Minimalism meets wow-factor at Byron masterpiece

Builder Todd Miller believes his latest project, Portum, represents the culmination of his experience, vision, and honed craftsmanship – and it has one of the best views in Byron Bay.

Portum at 18 Pacific Vista Drive, Byron Bay

Self-taught builder Todd Miller never designs and constructs the same property twice.

The prolific entrepreneur and owner of Ziegler Build estimates he’s completed about 40 residential renovations and new builds, and Portum, his latest, is possibly his greatest, to date.

Set high on a ridge at 18 Pacific Vista Drive, Byron Bay, this striking four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence is the essence of quiet luxury, offering jaw-dropping views of the hallowed Tallow Beach and surrounding Arakwal National Park.

The journey to Portum began when Mr Miller and his wife, Diana, moved to Byron Bay from Brisbane in 2015, to build a mid century-inspired property, and what they thought would be their forever home at 8 Pacific Vista Drive.

Diana and Todd Miller

But after just nine months, an unexpected offer led them to sell. Not long after, another opportunity arose – a neglected 1980s surf shack just four doors down the street.

“We bought on this street originally because it’s such a good spot, only locals really know about it and it’s an untouched gem,” Mr Miller says.

“Only about seven houses in all of Byron get this view, so when this place came up, we couldn’t say no. No one knows this street exists, and they don’t realise what’s here until they step inside and see it for themselves.”

The kitchen in the Byron Bay luxury home

Portum represents the culmination of Mr Miller’s experience, vision, and honed craftsmanship. He doesn’t have a particular style, preferring to find a block, work out what he can put on each site and create something from nothing.

“I wanted to create something that would stand the test of time, a minimalist structure that will be here 100 years from now,” he says.

This philosophy is evident in the home’s design, where a sculptural spiral staircase serves as both the visual and functional centrepiece, anchoring the three levels that rise toward ever-expanding views of the ocean.

The view from 18 Pacific Vista Drive, Byron Bay

The kingsize bedrooms are private retreats, each with spa-like bathrooms that offer panoramic views from every bath and shower. The top floor is dedicated to the main bedroom, complete with a private balcony that looks out to Broken Head.

A sunken lounge, which requires as much engineering and expense as an in-ground pool, takes pride of place on the ground floor – something Mr Miller had always wanted to create in one of his projects.

The statement staircase

“The whole house is built around that staircase,” Mr Miller explains.

“It draws you to the view, with 14m of lateral sea views on each level, getting better as you go up.”

Venetian plaster walls, walnut joinery, and herringbone oak floors create a serene and enduring interior, while blush pink and olive-green marble in the kitchen, pantry and bathrooms add subtle, refined accents.

“I don’t like waste so I’ve used a palette that is timeless – nothing will need to be renovated in the next 30 years,” he says.

“I design homes that have enough bedrooms, bathrooms, two living areas, a pool and flat backyard. They’re designed to wow people, it’s my creative outlet, like art just on a large scale.”

An aerial view of Portum

Mrs Miller, an accomplished visual artist, played a pivotal role in curating the furniture and art, to create a decor that perfectly complements the structural vision.

Listed for sale with Byron Bay First National director Su Reynolds, Portum has a price guide of $10-$11m. The expressions of interest campaign closes on September 11.

For the Millers, the connection to Pacific Vista Drive is far from over as they’ve already acquired another property on the same street, a few doors down, and are deep into the planning stages of designing something “very similar but not as big”, Mrs Miller says.

“I’ve already told Todd he’s not selling this one,” she laughs.

“I won’t let him. This one will be our forever home.”