By Ryan Ellem on Feb 05 2018
Byron Bay’s finest residence has come to market
for the first time as interest in the Northern Rivers
hamlet lifted the town’s median price
by nearly 40 per cent in 2017.
Marketing figure and hotel investor Peter Mattick
and his wife Pam are selling Australia’s most
easterly, beach-facing residence through
LJ Hooker Byron Bay Director Liam Annesley.
Offers are being sought between $18-$20 million.
The Matticks bought 41 Marine Parade at
Wategos Beach in 2003. At the time, the couple
bought the 810sqm site for its holiday location
rather than embellishments.
A simple ‘whale watcher’s’ cottage
erected for government documentation
of the mammal’s coastal migrations.
“Having the beach directly out the front
and removed from the town centre,
it was just an idyllic location,” said Mr Mattick.
“But, as the children got into their teens,
they wanted their own rooms,
and it was very basic to begin with.
So, we decided to knock it down
and build something special where we
could entertain friends and colleagues.”
Today, 41 Marine Parade is still fondly
referred to as ‘Whale Watcher’s’,
but award-winning architect
Timothy Moon’s current statement
is far from the original.
“He (Moon) was known for designing
durable homes with aesthetic appeal.
We were confident he’d create
something that took advantage of
the site’s outlook while in keeping
with the neighbouring national park.”’
The design maximises the bay vista
from nearly every room. The rear bedroom
looks up to the historic lighthouse
paying homage to the site’s original purpose.
The whims of playful dolphins and
migrating whales beyond the ocean swell
a captivating right to left motion afforded
by the home’s orientation
offers a unique viewing pleasure.
“Having a drink in the bar in the afternoon
and looking out at the bay,
watching the marine life and surfers,
is one of my favourite things to do,”
said Mr Mattick.
Sought-after Northern Rivers builder
Lyle Le Sueur oversaw a meticulous
two-year construction.
The Mount Warning caldera
part of the panorama offered at the home
has scattered the region with rich mineral
deposits, some of which were incorporated
in the build.
Basalt stone from Alstonville adorn
double brick walls while copper cladding
offer a rustic charm to the contemporary
design, providing protection from the sea air
and sub-tropical sun which envelope
the property. Soaring timber ceilings
up to 5.5 metres in the main living room
offer grand spaces for residents and guests.
The Matticks also lease a 302sqm
public parcel bordering the property
from Byron Shire Council.
The couple have beautified the parcel
with Pandanus trees and ground cover
which add further privacy to the property.
Wide spotted gum floorboards are
throughout the upper level floor,
linking three of the four bedrooms,
all of which have ensuites.
The main bedroom is set on a mezzanine,
with views directly out to the bay,
while its ensuite has direct access to the pool.
The Matticks’ children now have their
own families, careers and business interests,
making it more difficult for the family
to enjoy Whale Watchers collectively.
Mrs Mattick said: “It’s been a wonderful
place for us, but it’s now time for
another family to enjoy it”.
Amongst a range of features,
the house includes:
- Executive ‘intelligent house’
appointments with C-Bus
control system and ‘back to base’
security system and data room; - A suite of entertaining features
including a cellar, outdoor audio,
European stove and butler’s pantry
and service room fitted with
stainless steel benchtops and
separate staff amenities; - Beach access with security code;
- Tradesmen entrance to plant and pump room.
Comparable holiday homes in Byron Bay
command $30,000 per week during
the peak season, according to Mr Annesley.