Builders’ dream Bardon home becomes nation’s most viewed property before auction

12 hours ago 2

80 Coolibah St, Bardon, will go to auction on Saturday, May 2, at 8am

A chic inner-city sanctuary set to go under the hammer this weekend was the nation’s most viewed auction property this week.

Positioned on a rise overlooking surrounding greenery, the two-storey residence is located at 80 Coolibah St in Bardon, Brisbane, and boasts a modernist style inspired by the architecture of Palm Springs.

Designed by Gockel Architects, it was completed only weeks ago by Philipp Freihofner and Luke Higgins of Candour Builders, marking the boutique building company’s first foray into residential development.

And while it may be the company’s first residential build, it is already going viral, taking out the top spot among this week’s auctions nationally, according to realestate.com.au.

It was completed just weeks ago

Mr Freihofner said the leafy location and elevated aspect informed the property’s design, with the home featuring an L-shaped layout set around a central swimming pool.

Large sliding doors allow the living areas to open up entirely, while clever landscaping, including sunken gardens around the pool, allow the inside and outside entertaining zones to blend together.

Sliding doors blend the indoors and outdoors seamlessly

“When you open the sliding doors on both sides, it completely opens up the whole area from the front yard right through to the living area,” Mr Freihofner said.

“It makes it ideal for entertaining, whether you’re having people over for a casual barbecue or a large party.”

Entered via a gatehouse, the home’s living areas, study, guest bedroom and double garage are located on the lower floor, along with a covered poolside entertaining area complete with outdoor kitchen.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, plus an additional living area, kitchenette and a vast master suite which overlooks a rooftop garden.

The top storeys feels like “it’s floating” in the trees

“The top storey feels like it’s floating and looks out over the trees,” Mr Freihofner said.

“Then downstairs the large slider doors allow the living areas to transition into the outdoor spaces, so it has this great indoor-outdoor lifestyle.”

The view over the pool

The home features Canadian hemlock timber cladding on the upper floor paired with pale brickwork below, while inside, timber ceilings, exposed brick and natural textures create a warm, modern aesthetic.

No expense has been spared in the home’s stunning fitout, which includes a showstopping kitchen bench acting as a statement piece that ties together the interior design.

Featuring over 20m of street frontage, the home sits on the crown of the street with a north-facing aspect and a neighbouring easement.

“I really do love the aspect,” Mr Freihofner said.

“When you look out from the first floor, all you can see is greenery. It’s very calm.”

‘Only option’: RBA to double the pain

Nine in 10 buyers locked out of new unit market

Top designer Anna Spiro lists colourful Brisbane home

The pool

Mr Freihofner said the property was initially discovered by his wife, while walking their dog back in 2022.

At that stage it was home to a post-war cottage that was rented during the design phase before being relocated.

“It wasn’t straightforward but we found out we could remove the house and really take advantage of the outlook and position,” Mr Freihofner said.

“And this is the type of home I’d love to live in myself to be honest.

“We think this is something special for whoever buys it.”

The statement kitchen

The project marks the first residential development completed by Mr Freihofner and Mr Higgins, who have been friends since high school and founded Candour Builders together in 2014.

“The dream has always been to do our own residential development,” Mr Freihofner said.

“And this is the first one to finally come to fruition.”

Mr Freihofner said the home was designed to appeal to modern families and professional couples looking to live in Bardon, which is known for its strong community and proximity to quality schools.

The property is listed with Oliver Jonker of Coronis Ascot and will go to auction on-site at 8am on Saturday, May 2.