Mega mansion with own private beach hits market in Brisbane

THE incredible, riverside mansion at 154 Virginia Avenue, Hawthorne has been home to some of the city’s most well-known names but is now set to have a new owner.

Most notably, the riverside spot was the home of former Brisbane Lord Mayor Clem Jones and was then passed to flamboyant Park Rd developer James Penny in 1985 who had his commercial team build the current home.

The pontoon area also became the home berth for cricketer Jeff Thompson’s charter boat “Queenslander” which took sight-seers and party-goers up and down the Brisbane river for many years.

It is now owned by doctor, championship athlete and games designer Peter Hawes who has put it on the market through Ray White Ascot’s Dwight Ferguson and Khaela Hawes.

The 2110sqm property, complete with tennis court and private beach is being sold through an expressions of interest campaign. The Ascot Principal said the house had been a signature home of Brisbane for decades.

“Every stick in the house has been completely renovated from top to bottom. It’s a prime location in Brisbane and James Penny never would have bought it if the site wasn’t one of the best in the city,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mr Hawes has been a Brisbane local all his life but said in his retirement he is ready for a new adventure after spending 23 years in the Hawthorne home.

“The thought of leaving is a bit strange but if this year has taught us anything it’s to seize opportunities and be bold so we’ve decided on a seachange,” Mr Hawes said.

“I will have a tear in my eye when we leave after spending more than 20 years in the house but I hope the next owners enjoy the house, all the facilities and the lifestyle it brings as much as I have.”

The Brisbane doctor found the house almost by chance when he spotted it in a newspaper advertisement. While not looking at the time, Mr Hawes said he loved the architecture and location and was eager to make it his own.

“We hardly ever go to McDonalds but for some reason we were there that day and I saw a ragged newspaper in the corner, picked it up and opened it up to the real estate section and that was that,” he said.

“The house really intrigued me, I was drawn to the arched window and living on the river near to the city was attractive so I made it my ambition to buy the house and had a viewing that same day.”

After purchasing the property, he bought in well-known Brisbane designer John Croft to help him restyle and renovate the massive mansion. The result was an eclectic look keeping with Mr Croft’s signature extravagant style.

But in 2018, Mr Hawes brought the renowned designer back to re-envision the home with a more minimalistic style as well as overseeing another enormous two year long renovation project.

“When I first bought it, I wanted a bold style which was impressive in the early 2000s but with the recent renovations we decided to pare it back,” the Virginia Avenue seller said.

“We decided to paint the inside and outside and replaced 1000sqm of tiling with European limestone, which was a major undertaking.

“The house had a complete colour change with every internal wall and the entire outside being brought up to date with the latest colour palette.

“John Croft came back and while he is famous for his wild and bold colours, he changed direction and recommended we use neutral colours like Charcoal and Whisper White.”

It wasn’t just the walls and floors that got a makeover in Mr Hawes’ recent renovations. Every section of the house has been completely renovated including the wine cellar, driveway, kitchen, fixtures and many entertainment areas.

The renovations add to the existing features of the house which includes a dedicated games and entertainment level with a wine tasting area and rooftop bar that gets 360 degree views of Brisbane.

The property also boasts a championship size tennis court with viewing deck and home gym and a resort style pool area, waterfall, barbeque area and undercover daybed area.

Inside the house is the latest smart home technology including an up to date Savant Pro system and six separate music zones throughout the house.