Medieval castle turned fashion palace up for grabs

A fairytale French chateau where models come to play has hit the market - in South East Queensland.

Chateau La Reve at 45 Blacks Road, Willow Vale

Fashion royalty, welcome home to your castle – a fairytale estate and favoured model haunt modelled on a French chateau.

The quirky European-inspired property at 45 Blacks Rd, Willow Vale spans 1.69ha of spectacular grounds in the Gold Coast Hinterland, and was built over 10 years by the original owners.

Known as Chateau La Reve — or “castle of dreams”, it is marketed by Kollosche agent Josh Finch and goes under the hammer on May 30.

Ornamental statues in the manicured ground

Live a life less ordinary

Mr Finch described the listing as, “an opportunity to live a life less ordinary among serene surrounds”, while remaining within easy reach of northern Gold Coast amenities.

Melissa Papa and her husband, David Cosgrove, purchased the unique estate for $4.2m in November 2023 and spent four months renovating before moving in.

While primarily a family home for the couple and their four children, the castle also served as a location for film productions and photo shoots, hosting popular brands including Beginning Boutique and Petal and Pup.

Shot on location at the Willow Vale estate. Pic: Supplied/Instagram

The castle hosted fashion brands and models along with bespoke events. Pic: Supplied/Instagram

Ms Papa said the family had previously lived on the South Coast of NSW, and moved to Willow Vale for its country charm.

“When we originally saw the property we both loved it and I loved the area – I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a castle?” Ms Papa said.

“But as we walked through, there were a lot of areas where it was not entirely our taste.

“We just pared back a little of the opulence in the house to create more of a luxe feel without the excess.”

The couple scrapped an old medieval-themed games room, stripped back white-painted wooden floors, and extended the poolside alfresco area with travertine tiling and a barbecue kitchen complete with pizza oven, wine fridge and beer taps.

The stunning kitchen with a butler’s pantry and wine cellar

The curved staircase crowned by a chandelier

Constructed from traditional stone, the main residence has four bedrooms with an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space.

A soaring void crowns the interior, while architectural details such as intricate plaster mouldings, high-end marble, and vintage fixtures enhance the grandeur.

A curved wrought iron-trimmed staircase leads to the mezzanine level of the master bedroom, while other features include VJ panelling, wainscot walls, arched doorways, and sash windows.

The rest of the acreage includes outbuildings and natural features such as a dam, stables, paddocks, a commercial-grade workshop, and additional office space or guesthouse, offering potential income-generating opportunities.

Who doesn’t want to live in a castle? Pic: Supplied/Instagram

There’s a main residence and guesthouse with scenic surrounds

The stunning terraced pool

Ms Papa, who worked in fashion events and marketing, said she fell in love with the home’s incredible detail, and its potential as a high-end events space – an avenue which could be further developed by a new owner.

“There was so much beautiful detail that went into the build of the home, and you can see these little stories and moments all around in spaces which have been so thoughtfully created – the gazebo, the private courtyard, the cottage garden, and then the fish pond that runs down along the side of the house like a moat,” she said.

“I have an Italian background so long lunches are in my DNA. Now that we’ve put in the big bi-fold doors that flow into the barbecue area by the pool – the space just really works so well for our extended family,” Ms Papa said.

The property was originally built over 10 years and has been recently renovated

Luxury on a grand scale

Fit for a queen

She counted the central lounge area – now light and bright with stunning exposed beams and a fireplace – as a favourite spot to relax.

“Looking out to the view, especially at this time of year as it starts to cool off and you can light the fire as the sun goes down – golden hour is our all-time favourite,” she said.

PropTrack data shows house prices in Willow Vale were up 23.9 per cent to a median of $950,000.

The estate had been listed on a high-end location hire site, with hourly rates from $450 or weekday hire for $3,195.

Originally published as Medieval castle turned fashion palace up for grabs