Buyers flock to luxe Mediterranean-inspired property developed by a 25 year old

This tri-level home in inner Brisbane has been inspired by an old Mediterranean town that centres around a courtyard and encourages “vertical connection”.

At just 25 years old, Franco Steyn is a notably young property developer, especially impressive given he’s created a five-bedroom, five-bathroom home that aims to mimic a historic Mediterranean City.

The architectural-designed property at 56 Thomas Street in Auchenflower, a popular riverside suburb in inner west Brisbane, is his first project as a director of Sunstone Property Group, after successfully securing investor funding.

Designed by architect Arno Oosthuizen, Mr Steyn’s vision was to create a high-end masterpiece centred around practical family living with a stunning central hub.

“The property surrounds the courtyard. When you open the big timber sliding doors, it’s hard to tell whether you’re inside or outside.”

The tri-level home ‘Novus’ showcases double-height atriums, internal gardens and sleek concrete hallways softened by engineered oak timber floors, spotted gum ceilings and black walnut joinery.

The opening foyer leads to an expansive ensuite bedroom, a Caesarstone kitchen with butler’s pantry, and an extensive living and dining area, separated by a dual-sided wood burning fireplace.

These spaces overlook an artificially turfed courtyard, an alfresco terrace with an outdoor kitchen and BeefEaster barbecue, a fully fenced rear garden plus a mineral pool — all enjoying city skyline views.

Upstairs, a living area overlooking the courtyard leads to the master, which reveals a dressing room, balcony and an ensuite featuring a freestanding bath. Three additional bedrooms at the front surround a retreat.

The lower ground level houses a six-car garage with a turntable, a gym/workshop, a wine cellar and a cinema.

Additional features include zoned ducted air-conditioning, ceiling fans, Hikvision security cameras, and provisions for vehicle charging, solar panels and pool heating.

Agent Julia Doyle at Place Camp Hill said the design concept was inspired by an urban Mediterranean town, with a central courtyard acting as the city square, the dining hall its focal point, and the kitchen positioned off to the side.

“Franco wanted all the living rooms and bedrooms to overlook the central courtyard, like balconies in historic cities where people would look down, creating a vertical connection,” she said.

“That’s what I love most about this property; the developers haven’t done what every other new developer is doing. It’s a home that aims to promote interaction and connection — redefining family living in a luxurious setting.”

Despite its high-end spec, Ms Doyle added that the house is also “very unassuming”.

“It’s luxurious but not over the top,” she said.

Mr Steyn admitted his first development project was “challenging”.

“We definitely went over budget. I’ve learned you have to understand development as well as the numbers.”

Nevertheless, he hopes Novus will be the first of many projects in his property career. He’s already developed another property on the block before it was subdivided, has three more in the pipeline nearby, and is searching for additional sites to build more luxury homes.

Ms Doyle is hopeful she can get him a good price, with the property already attracting plenty of interest.

“We had over 60 groups through on Saturday, which was a great turnout,” she said.

“We’ve also heard from people relocating from overseas, out-of-state buyers, and a healthy mix of locals.”

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