Wedding venue The Lussh finds new Gold Coast home after devastating fire

Lussh founder Maree Henry and daughter Grace Henry-Hicks have purchased Austinvilla Estate.

Dissh fashion founder Maree Henry and daughter Grace Henry-Hicks have secured a lush new events space, after losing another property to a devastating fire last year.

The duo, who belong to the family of retailers also behind City Beach, splashed $9m on the sprawling Gold Coast hinterland estate.

Operating as Austinvilla Estate, the wedding and events venue was sold in an off-market deal handled by Cohen Handler agents, Luke Serhan and Tom Osborn.

Ms Henry launched the popular women’s wear brand Dissh, handing the reigns to eldest daughter Lucy Henry-Hicks in 2019.

Austinvilla Estate sold in an off-market deal

It previously operated as a popular Gold Coast wedding venue. Photo: Nina Maree @nm_photo

She pivoted to The Lussh, an upscale wedding and events business run from a historic Woolloongabba building which was gutted by fire in September 2024.

After months scrambling to re-arrange wedding bookings, The Lussh will rise from the ashes at 31 Austinville Rd, Austinville.

Records show the sale settled last month, with the property held by a company directed by Ms Henry and Grace, who hosts “immersive retreats grounded in wellbeing and personal growth” under the banner Holding Space with Grace.

A statement on The Lussh website stated the business continued to offer its services after losing its venue.

City Beach co-founder Melville Hicks (centre) with wife Maree Henry (far R) and children, Joshua, Grace and Lucy Henry-Hicks

Grace Henry-Hicks runs women’s retreats

“The original Lussh headquarters may be gone, but The Lussh is stronger than ever. We are bringing our signature style and services to venues from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.”

Mr Serhan said the businesswomen’s brief was “highly specific”.

“Few properties in the country offer this amount of luxury accommodation, natural beauty, and full-scale event infrastructure.

“This transaction underscores the increasing demand for high-function, lifestyle-driven estates with commercial potential,” he said.

The secluded 46.79ha property was set amid soaring gums and preserved subtropical forest, just 15 minutes from the beach.

Features included accommodation for up to 92 guests across cabins, suites and lodges along with purpose-built indoor and outdoor event spaces.

The client’s brief was, “highly specific”

The old Lussh building in Brisbane was destroyed by fire. Photo: Supplied

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The property was listed for sale via an expressions of interest campaign in 2022 amid the post-Covid wedding boom, but a buyer was not secured at that time, and it was taken off the market.

The buyers agents presented their offer “following an extensive and tightly managed search”.

“Purpose-built as a premium events venue and retreat space, Austinvilla Estate represents one of the most unique acquisitions in the region: a grand, established estate combining large-scale accommodation, immersive nature, and a complete suite of facilities designed for weddings, retreats, and luxury experiences,” Mr Serhan said.

Records show the land last changed hands for $1.2m in 2015 and had since been sub-divided or amalgamated.

The post Wedding venue The Lussh finds new Gold Coast home after devastating fire appeared first on realestate.com.au.