News Corp Australia
First published 23 Aug 2024, 5:00am
53 Sawtell Drive, Currumbin Waters is going to auction on September 7.
When Fabienne Costa started designing jewellery from her high school desk, she never imagined it would turn into a global brand sensation.
Eleven years later she approached the architectural challenge of building her home at Currumbin Waters with the same fearless ambition.
Fabienne Costa enjoyed the challenge of building her own home.
Make a splash in the pool.
Burleigh Heads based YCL Jewels offers personalised charm bar necklaces, bracelets, chokers and hoops to a growing international clientele.
“I founded my business at 21 with no experience, no money, no business knowledge and no formal training in silversmithing,” Ms Costa said.
“When we found this block in 2018, we got it for a good price because no one quite knew how to build on it, but we could see the potential.
“I think being fearless and being creative can sometimes just lead to really great outcomes – it’s worked for me so far.”
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The house from the street.
The dining room.
Perched high on the Queensland and NSW border, Ms Costa said what other buyers saw as “too much trouble” with the block, she saw as untapped opportunity.
“Sure, you pay more in siteworks initially, but the result is absolutely worth it,” she said.
“We back on to a reserve so we get a view from both sides, and I am a big believer that your space is your inspiration, and this home has been the creative space that I have needed to design many different bodies of work.
“The home makes me feel peace, it’s very Zen, when my partner calls me, he always says that all he can hear is birdsong in the background.”
The kitchen.
The feature staircase.
Set on a tranquil 822sq m block, the modern home offers 255sq m of split-level living, with open-concept spaces, expansive glass framing lush views, and a private pool and patio.
Ms Costa said the black cladding created the perfect juxtaposition against the surrounding greenery.
“We call it the pod house as it is essentially two pods separated by a bridging stairwell – like a contemporary treehouse,” she said.
“We knew we wanted to work with a darker palette from the start and played with the black and terracotta and the contrast up against the greenery just makes it all pop.”
The greenery against the dark facade.
The lounge and dining.
Sleek and refined, the home features meticulous craftsmanship with stone and timber steps seamlessly integrating with the landscaped gardens.
Inside, the bright kitchen with premium appliances flows into open living spaces and extends outdoors, while a media room provides a cosy escape.
With three spacious bedrooms, modern bathrooms — including a luxurious ensuite — and ample storage, the home also offers an elevated balcony, expansive deck, and a resort-style pool, plus solar panels for energy efficiency.
The entry.
Relax poolside.
So, what’s next for someone who admits she makes decisions with a “young and reckless” mindset.
“We are building again, maybe even a duplex, we will see,” she said.
“We are open to a lot of different styles, and we have a lot of fun with it so that’s the mindset that we work from.”
The house is built into a sloping block.
The Currumbin Waters property is just two streets from Currumbin Fair, eight minutes from Palm Beach-Currumbin High School, and within 15 minutes of Gold Coast Airport, The Pines shopping precinct, and John Flynn Hospital, with easy access to the M1 motorway.
Emisha Canning at Coastal will take the home to auction on September 7.
English (US) · 