MUSEUM-INSPIRED MANSION WITH $6M PRICE TAG
A SPRAWLING Hope Island estate inspired by the world-renowned J. Paul Getty Museum and featuring handpainted 30ft wall frescos is for sale for $6m-plus.
The extravagant property concealed behind an ordinary street frontage at 1063-1064 Killymoon Dr was built in 1995 by philanthropist Neil Balnaves, former chair of Dreamworld operator Ardent Leisure.
It last changed hands in 2019, when it was purchased by an overseas buyer for $4m.
The mansion is marketed for sale by Aaron Liu, of Ray White Sunnybank, after passing in at auction this year for about the same amount as the current owner had paid.
“We have had a lot of interest but the price wouldn’t meet the owner’s expectation,” Mr Liu said.
“This is one of the finest estates in the Gold Coast area and at 2834sq m, it is also one of the biggest.”
Mr Liu said the highest offer at January’s auction was $4m, while subsequent offers of up to $4.5m had also been presented without success.
The five-bedroom mansion on a waterfront lot has an open-plan design with a large lounge and dining area showcasing handpainted frescos over the walls and ceilings referencing Roman mythology.
At the centre of the home, an 18m pool with Roman fountains and a poolside pavilion is surrounded by a terracotta tiled courtyard.
A full-size tennis court and private jetty and pontoon to access the Coomera River complete the al fresco lifestyle.
Inside, the two-storey home has marble columns and full-height windows overlooking the pool and courtyards. There’s a large media room and office downstairs as well as a guest bedroom, while an additional three bedrooms are upstairs.
The master suite occupies an entire side of the upper level, and has a walk-in robe, ensuite with powder room, spa bath and separate shower space, as well as a study and balcony.
The estate’s unique design is a nod to the Getty Centre located in Los Angeles and Getty Villa in Malibu, each dedicated to the arts of culture of Ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria.