Magic Millions race drives a spike in inquiries for equine-friendly properties

MAGIC Millions mania has hit the local real estate market, with buyers racing to back a property winner where the neigh-bours are of the equine kind.

Kollosche agent Rob Lambe said race day fever had fuelled a spike in buyer interest for rural properties where owners could indulge in an equestrian lifestyle.

Prestigious Rivermead Estate, the hinterland property that was home to the Coast’s first polo club and which has an international-sized polo field and stables, has attracted more than 230 inquiries.

“Whenever there is an event on the Gold Coast people get excited, and it has been amazing to see people be able to continue to embrace those events and really appreciate the lifestyle we have here, given what is going on elsewhere,” Mr Lamb said.

MORE NEWS Rare chance for investors to grab a family suite in the Turtle Beach Resort

Two $4m-plus deals selaed in exclusive Palm Beach development

Will this Main Beach shack surpass $7.6m?

“We’ve had massive inquiries and some really good inspections at the end of last week, with three really well-qualified buyers, who were simply blown away by the property.

“Since the Magic Millions is in town, the phone has been ringing even more. There are quite a few people in that industry who are familiar with the Rivermead property, which is essentially a polo property that offers a number of different options for buyers,” he said.

While it may be the favourite, Rivermead isn’t the only horse in town.

Here’s our form guide for equine-friendly properties on the market.

1 Caballo Road, Guanaba

Set over 21.11ha in the Gold Coast Hinterland, historic Rivermead Estate was a hub for equestrian activities in the 1900s and has an international-sized polo field.

The luxury estate’s owners, boutique property developer Tim Gordon and wife Karin, bought the land and original home in 2017. At its heart sits a grand six-bedroom plantation-style homestead spread over three levels and flanked by wraparound balconies, its interiors lovingly styled with inspiration from the stately Four Seasons Hotel. Buyers will find modern stables, a tennis court, basketball court, fire pit and large swimming pool and spa, amid manicured lawns and grazing fields with a macadamia tree plantation also included in the sale.

Rivermead is for sale via expressions of interest through Kollosche agent Rob Lamb.

359a Ruffles Road, Willow Vale

This acreage estate spread over more than 6 ha is the perfect setting for keeping your extended family of the four-legged kind happy. There are numerous paddocks, shelters and stables available alongside a four-bay shed, with three phase power, while additional single and double bay workshops have roller doors, windows and insulation. The main house is a 554 sqm homestead designed to take full advantage of the surrounding hinterland views.

Spend time in the expansive alfresco areas which are great for entertaining and keeping an eye on the horses. The property is being auctioned as part of Ray White’s Event on Sunday, January 24, and is being marketed by the agency’s Josh Thomas.

3 Manuka Road, Mudgeeraba

Offering buyers a luxury farm life just minutes from the big smoke, this Georgian-style residence ticks all the boxes for a large family with a love of horses. It’s a short drive from the M1 and the shopping mecca of Robina Town Centre, yet sits on 3.59ha of land. It includes stables and a large grassed arena to run the ponies, fully fenced paddocks, a machinery shed and charming caretaker’s cottage. The main home was built in 2006 and has eight bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal sitting room and media room. The property is being marketed for offers of more than $2m through Wayne Holmes of Ray White Robina.

14 Intrigue Court, Guanaba

Aptly described as a horse lover’s dream, at this property you’ll discover first-class equine facilities, including stables for up to eight horses as well as a fully fenced Olympic dressage arena with mirror wall and a round yard. Spread over more than 10 acres, the estate comprises two dams and 10 post and rail paddocks with automated irrigated landscaping for ease of rural living. Then there’s the beautifully renovated four-bedroom home, with its statement contemporary curved staircase and wide entertainer’s terrace overlooking the hinterland and large swimming pool below. Finally, after a day’s work tending the ponies, gather family and friends to toast the evening around the fire pit setting, lit by fairy lights overhead. The property is being marketed with expressions of interest through Drew Slack-Smith of Scenic Road Property.

27 Austinville Road, Austinville

This country charmer by Mudgeeraba Creek is on the market for the first time in 25 years, with the auction date coinciding with the Magic Millions race day at the Gold Coast turf Club on Saturday. Set over 7.89ha, the property offers the ultimate in privacy, with secure gates and a leafy circular drive leading to a two-storey home, where a dramatic sweeping staircase rises to four large bedrooms, each with a serene rural outlook. The property includes a two-bay work shed with plenty of room for horsey accessories, along with a pumping facility to draw water from the creek to maintain the lush gardens, and fill the pool. The property is being marketed by Jodi Russell of Harcourts Mudgeeraba.

4/135 Eagle Heights Road, Tamborine Mountain

Fancy living in luxury among your own piece of stunning rainforest? This homestead within the Rosewood Park Estate at Mount Tamborine features glass walls that open up for a seamless connection with its green surrounds. Set over 1.97ha, there is plenty of space for horses to roam. The four-bedroom, low-set home’s modern design includes an open-plan kitchen and dining area described as an entertainer’s delight, flowing to outdoors where the kids can run and play on swings hanging from established trees as the acreage meets national park. There are two glamorous bathrooms, one with a free-standing bathtub with arguably the best view in the house, plus a very comfortable home office space and in-built wine cellar. The property is marketed for sale via an expressions of interest campaign with Bernadette Brushe of Scenic Road Property.