It’s fitting the renovation of a tired old Queenslander in one of Brisbane’ best suburbs would take its inspiration from another much sought after location, Bel Air in the foothills of California’s Santa Monica Mountains.
For builder, Zephyr Industries’ Brayden Larkin, the sprawling mansion Belvedere, in Towers St Ascot, pays homage to the iconic California playground of the rich and famous in every way.
“I look at a lot of things in LA, in the mega mansions and it’s pretty inspiring,” Mr Larkin said.
Captured by the “cool and crazy ideas” on show in some of the world’s most expensive properties, Mr Larkin took steps to bring a little LA to Brisbane and in doing so picked up a prestigious award at the recent Master Builders Housing and Construction Brisbane awards.
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Over four levels, including the basement, the property won the Home Renovation/Remodelling Project over $1 million category.
Initially considering subdividing the lot, Mr Larkin decided instead to lift the original 1920s Queenslander up, “smash everything out underneath” and build on to the existing structure.
Following a seven month build with up to twenty guys on site working every day, the luxury home, is one of the finest the company has built to date.
“We had some very stiff competition (in the Master Builders) and I know a lot of the boys and I’ve seen their homes and they build brilliant homes so I was pretty stoked we managed to get the award,” Mr Larkin said.
“I like to push the boundaries of what we can do and offer lifestyle and liveable things.”
“This house is a prime example of that.”
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Facing due north so “the sun comes up over Moreton Island” and spills into the house, Mr Larkin said the home was designed to take advantage of the views and aspect.
“One thing I’m really stoked about is how the house flows,” he said.
“Being really big they can get extremely disjointed.
“The basement is obviously separate but from here (the living room) you can see the backdoor (on the second floor),”
But the house is much more than its aspect, with every attention paid to lifestyle details.
It’s a home Mr Larkin says is designed for living in with every element a reflection of his desire to “push the boundaries”.
“I love a challenge and I have an extremely good team who are passionate.”
“There’s so much pride when you finish a project like this.”
FEATURES
- Glass elevator over three levels
- 2 x swimming pools
- Smart wiring from anywhere in the world
- Voice activated
- Roof top spa
- Roof top fire pit
- Gym
- 2000 bottle wine Cellar
- 5 bedrooms
- bar and pool room
- home security
- 7 car garaging
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