Villa has feel of ‘six star resort’

Sorrento’s ultimate four-level party venue features an imposing central staircase, self contained penthouse, deluxe pool, movie theatre, cocktail lounge, tennis court and sauna

For the current owners of arguably Sorrento’s most enviable home, Ian and Lisa Tregoning, leaving behind the commanding “Villa Marseilles” at 16-18 Marseille Court means bidding farewell to more than just undeniable luxury and prestige.

Ian said it was his memories of the family milestones celebrated at the property since they took over ownership in 1999 that would bring a tear to the eye when he closes the door for the final time.

“We had three 15th birthdays here, three 18th birthdays, three 21sts, and we didn’t quite get a wedding,” Ian said.

“But I treasure every one of these parties and having had them here.”

In fact, Villa Marseilles has been the ultimate party venue for the couple and their three children, kicking off with a Millennium shindig in their first year of ownership.

“We moved in during 1999 and we had 26 people staying with us for two weeks for a Millennium party,” Ian said. “But while we expected these families to go off and enjoy the theme parks, they never left, and when we asked them why they said ‘this is the ultimate resort, why would we go anywhere else?’” Ian admitted the property had the feel of “living in a six-star resort, permanently”.

Arriving in Queensland from Adelaide, Ian and Lisa were feeling underwhelmed by the properties on offer, but it was the instant they stepped into the atrium of Villa Marseilles that they knew it was sold.

“I didn’t care about price, I wanted value,” Ian said. “We had viewed a lot of big homes and they were more show than substance and we weren’t really interested in any of them. But when we walked in the front door and stood looking up at that two-storey void, I turned to Lisa and said, ‘this is it, this has to be it’.” The four-level residence is centred around an imposing central staircase that was the hook that grabbed Ian.

“I just looked at the staircase and thought, ‘wow’,” he said.

Designed by architect John Patterson, it features a soft curvaceous profile, with each room flowing in synergy with the majestic Main River and subtle coastal landscape.

Each of the seven bedroom suites features a deluxe spa bathroom, with walk-in robes and private balconies. The master bedroom features dual walk-in dressing rooms, an ensuite with Botticino marble, a private lounge, kitchenette, and terrace.

Living areas deliver uninterrupted water views with a separate billiard room, salon bar, executive boardroom and vogue marble kitchen equipped with a cold room.

Ian said no shortcuts were taken at the residence, originally constructed by a builder as his “trophy home”, which has ensured it has a “timeless feel”.

“The guy who built this place flew his architects to Italy to choose the marble tiling and flew Italian tilers in to do the pool, which is an absolute masterpiece – a piece of art,” he said. There’s a self-contained penthouse featuring its own kitchen, movie theatre and cocktail lounge and a terrace leading to the tennis court and sauna, which is akin to a boutique luxury health club.

Villa Marseilles is for sale via expressions of interest.

To inquire, contact Adam Cain from Amir Mian Prestige for more information.