Those cruising the Broadwater would be familiar with ‘The Lighthouse’, an outstanding statement residence on an eastern promontory of prestigious Sovereign Islands.

Rising to three levels and facing directly north, an up-lit glass pyramid on its rooftop acts as a beacon to boats cruising the popular Gold Coast waterways.

Yet from any viewpoint, 18 Knightsbridge Parade East is alluring and intriguing.

Designed by MI Design and constructed by local builders Ben Marks and Alan Marks, the property received two Master Builder awards when completed in 2017, including Gold Coast Home of the Year.

The standout property is now being marketed for sale by Stuart Rooke and Michael Kollosche.

A blend of straight lines and turret-like curves, natural and hand-crafted materials, it has the size and look of an American-style home, built for a Gold Coast lifestyle.

Its exemplary façade, punctuated by porthole windows, balconies, and external shutters, is widely admired, as are the mature gardens with a statement date palm that give this home superior kerbside appeal.

Industry Know-How

The Lighthouse’s overall design was heavily influenced by its owners, Barry and Karen Plant, who are no strangers to the luxury property market.

Originally from Victoria, the couple founded one of the largest residential real estate networks in the country, alongside an award-winning luxury building company focused on creating high-end bespoke homes.

Barry says he has always had a love for property and recalls drawing house plans on his kitchen table from as young as 13, and attending auctions by age 15.

After finishing school, he spent three years in property management and became a licensed estate agent by age 25 – a prelude to what has been a highly successful 50 years in real estate.

Karen’s background is in interior decorating, originally working for builders and in display homes before joining her father’s zip manufacturing business. In 1975, she met Barry at an “open home” inspection and together they forged a winning combination.

After five decades, the Plants’ passion for property remains palpable and their level of creativity echoes throughout The Lighthouse.

A Gold Coast Ambition

The Plant family made a permanent move to the northern Gold Coast in 2009 and The Lighthouse is the second home they have lived in on Sovereign Islands.

Securing the land in 2014, the Plants had a vision for what they wanted to build in what became a three-year project from planning to completion.

No expense was spared in the home’s construction, which is a full concrete build featuring post-tension floor slabs, to minimise the number of support walls and maximise the living space.

Despite its colossal size — 888m2 underroof, with an additional 370m2 basement that can accommodate 12 cars – a clever design combining intimate spaces with open areas makes the house feel liveable, homely and welcoming.

On the first two floors, bedrooms and living spaces fan out from a central void, with curved nooks, dropped ceilings, bulk heads and stepped areas adding interest as well as function to the floor plan.

Four generous-sized bedrooms are timeless in design and have private ensuites and walk-in robes. They have been lightly themed to reflect some of the exotic destinations to which the family have travelled.

“Someone coming in here could easily convert these spaces to suit their lifestyle. For example, the office and adjoining living room on the middle level can easily be made into a fifth bedroom and ensuite, with drainage already installed,” Barry says.

Multiple terraces and balconies at both the front and rear allow the Plant family to enjoy year-round alfresco entertaining.

“It’s like living in a luxury boutique hotel, ”Karen says.

Top-Level Drawcard

For Karen and Barry, the crowning glory of their statement home is the self-contained, whole top-floor entertaining space, which can accommodate more than 100 guests.

Designed to feel like being on a super yacht, the space incorporates his and her bathrooms, extensive views back to Surfers Paradise, a full kitchen, wet bar, lounge and circular banquet, opening to a spacious and fully protected alfresco teppanyaki and BBQ area.

In a design twist, a 10m pool is located on the top floor, rather than ground level, and has a glass edge to give the sensation of blending with the Broadwater below.

“You get the joy of endless views of the water this way, as well as complete privacy,” says Karen, who admits to spending many hours sitting poolside, underneath The Lighthouse beacon, or in the rooftop spa, watching the boats on the Broadwater glide by.

Kollosche Lead Agent Stuart Rooke and Selling Principal Michael Kollosche are taking Expressions of Interest on 18 Knightsbridge Parade East, Sovereign Islands which will close at 5.30pm on Thursday 8 December.