As the old saying goes, ‘if you truly love something, you have to let it go” rings true for the proud owners of our newest holiday rental, Amity Escape.
Julie Edmonds & Adrian Bettwieser first laid eyes on what was once a “bessa block hot-box” ten years ago when the Brisbane-based couple made an offer on the property but it wasn’t meant to be.
They continued their search for a dream home on Straddie, making offers on other Real Estate and coming close to buying elsewhere.
“Straddie was perfect to escape for a weekend and that feeling of getting over the water, like you’re so far away… but if there was an emergency or I had to get home, I was really only just around the corner,” Julie said.
“I’ve had quite a few health issues and I’ve found that just getting to the beach has really helped me.
The location (of Amity Escape) was what really appealed to us… that beach is one of the most spectacular beaches I have ever been to… it’s so private and it changes every time I walk along there. And the dolphins!” she said.
It seems their paths were meant to cross again and in December 2015 the keys were finally handed over.
The plan was to move slowly but all that built-up passion took over and it was the busiest year they’d ever had.
“Between the farm, the business (B E Plant Hire) in Capalaba and the renovation on Straddie, Adrian was run off his feet,” Miss Edmonds said.
Owning a demolition company, the couple seriously considered knocking the old girl down and starting from scratch but they couldn’t do it to her.
They did some digging into Redland City Council where they found the original owner’s plans, which had been partly started years ago. The couple took some ideas from the plans including the 12.5 x 7.5m verandah.
There are many WOW moments when you walk through this property; the expansive timber deck and water views being some of them but not far behind is the gorgeous hardwood kitchen bench designed by local, Straddie carpenter, Josh Webb.
It was only going to be your average laminate bench top but after it buckled in transit, Josh’s Plan B transformed the living, kitchen & dining area into a showpiece.
The earthy mix of Redgum and Blackbutt woods breathe authenticity into the entertainer’s delight which was at the heart of Julie’s design.
“I wanted to centre the house around the open-plan living area so that a couple of groups could come in, unpack their eskies and fishing gear and not be tripping over each other,” she said.
It’s safe to say the builder (Accurate Plumbing) hit the nail on the head with the “spacious” card. If you didn’t think upstairs was communal enough, take the gorgeous timber stair case down to ground zero where you’ll find a pool table & games room, another large room with ensuite and separate toilet & laundry.
The sleeping arrangements are carefully thought-out as each of the three rooms has a queen and single configuration to cater for families with kids or singles as well as couples.
Although it’s a perfect time to dust off the board games, you have the luxury of enjoying several Smart TV’s & Free WIFI you could use for Netflix. Feel secure knowing your belongings are guarded by a crimsafe security system and protected by electric outdoor blinds.
The attention to detail is what sets this holiday home apart. My favourite personal touch was the posters of all the fish you could catch, the map of Straddie and the collection of beer coasters from around Queensland in the poolroom. I couldn’t resist picking up a queue and having a few shots of my own, so it’s easy to imagine a few blokes exchanging fishing tales around the table.
“I think it’s important to have a presence in the home (as an owner) and make it feel like it’s been lived-in,” Julie said.
“I made sure there was every day cooking equipment, like rice and slow cookers & the two BBQ’s so if guests wanted to cater for themselves they could walk down to Rufus King, buy some fresh local seafood and whip up some chilli prawns,” she said.
Julie has tastefully dressed the home with a natural paint palette, pops of ocean colours and plans to change the soft furnishings and textiles to suit the Seasons!
The couple plan to keep the home in the family for years to come but Julie admitted “everything’s for sale” after one of their first overseas guests asked if it was on the market.
I don’t see them parting ways with this beauty anytime soon.
To see more of what this magnificent property has to offer, click here - Amity Escape.