How builder-developer couple put their heart and soul into this property

Empty nesters Melissa and Wojtek Stainwald have created a Mediterranean-inspired escape at Buderim – but it’s all for another family to enjoy.

Wojtek and Melissa Stainwald at the Buderim property on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Having spent nearly two decades raising their family in Buderim, a pocket within Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, Melissa and Wojtek Stainwald wanted to be able to share their slice of paradise.

“Vista Monti” is the culmination of the couple’s years-long desire to take on a special project once their three boys were older. The white, tree-lined home is the first the builder-developers have completed as they sought a distraction having become so-called empty nesters.

While they had never intended to live in the five-bedroom home, they poured as much heart and soul into the property as if they were to move in.

“The design has been my labour of love,” Melissa said

“I’ve lost count how many times trades or suppliers have in frustration that I won’t let go of an idea, said to me, ‘Meli, you’re not going to be living in it.’

“No, but a beautiful family will be and they deserve the best, would always be my reply.”

The couple wanted the home to feel like a resort. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The Agency’s Sunshine Coast property partner, Dan Smith, is marketing 96 Lindsay Rd, which will be auctioned on-site on Sunday, May 7 at 10am.

Melissa, who was hands-on in her role as project manager, described the style as raw minimal with a sprinkle of Mediterranean.

“The last few years everything has been grey, grey, grey on grey and very monotone,” she said. “I really set out with this house to change and steer it differently.”

Arches and curves were used throughout from the staircase to the showers, with orange and pink tones used in the bathrooms to bring colour and warmth into the otherwise muted, natural palette with materials including Tasmanian Oak and limestone.

Palm trees create the feeling of a tropical getaway in the hinterland. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The foyer is one of the couple’s favourite parts of the home, setting the resort-style vibe with hand-plastered curved stairs and seagrass baskets overhead, which create a coastal welcoming. The cocktail bar was a must have to complete the feeling of escape.

While the design is grand, Melissa knew it was ultimately going to be a family home. Plenty of living space was created so parents and children have their own areas to retreat and ample storage. A study was included for busy parents working from home, as was a media room.

Given the home’s location among the trees and a short drive from the beach, the couple wanted the home to be like a tropical escape.

Wojtek, who had a career in construction, was mindful that the top level should feel like becoming “lost” within the tree canopies. Expansive balconies for entertaining capture views and strategically placed windows beside the bath allow you to relax as though one were outside.

The bath has full views of the treetops. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“The view is pretty magical,” Melissa said. “It’s an ideal location, with private and public schools just up the road, the beach an easy 10-minute drive down the mountain, mountain views to feed the soul.”

Landscaping around the home on the near 900 sqm block captures the lush, tropical feeling, complemented by a private in-ground pool and fire pit.

“It’s got a good amount of yard space and flat lawn, so it will cater for all age groups of kids,” Wojtek said.

Having now completed their first project, they are excited to move on to their next, which will be Palm Springs inspired.

“We’ve got our next project ready to go, another one in Buderim because its our passion,” Melissa said.

“Our dream is to be able to do one of these every 12, 18 months if I’m super organised.”

The couple will continue to live locally.