KEY POINTS:
31 WEBB ELLIS COURT,
PELICAN WATERS,
SUNSHINE COAST,
AUSTRALIA.
In 2000, there had been relatively little development at Pelican Waters - a residential estate on the Sunshine Coast - and Ray Donovan, a sports enthusiast and avid golfer, was able to "have his pick" of the bare blocks available. He
chose this 1168 sq m site because it offered a view of the lake as well as along the full length of the fifth fairway on the adjacent 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course.
A native of "Brizzy", Ray briefed an architect to create a resort-style residence so that the occupants would feel like they're on holiday all year long.
The result is a 335 sq m, two-storey, Mediterranean-style five-bedroom home purpose-built for recreation, complete with swimming pool, sauna and floodlit tennis court. Inside, leisure activities are well served by a media room, games room, family room and dining room. There's even a wood-panelled built-in bar in the corner of the games room where a billiard table stands.
Breezy living in the Queensland heat has been assured with tiled floors throughout, ceiling fans, shutters at the windows and bi-fold cedar doors that open to the tranquil and leafy outdoor landscape. The timber kitchen cabinetry is configured in a U-shape and topped with granite surfaces. Two large separate hatches allow serving of food through to the formal dining room and the casual entertaining area.
All four bathrooms have marble-topped vanities. Upstairs is the "master retreat" which includes bedroom, spa, walk-in wardrobe and private balcony overlooking the lake where wildlife, such as pelicans, swans, ducks and kangaroos, are said to roam.
The in-ground swimming pool is surrounded by terracotta tiles and complemented by lush tropical planting. Its focal point is a decorative wall with waterfall feature. Perimeter fencing, a security system and double garage with internal access completes the picture.
Pelican Waters is an 813-hectare master-planned community situated 5km from the centre of the city of Caloundra, one hour north of Brisbane. Ray had intended to stay but, seven years on, his children have grown up and he's now relocated to the Gold Coast to pursue business interests. He thinks the property is likely to appeal to a sports-minded couple or family which enjoys comfortable living and easy access to a multitude of recreational facilities.