20 Hilltop Close, Bayview Heights. Picture: Supplied
A one-of-a-kind landmark property has sold for $1.3m within two weeks of hitting the market for the first time in 45 years.
The two-storey circular home at 20 Hilltop Close, Bayview Heights, is perched high on a hill with a sedate exterior masking some serious disco glam inside.
The brown brick home has a full wraparound veranda, 360-degree views and unique central ‘stairs’.
Industry sources revealed the home sold for $1.3m.
Selling agent Karl Latham, of Twomey Schriber Property Group, said the unique residence attracted strong interest from locals wanting to see inside the well-known property and buyers wanting to own a distinctive home.
“We had enquiries from all over Cairns and all over the state,” he said.
“We had around 30 inspections and we got four offers.
“A lot of people just came out of intrigue to look at the property.
“Some buyers loved it, some buyers didn’t and some buyers felt the layout just didn’t work.
“All buyers absolutely loved the view.”
The home sits high on a hill. Picture: Supplied
The house has a helical staircase. Picture: Supplied
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Mr Latham said the new owner had big plans for the property but would keep the iconic helical staircase.
“The new buyer is going to keep the aesthetics on the outside and strip out the internals to do a full modernisation and renovation,” he said.
“He wants to reconfigure all the walls, open it up, put in a big kitchen and build a big outdoor area on the garage, a nice pool out front and a granny flat for the family.”
Mr Latham said he had never seen a property quite like 20 Hilltop Close, with locals likening the iconic home to a spaceship and a viewing platform at the top of a tower.
“It’s so fun it just puts a smile on your face,” he said.
“It’s full retro design with geometrical shapes.
“The rooms are like the little triangle playing pieces from Trivial Pursuit.”
The home is filled with retro charm. Picture: Supplied
Original features include shagpile carpets. Picture: Supplied
Mr Latham said the house was built 45 years ago and was inspired by a picture on a whiskey bottle label.
“Originally it was going to be a rotating house,” he said.
“The mirrored pole that runs through the centre of the property was where the shaft was going to be put, and the top level was going to sit on tracks and spin.
“In the end it was just too hard to engineer.”
Mr Latham said the original owners had kept the house in incredible condition over the past four decades.
“It’s still got the original shagpile carpets and metallic wallpaper and the pool room comes with an authentic retro picture of dogs playing pool,” he said.
At the heart of the home there is a disco ball-like central column, while a carpeted helical floating ramp staircase leads to the upper level.
“The staircase has no steps and it is self-supporting,” Mr Latham said.
“It was engineered and designed at JCU.”
The home offers stunning views from most rooms. Picture: realestate.com.au
The new owner plans to completely renovate the home. Picture: realestate.com.au
There is a retro wallpaper, statement lighting, plush carpets, timber wall and roof panelling and a bar area
The master suite has a marble-look ensuite and a built-in fabric headboard facing the veranda and views beyond.
The home three bedrooms, three bathrooms, open plan living and dining and a separate kitchen.
There are versatile rooms downstairs that could be used as a granny flat, home office or additional living space, while an attached garage has an Astroturf rooftop area accessible from the upper veranda.
The home sits on a 2526 sqm block with panoramic views of surrounding mountain ranges to Green Island, the Coral Sea and the Cairns city lights.
“This will be one of those memorable properties that will stay with me,” Mr Latham said.
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