'You feel your blood pressure drop': The $4.9 million home that architect Bayden Goddard is selling

“It’s a place where you feel your blood pressure drop.” That’s how renowned architect Bayden Goddard describes the home he designed for his family on the Gold Coast’s idyllic Isle of Capri .

“We’d already built our family home in another part of the island – lots of concrete, the typical architect’s dream – but we had young kids and we found living on the [main part of the] river to be quite noisy. We’d been watching this block on Adam’s Basin for 10 years and one day we just had to extend ourselves to buy it.”

The build didn’t get off to a smooth start. “It was a bit of a mixed batch,” Goddard says. “We started renovating the existing property and about two months in, we said: ‘You know what? Stuff it.’ We knocked the whole thing down.”

Goddard’s vision was to create what he’d longed for in their previous Isle of Capri residence. “This house is more like a retreat. The other was more exposed, but the area we’re in now is sheltered by trees, it’s nice and quiet and the blocks are much larger.”

Positioned on Naples Avenue, the residence finds itself in a peaceful cul de sac. Goddard says the prospect of no through traffic, either from cars or from boats along the basin, was a huge draw-card.

“It’s almost like being on holidays. Seriously. In other parts of the Gold Coast houses are built right next to each other and almost ooze into their neighbours. Here there’s a perception of space.”

Reflecting on his time in the property, Goddard points to the two-storey living area as a highlight, a space where his family of five could comfortably spend time together.

The al fresco pavilion, which offered a retreat from the main residence, also served the Goddards well. “It’s been a great [spot] for people to get their own space, plus you’ve got those river views.”

Goddard is now moving on, ready for an “empty nester” property to replace his home of eight-to-nine years. However the tranquility he’s found here will be hard to beat.

“That’s the strength of this house. It’s just been really good for us.”

Kollosche agent Michael Kollosche is selling the property with a price guide of $4.9 million.

Six more retreat-style homes

Rye

Sitting above Tyrone Beach, Clairmont is the perfect place to escape for the weekend or even longer.

The two master bedrooms, privately positioned at either end of the building, have direct access to a terrace with panoramic views.

Finishes within the home are high-end but relaxed, including a stone-topped island and benchtop in the kitchen.

Expect to pay between $2.69 million and $2.95 million for the property through Spencer Mitchell, of Kay & Burton Portsea.

Sunshine Beach

Barefoot luxury living is on offer at this home, which boasts extensive views from its elevated position.

The sensational scenery can be taken in from bed or from the adjoining terrace, while a walk-through wardrobe and connecting en suite offer further luxurious touches.

The main living area has beach views on one side and wraps around a central courtyard with a pool.

Jesse Stowers, of Tom Offermann Real Estate, will be looking for offers of about $4.5 million.

Margaret River

A true estate in the heart of wine country, Ellen Farm features a classic, near-new house set on 29.95 hectares, with views that stretch to the nearby coastal escarpment.

Reached via a tree-lined driveway, the custom-designed home has a cedar-lined portico, travertine flooring and a light-filled living and dining area, which captures vistas of the surrounding property.

The home is for sale by expressions of interest through ACTON Cottesloe agent Bev Heymans, who is seeking offers in the mid-to-high $3 million range.

Springfield

What looks upon approach to be an historical stone building  is in fact a Pauline Hurren masterpiece built in 1999.

The grounds that surround the home include a tennis court, a mosaic-tiled pool, fruit trees, and a leafy terrace.

Inside, cathedral ceilings and formal dining and living zones maintain the old-world theme beautifully.

Stephanie Williams of Harcourts Williams is marketing the property.

Bronte

Looking past the beach palms on the covered deck, you’d swear you were relaxing on a tropical island.

Instead, you’re at a five-bedroom, 1930s-era manor in Bronte, footsteps away from The Three Blue Ducks, Iggy’s Bread and the famous Bondi to Coogee walk.

While you can spot period detail in the ceilings and panelling, the interiors have a fresh feel thanks to some well-considered contemporary revamps.

The house is scheduled to be auctioned on February 23 through Alexander Phillips, of Phillips Pantzer Donnelley.

Toorak

High-end Italian design takes centre stage in this elegant residence, where landscaped gardens framed by bamboo create a serene feel.

From Tasmanian Oak floorboards to the Italian-tiled splashback in the kitchen, the designers have plucked the best from around the world and integrated them seamlessly across two levels.

Nestled in a cul-de-sac, the home is a short distance from Toorak and Hawksburn villages.

Andrew Sahhar, of Kay & Burton South Yarra, leads the expressions of interest campaign.