Architect couple’s cottage flip puts ‘secret suburb’ on the map

An architect couple’s enchanting home flip has put a little-known Gold Coast Hinterland suburb on the map.

Rebecca and Murray Stewart have listed their beautifully renovated acreage property in Neranwood — a tiny semi-rural community with a population of just 79 people.

Situated on 10 acres, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers a rare combination of total privacy, skyline views stretching from Main Beach to Miami, and easy access to schools, shops and the beach.

Stunning Hinterland surrounds

The couple, who has two young children, purchased the property at 37 Lowry Court in September last year, drawn by its seclusion, striking coastal outlook, and remarkable connection to nature.

“The property originally caught our attention due to the access to such a large parcel of private land so close to the kids’ school, access to the M1 and the beach within 20 minutes,” Ms Stewart said.

“On inspection, we were blown away by the views, as the pictures never quite do justice to the iconic Gold Coast skyline.

“The immediate access to the Australian bush and to Hinze Dam by foot made this block such an exciting treasure to explore.”

Offers over $1.5m are sought

With several renovations already under the belts, architect Mr Stewart and his teacher wife aimed to strike a balance between upholding the property’s cottage style and creating a space that was “warm and inviting yet chic and timeless”.

“We loved the country aesthetic of the home — nothing too overstated, but a very cottage feel with the wraparound verandah, the sounds of the birdlife and the visiting kangaroos,” Ms Stewart said.

There’s a hot tub and an ice bath

Works included opening up the kitchen, adding an extra bedroom, remodelling two bathrooms, and enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection with new doors and romantic arched windows.

Multiple entertaining spaces were created, including a deck, patio, oversized outdoor table, lovebird swing, hot tub and ice bath.

Downstairs was reimagined as a family-friendly space, with a new bathroom, laundry, built-in bunk beds, games area and second TV zone.

Externally, the Stewarts cleared the fire trail and added a view platform, with the potential to further expand the property’s useable area.

Elegant interiors

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Set on the border of Mudgeeraba and Bonogin, Neranwood is a largely unknown pocket with only a handful of homes, neighbouring the Kwila Lodge wedding venue and a scattering of tea shops.

Marketing agent Nicole Carter, of McGrath Southport, said it was rare for homes to come to market in the area, with just one or two sales recorded annually.

Two bathrooms were remodelled

Demand had been strong from locals chasing a private retreat close to top schools and amenities.

“We’ve been inundated with calls mainly because it is very private but also new,” Ms Carter said.

“The owners have kept the original building but modernised it inside to lift it to today’s standard while still fitting in with the beautiful national environment.”

The home has been extensively renovated

Arched windows frame the view

Ms Carter said the suburb’s hidden nature was part of its appeal, despite being just 10 minutes from Mudgeeraba and within 20 minutes of Robina and the beach.

“It is a beautiful stretch that is quite tucked away so even many Gold Coast locals don’t know it exists,” Ms Carter said.

“It’s perfect for families who want to experience what it might be like going off the grid, but still want to be close to the Coast and all the amenities,” Ms Carter said.

Expressions of interest are being sought over $1.5m.

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