From ugly duckling to sublime: How Gold Coast couple transformed Mermaid Waters home

20 Long Island Court, Mermaid Waters is going to auction.

From 1980s shocker to Palm Springs-inspired stunner – a Mermaid Waters home has undergone what might just be the most Insta-worthy transformation on the Gold Coast.

Haley Rivers and Matthew Ellison were up against the clock, with just weeks to go until the arrival of their second child when they took a punt on a dilapidated red brick home at 20 Long Island Court back in 2020.

Casa Palma property is for sale via Kollosche.

The pool.

“It was definitely an ugly ducking but it had good bones,” Ms Rivers said.

“We could see past the horror and had this vision of a resort-style, white rendered home with a coastal indoor-outdoor vibe.”

Initially, the couple gave the home a quick preliminary makeover and then brought in Habitat Studio Architects to help bring their vision of a sun-drenched Palm Springs-inspired showstopper to life.

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The home has a focus on indoor-outdoor living.

Stone is a common feature.

Two years in the design and renovation phase, the transformation was nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Gone is all trace of red brick, instead replaced with crisp white render.

Lush green plants spill from giant rooftop planter boxes, while the lacklustre suburban ‘80s facade has been reimagined courtesy of curved concrete garden walls, and timber-look aluminium batons.

The stunning entry.

The kitchen.

Inside, the property’s former garage has been transformed into vast a master suite that connects to the main house via a hotel-like breezeway foyer.

“They brought in these huge steel rods to support the planters and create that entry way,” Ms Rivers said.

“You arrive at the front door and it just feels amazing.”

Meanwhile, a former eyesore in the lounge area has become a funky drawcard.

The outdoor entertaining area.

The living area.

Ms Rivers explained the living room previously housed an unsightly atrium in the centre, which has now been incorporated into a raised bar area with exotic indoor garden and automated lighting.

In the backyard, the pool area has been redesigned as an urban oasis, complete with feature palms that were craned into the property.

The result is private, impeccably presented residence that maximises every centimetre of its 771sq m block and is ideal for both family living and entertaining.

Looking out the kitchen window.

Every detail was meticulously planned.

In total, the home now features five bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with multiple living zones and a central kitchen area that opens out to a bar and outdoor entertaining space adjacent to the heated pool and spa.

“One great thing about is you can see the kids wherever you are,” Ms Rivers said.

“And it’s a real party house that’s just great for entertaining.

“Basically, you open all the doors and there are all these great spaces to enjoy both inside and outside.”

Casa Palma from the street.

One of the bedrooms.

The property is located on a quiet cul-de-sac that is close to beaches, dining precincts, the Q Super Centre, and Pacific Fair.

“It’s a great location as it’s convenient and central, yet quiet,” Ms Rivers said.

“And the neighbourhood is just so friendly.”

But after pouring her heart and soul into the home’s epic renovation, Ms Rivers said it was time for a new adventure.

There are plenty of different spaces to enjoy both inside and outside.

There is plenty of space to entertain.

The property is listed with Taylor Kleinberg and Thibault Paralini of Kollosche Broadbeach and is set to go to auction on May 9, if not sold prior.

“Leaving it is killing me,” Ms Rivers said.

“It’s the perfect home for children, is brilliant for entertaining, is so safe and secure and feels so bright and airy.”

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