It all starts in Bateke Road when you drive past a closed gate with a pebblecrete driveway heading up beside a high dense hedge of conifers to disappear into lawns and gardens. The tall dense trees inside the front boundary fence leave you to do no more than sigh and wonder what lies at the end of that driveway! Well, I can take you up that long driveway and deliver you to a low set brick home, approximately 30 squares in size and enclosed by a dream garden, that will open your eyes to just how beautiful living on Mount Tamborine can be.

This very well built home angled with its long side and living areas to the north-east, was originally built to the exacting standards of a retiring German couple a bit over 20 years ago and the garden, then a bare grassy block, was immediately fenced to keep in their 2 very active Doberman dogs forever. They installed the full pebblecrete driveway that runs up along the north-eastern boundary to deliver cars to the separate double garage with its extra bay for a studio and an additional big shed behind for a workshop. They planted the original trees and palms that have now matured into great shade trees and also laid much of the paving that serves to keep the rich red garden soil out of the house.

The second stage of this homes life started only a couple of years ago, when newly retiring owners moved in and undertook a really major facelift of both the home and gardens. And, really, honestly speaking, this was more than just a facelift! The excellent original layout has been retained, but everything else has changed except the elegant leadlight feature front door. All the original flooring has been replaced with superb, gently glowing hardwood timber floors. The ceiling under the all white heat reflecting roof has been insulated and reverse cycle ducted air conditioning has been installed. A new gas log fire has been installed in the solid brick fireplace with its classic timber mantle. New main and ensuite bathrooms guaranteed to please this most demanding buyer have replaced the originals, along with a new kitchen that looks as if it could turn a hopeless cook into a gourmet chef! Every wall and ceiling has been redecorated. And finally, new quality lights and drapes have been added to every room throughout the home. Yes, it is now perfectly beautiful, elegant, charming and just so tasteful in every detail!

The exterior of the home, the grounds and the landscaping have also undergone major renovation! Excessive undergrowth has been replaced with rock paths and beautiful open areas have been accentuated by strategically positioned garden decor items like an archway and a little wrought iron rotunda as well as the lit fountain that hides in the back garden. Newly planted shrubs have flourished, thanks to both good seasons and a new water bore with its water reticulated around the garden. All the exterior areas of the home that are not brick have been freshly painted and every single surface is now so spotlessly clean that you could eat your dinner off it! The big covered outdoor living area that hides behind the family living now has special solar blinds for those summer mornings when you really don’t want the sun to shine in.

Yes, I could keep on writing about this home because I really do think it is just so beautiful and perfect in every way! But, instead I will recommend that you actually stop wondering what is behind that gate and make a time when I can show it all to you, as well as show you its very secret view to the Gold Coast. It is not a wide view, but still quite beautiful and can be seen from the breakfast room.