One of Australia’s weirdest homes – shaped like a starship that’s landed in the middle of a rainforest – has been put up for grabs after its owner ran into a bit of tax trouble.
Called Alkira, it sits in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest in far north Queensland – a unique feat that’s unlikely to be repeated.
The home’s unique award-winning design and solitude has made it a coveted escape for celebrities and tired executives looking for a retreat to take the team or family, with the property previously available on Airbnb and other short-term accommodation sites.
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It is literally in the middle of the rainforest.
The stunning design is by architect Charles Wright.
Queensland Sothebys International Realty agent Lynn Malone listed it as “a remarkable testament to sustainability and futuristic design”.
“Alkira represents a timeless and one-of-its-kind off-grid resort-style residence built to last.”
The jawdropping six bedroom home can earn its own way, taking 12 overnight guests with six cantilevered wings suspended over an engineered lake ecosystem – which is effectively a moat around the home. If you choose to work from home there, it has an executive office, as well as a 2,400-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar, state-of-the-art gym, and a boardwalk to your own private beach.
There is a separate three bedroom manager’s residence called Mango House 500 metres away for privacy and Alkira is 2.5 hours from Cairns Airport or 30 minutes by helicopter to the residence’s private helipad.
Alkira Resort House in Cape Tribulation is up for grabs.
It has been a go-to escape in recent times for celebrities and tired executives looking to escape.
On his website the owner David Brandi confirmed “the property has been listed for sale”.
“We would have liked to keep it, but circumstances require that we let it go to new owners. I hope it goes to someone who appreciates the property for the beautiful place that it is.”
He bought it under a company name in November 2016 for a now seemingly low price of $4m – considering how much of a surge property prices have had in recent years.
“This place is truly special,” is how Mr Brandi describes it. “I remember my son and I sitting above the water, feeding the fish and turtles. With native plants growing everywhere, no wonder the Daintree Cape Tribulation Rainforests are one of David Attenborough’s favourite places in the world. Bringing loved ones back here has been an absolute treat and are now such fond memories. There’s something truly special about this place, you come back healthier.”
Inside Alkira’s amazing design.
Concrete ceilings and floors, built to last.
Not a bad spot for a party.
He has fond memories of Alkira, after pulling his then 11-year-old son out of school for the day to visit it when it was for sale almost eight years ago. “We flew out to Cape Tribulation for an unanticipated boys trip. Setting off early in the morning and returning near midnight, it was a fun experience.”
“I love real estate, so seeing this property in person was amazing. It bewildered me that something like this could exist in the middle of a World Heritage Listed Rainforest. I had so many questions running through my head, from permits to logistics involved in building this place.”
The home has six wings.
Looking back across the lake to the cyclone proof garage.
David and Toni Brandi, Melbourne executives with various businesses, also own a penthouse fronting the beach at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. Both properties are now up for sale, several years after Mr Brandi – an accountant by training – ran foul of the Australian Taxation Authority and received a directorship ban from ASIC.
The Burleigh Heads top floor apartment fronting the beach is being sold under a separate listing. Mr Brandi paid $2.465m for it in January 2021.
Agent Ardy Maulana of Crown Realty International has it listed as a sophisticated penthouse that generates multiple income streams.
“Comprising two stylishly appointed apartments, this Penthouse sets a new standard for beachside luxury,” was how he described it.
The four bedroom penthouse is literally a stone’s throw from the beach.
English (US) · 