A stunning designer-built timber and glass mansion on a secluded 2.5 acres boasting breathtaking views of the Coral Sea coast in the exclusive Daintree Rainforest market is set to change hands for the first time in over 30 years for an incredibly affordable price of $1.65 million.

Listed by Daintree property specialist Mark Whitham from Raine & Horne Port Douglas/Mossman, this unique three-storey property known as the "Magnificent Barn" at 275 Penda Close, Cow Bay[i], was designed and built in 1991 by the vendor’s mother, whose visionary design has stood the test of time.

Mr Whitham, a prominent figure in the Daintree real estate market for 12 years, expressed his excitement about the listing. “The vendor is selling the property to take up an opportunity in Indonesia,” he said. 

“We’ve already received positive reactions to the property, and with such an affordable price tag, we don’t expect it to stay on the market for long.”

Mr Whitham believes the property, featuring three expansive verandahs — two with large decks offering stunning views of the Coral Sea coast and lowland rainforest — could attract a diverse range of buyers.

“While it might appeal to an owner-occupier, it’s more likely to attract a family seeking an idyllic Daintree escape who can appreciate its true value. If a property of this magnitude were located in another coastal area in Australia, its price would easily double or triple.”

“That said, this property couldn’t be simply plonked anywhere else. The purity of the Daintree, with its fresh water and untainted air, and the serenity that comes from not having neighbours right on top of you, is uniquely special to this region.

“You have neighbours, but you can’t see them, which is a major appeal of owning a property of this calibre in the Daintree. All you can see is the ocean.”

Mr Whitham further highlighted the property’s appeal as a holiday investment. “It screams holiday escape for Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane executives. It has been a successful holiday property, renting for $690 a night for three people, with higher rates for larger groups.

“There is good money to be made for future owners, and local ground crews will go in after holidaymakers have left and do the cleaning. Usually, the owner will handle bookings and liaise with the ground crews.”

The mansion is not just for holidaymakers

A business owner with a primarily work-from-home arrangement would benefit from operating an office from the superb property.

“Some might think it’s isolated, but it’s not. It’s a one-minute drive to the beach, 10 minutes to the local shop and fuel, an hour’s drive to Mossman, which has all the services like hardware stores and supermarkets, and two hours to Cairns,” added Mr Whitham, who has lived in Cow Bay for over 20 years.

“The property has satellite internet that provides Wi-Fi, mobile phone and cable television services.”

Secluded luxury awaits the successful buyer 

Mr Whitham nominates many features of the Magnificent Barn that are sure to attract buyers seeking seclusion and luxury, including the red cedar cladding and Oregon timber ceilings, which add to the home’s striking appearance. An ornate timber porch leads to double front doors, opening to a world of grandeur and luxury.

Upon entering, buyers are greeted by a massive open living area with slate floors, exposed timber beams, and ample space for a pool table, dining area, lounge area, reading and relaxing areas, and more. This level also features its own beautifully finished bathroom.

“Twenty-two bi-fold timber and glass doors, along with giant timber-framed picture windows, offer outstanding ocean and rainforest views from any spot on this level,” Mr Whitham said.

The open-plan living area with a lofty ceiling also includes a kitchen with two entries and a servery out to the verandah area. The kitchen features polished granite benchtops, an island bench cooktop, a dishwasher, a wall oven, and delightful views. A wooden staircase in the middle of the open-plan area leads upstairs to the top level and downstairs to the pool level.

The top floor features a large multipurpose foyer with polished hardwood timber floors and a vast bedroom with ample space for a sitting area. This bedroom has timber and glass bi-fold doors opening onto its large private deck with incredible views. 

The pool level features a massive timber verandah and deck, a large crystal-clear pool, two more bedrooms with ensuites, timber and glass bifold doors, and huge picture windows with majestic views on three sides. 

A bore water pump is installed, providing abundant crystal-clear water worth bottling, and a professionally installed 4-volt battery bank, inverter, and generator provide reliable power.

It’s steady as she goes for the Daintree real estate market

Mr Whitham said that following the post-COVID boom of 2021 and 2022, the Daintree has returned to a more conventional property market. “I would describe the market as steady with a consistent flow of buyers. However, the Daintree is a tightly held market.”

This scarcity isn’t due to a lack of homes in the Daintree. Mr Whitham explained, “You might drive through and see few houses, but hundreds are tucked away in the lush surroundings. Given the scarcity of property like this for sale, we expect the Magnificent Barn to sell quickly.”

Whether you dream of an ideal Daintree Forest home or seek a holiday escape with income potential, Raine & Horne Port Douglas/Mossman can assist you. For more information about the “Magnificent Barn” at 275 Penda Close, Cow Bay, contact Mark Whitham of Raine & Horne Port Douglas/Mossman at 0419 735 943.

[i] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/properties/275-penda-close-cow-bay-the-magnificent-barn-daintree-4873-queensland