Immediately upon arrival at the impressive electric–gated entry fronting this property, you know your destination is indeed somewhere special. Flanked by coconut palms, the driveway to the residence winds through tropical gardens, and as you traverse it, the true beauty of the location is gradually revealed. Walking into this beautiful river–front home, the first thing that strikes you is the stunning, step–down billiard room. The custom–built billiard table and bar are impressive, but your attention is drawn through the floor to ceiling glass windows to the unobstructed view beyond—that of the glimmering blue waters of the Elliott River. This seven–acre property gives the impression of being on a secluded, tropical island. There are no neighbours in sight, only the beauty of Kinkuna National Park across from the wide river that meanders around and borders the property. If you’re looking for serenity and a waterfront lifestyle, your search is over. This could well be Bundaberg’s best–kept secret. When the owners first viewed the block of land, it was totally overgrown, but they said they caught glimpses of a beautiful blue colour through the trees. When they discovered the river, they were absolutely stunned. “The potential was there. I knew then, at that moment, that I had to have it,” Ev says. In the planning of this home, the owner’s most important requirement was a design that took advantage of the waterfront location. They’ve definitely achieved that goal, since each and every room boasts spectacular views. While the layout delivers a tropical, plantation–style feel to the residence, the infusion of contemporary elements, such as the large–format, richly–coloured, polished, vitrified floor tiles and modern colour palette, turn this home into something truly remarkable. The careful combination of style, texture, colour, as well as the tropical–oasis surroundings can do nothing but engender feelings of serenity and relaxation. The home is an open–plan design arranged into three separate wings. A wide walkway forms the spine of the home, leading seamlessly from one wing to another. On either side of the entry are the study and the art/sewing rooms. To the right, through a set of double doors, is one wing of the home comprised entirely of the master suite. It features a large bedroom, complete with ensuite and walk–in dressing room. You can relax in this private space, either enjoying the endless water views or let the gentle river breezes carry you off to sleep. The dining room, living room, kitchen and screened verandas make up the central area of the home. “We can’t thank our builder enough. He did an amazing job. The centrepiece of the home is the kitchen, and it’s a delight to cook in,” says Hester. Cooking certainly is made easy with the kitchen’s spacious design and amenities: a 900mm gas cooktop, canopy rangehood, Miele oven, dishwasher, in–bench deep fryer, barbecue charcoal grill with extractor, as well as a double–door refrigerator with ice and water and an under–bench drinks fridge with freezer. A magnificent island bench and granite benchtops throughout complete the picture. The left-wing is comprised of additional bedrooms, a bathroom and an oversized rumpus room, currently used as a second TV room and combined music room. This room has the potential to be converted into another two bedrooms if required. “With the door closed between the two areas, it really allowed our kids, when they grew up here, to entertain with their mates, make noise and have fun without interfering with the rest of the goings-on around the house,” says Ev. The home also features a gym, double lock up garage with an abundance of storage, a separate double shed and self–contained guest quarters with kitchenette and bathroom. The owners’ love would have to be the garden, and it truly shows. Garden treasures include a mango plantation consisting of approximately eighty–five trees, an abundance of other tropical specimens, palms, coconut palms, as well as natives and gums, all of which have been carefully tended to for over twenty years. Another benefit of the location that the owners enjoy, is the abundance of fish and mud crabs to be found in the river. The ability to launch watercraft directly from the back yard is definitely a plus. And all this is situated just over twenty kilometres from the Bundaberg town centre. If you’re looking for a luxury home, and seclusion where you have the ultimate in privacy combined with a waterfront lifestyle, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss further.