Coast because it reminded him of a mini Melbourne, which you can’t find anywhere else in QLD or NSW,” James said.

“The penthouse was the creme de la creme of apartments at the time, so he bought it, and why not?

“Since then it has always been the place where the family has come together. There’s a lot of personal memories there.

“When we stay it is always a special feeling, so relaxed and at home. And the apartment has everything that you need. There are spaces where you can gather in groups but also spots where you can be on your own.

“We each have our own bedrooms and the kitchen is commercial grade, so we always enjoy cooking together.

“The pool area is great for celebrations and I like the gym and sauna where I can work out in privacy. It’s all these little things that we feel fortunate to have.”

The other thing James feels fortunate for is the view, which he said is hard to beat.

“When the sun is setting over the hinterland or rising over the ocean, it’s just spectacular. I can’t even describe it.

“One of the best things is when you’re sitting on the balcony and the sun is on the ocean, and you can see the whales jumping out of the water below. We are so lucky to be able to have that perspective.”

The apartment’s full-height glass ensures that those views are also captured from within, with every room offering up scenes of the sea, city skyline, main river or hinterland.

Since the passing of their father, the Greges decided it best to put the penthouse on the market, yet James said he would not be giving up the Gold Coast weather and lifestyle that easily.

“We’ll look for something smaller in the Broadbeach area, which we love because it has it all – beaches, the casino, shops, restaurants, it is such a great central pocket.”