Homeowners Gary Waldon and Azra Alagic are taking their Helensvale home to auction. Picture Glenn Hampson
GLOBETROTTING couple Azra Alagic and Gary Waldon took inspiration from their honeymoon on the Greek Islands for their latest renovation, a waterfront home on the northern Gold Coast which goes under the hammer this month.
They purchased in February 2021 and transformed the four-bedroom Helensvale property into a holiday-at-home retreat while travel was off the cards during the pandemic.
But wanderlust is once more calling, and the couple, both corporate consultants, is selling up and heading overseas again.
The home is marketed by Amir Prestige agent, Mitchell Booth, and will be auctioned on January 24.
The couple, both corporate consultants, travelled to Mykonos and Santorini for their honeymoon. Picture Glenn Hampson
Ms Alagic said they chose the location on a 799sq m lot at 32 Calmwater Cres for its appealing canalfront aspect, quiet neighbourhood, proximity to amenities, and easy access to both beaches and Brisbane CBD via the M1 Motorway.
“The house was 20 years old when we bought it, but we thought it had good bones and we just knew we could do something quite special,” Ms Alagic, 53, said.
“Our inspiration was very much from our honeymoon in Mykonos in the Greek Islands — that was the last trip we managed to squeeze in before COVID.
“We love travelling and experiencing the culture of the place, so with the house it was very much about re-creating that feel.
“We both work hard and long hours and when we get home we want to be able to breathe a sigh of relief and relax into that luxe holiday vibe as soon as we walk in the door.”
Feature breeze block walls and a latte pole ceiling over the terrace
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Wide waterfront views and a peaceful neighbourhood
Latest quarterly home values data from PropTrack shows Helensvale was one of the Gold Coast’s strongest markets through 2022, with house prices in the suburb up 8.8 per cent over the year. The median house price in December was $1.027m.
“We always bought the house to sell it, and we feel the market is still at a good position, so if we get the price we’re looking at we’ll sell, but if not we’d be perfectly ok to stay because we love it here,” Ms Alagic said.
“The interest rate is not a contributing factor for us. We are selling the house because we’re planning extended travel to seek more inspo for our next project.
“But the market is so cyclical and I think people can overreact to inflaction and interest rates — it plays itself out.”
Curves and arches feature through the home
Spacious open-plan living
The modern kitchen has a curved island bench and high-end appliances
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Designed by Archinteriors and built by HWD Constructions, the home was named Villa Sereno and marked a complete overhaul of both internal and external spaces, incorporating curves, arches, and a fresh neutral palette with textural finishes to evoke modern Mediterranean luxury.
“The old house was quite boxy and its living space wasn’t taking full advantage of the water views out the back,“ Ms Alagic said.
“The world’s ugliest media room” gave way to a spacious open-plan lounge room, casual dining and living areas and a contemporary kitchen complete with cocktail bar and butler’s pantry.
Soak away the day
Outdoors was transformed into a show-stopping al fresco area that has recently been hired as a photoshoot location.
The pool was re-surfaced, with a water feature added along with breeze block walls and new deck and pergola with a teppanyaki barbecue kitchen and drinks fridge.
Back inside, the master bedroom with his and hers walk-in robes and on-trend ensuite was given a luxurious makeover, while a downstairs bedroom with an ensuite and kitchenette opens onto a crazy-paved courtyard with a custom rendered bench seat, making it ideal for guests.
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