Riverview Avenue, Buderim mega mansion to be demolished, subdivided

An abandoned mega-mansion once known as Queensland’s most expensive, and rumoured to feature a concrete nuclear bunker, is being demolished to make way for new plans.

It was once known as Queensland’s most expensive home and rumoured to have a concrete nuclear bunker, but soon a Sunshine Coast concrete mega mansion will be the stuff of legend as new plans for the property take effect.

A multi-million dollar Buderim mega mansion formerly owned by an American millionaire - and rumoured to have a secret nuclear bunker - is being demolished after being empty and abandoned for more than a decade.

The mansion, at 7 Riverview Ave in Buderim, was once known as Queensland’s most expensive private home and had an estimated sale price of $25m in 2008.

Property records state it was formerly owned by American millionaire Ron Miller, who bought it and the property behind it on Coolum View Tce for $1.25m and $625,000 in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Both were bought by Distinctive Estates Pty Ltd in July 2021 for $5m each, records state.

Unfinished construction of a multi million dollar property at Riverview Avenue, Buderim, pictured in 2005. The second property behind it is just visible.

The Riverview Ave property sits atop one of the highest points on Buderim mountain and boasts spectacular northern views out to Coolum.

The Riverview Ave home made headlines in 2006 when neighbours took Mr Miller, his wife, the then Maroochy Shire Council, developer Kate Dillon and a building certifier to court over an extension. The neighbours lost.

This extension was rumoured to include a concrete enforced nuclear bunker.

Now, the concrete mega mansion the same size as 14 two bedroom apartments is being demolished in preparation to be subdivided, much to the delight of neighbours.

The Coolum View Tce property, which was reportedly known as the “maid’s residence” is also being subdivided.

Development documents state the two properties will be subdivided into six new lots; three per property. Further details, including the type of housing the new lots will include, are not yet publicly available.

Buderim mega mansion on September 7. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

On September 7, the eastern end of the Riverview Ave property had already been partly demolished.

One neighbour told the Sunshine Coast Daily he thought the mansion was a “monstrosity” and was glad to see it finally go.

The Sunshine Coast Daily has contacted Distinctive Estates Pty Ltd for comment.