Celebrity landscaper Jamie Durie is back in the spotlight, and it’s not just for his meticulously crafted Avalon Beach eco-compound hitting the market.
The real showstopper? A swimming pool so pristine, it’s been boldly declared “drinkable”.
But despite this groundbreaking feature, Durie’s decade-in-the-making sustainable sanctuary on Sydney’s Northern Beaches has faced a tough sell, leading to a massive price cut.
Originally listed for $33 million, this luxury six-bedroom, six-bathroom haven is now heading to auction on March 1 with a guide of $27 million to $29 million – a potential $6 million loss from its initial asking price.
Durie and his fiancée, Ameka Jane, poured ten years into planning and building their luxury waterside family home, designed for their two children.
The 55-year-old celebrity gardener, who acquired the property for $2.27 million in 2015, had previously received a private offer exceeding $30 million.
Jamie Durie is taking his Avalon Beach home to auction on March 1. Picture: Instagram
The home comes with a chlorine free pool that is so clean, you can apparently drink from it. Picture: Instagram
Stunning evening views across the pool and beyond. Picture: Instagram
Durie, whose extensive development of the home was chronicled on his Seven series Growing Home With Jamie Durie, is now selling as he plans to relocate to his 30-hectare farm in the Byron Bay hinterland with Ameka and their young children, as reported by the Financial Review.
Before his move, the legacy of his Avalon home, particularly its groundbreaking pool, stands as a testament to his vision.
What began as a humble 1960s cottage has been transformed into a six-bedroom, multi-level retreat, showcasing the hallmarks of conscious luxury.
Yet, the feature that truly embodies Durie’s design philosophy is undoubtedly the Enviroswim pool.
This isn’t merely a pool; it’s a chlorine-free haven with water so pristine, a recent press alert boldly claimed it’s safe to drink.
While Durie has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his unique backyard creation when contacted by News Corp, the concept of chemical-free pools is rapidly gaining traction as a symbol of discerning, eco-aware luxury.
Jamie Durie spent years researching the final design. Picture: Evan Morgan
The home’s sun-lid living space. Picture: Instagram
The home is said to span across seven levels. Picture: Instagram
Durie’s commitment to health, sustainability, and beauty is well-documented, and the science unequivocally supports his approach.
The detrimental effects of chlorine exposure – from skin rashes and eye irritation to more serious concerns like asthma flare-ups, hormone disruption, and even reduced sperm count – are increasingly understood.
“It’s better for our health, better for our energy use, and better for the environment. Why aren’t we all doing it?” Durie questioned in a statement.
For him, a crucial aspect of his home’s design was creating a safe haven for his wife and young son, both of whom suffer from asthma.
Durie discovered that “it only takes five plants in an average size living room to absorb 75 per cent of the volatile organic compounds in your living room.”
However, five wasn’t sufficient for his ambitious project. Belah House boasts 230 plants housed in purpose-built planters throughout the foyer and main living room, effectively “turning the house into a giant planted box.”
The home is eco-friendly. Picture: Instagram
Of course there’s a sauna. Picture: Instagram
Bringing nature into the home was a must for the celebrity gardener. Picture: Instagram
“We worked very closely with the asthma association,” he explained, which influenced decisions such as eliminating the property’s gas hook-up and utilising a low VOC paint that actively absorbs 14.2 kilograms of carbon per bucket.
“We then painted the entire building and achieved (the equivalent of) 21 trees absorbing carbon for an entire year just from the paint that we used on the building.”
An 18kw solar system on the roof complements geothermal heating and cooling systems, maintaining such comfortable temperatures that additional energy for climate control is rarely needed.
Durie highlighted that while geothermal technology is hardly new – with home-sized systems available for decades – it remains under-utilised in Australia.
“Why is it new language to us here in Australia? We call ourselves green, but actually we’re one of the dirtiest nations on the planet. And I say that with all honesty. This is a system that could be in every second home in Australia,” Durie stated.
Durie embarked on a five-year research mission before finalising the design of the home.
Today’s masterpiece includes a rooftop garden adorned with 1000-year-old grass trees from Western Australia, a self-contained guesthouse, a full-floor wellbeing zone with mirrored yoga and pilates rooms, and private beach access.
The property has been listed with McGrath’s James Baker.
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