The sunset hits differently from Airlie Summit. Watching, from atop the hill, as the sky turns from orange red to purple pink, and the glittering lights of the town begin to sparkle, you could be in any European coastal city. Each afternoon, the Hayman yacht makes its way into the harbour with such precise regularity, you could set your watch by it. This is the reality for current resident, Carole Martin.
Purchasing a block with her husband Greg in 2016, Carole has quickly fallen in love with the idyllic lifestyle of Airlie Beach, and even more so with her brand-new home at Airlie Summit. Work drew the couple to Airlie, and while they looked around at other places to buy, when they discovered upon Airlie Summit, they said it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“We didn’t want to build again, but all the apartments we looked at had ridiculous body corporate fees and none of the houses grabbed us,” says Carole. “Purchasing at Airlie Summit turned out to be better than we could ever have imagined.”
Drawn to the unique blocks of land offering stunning views from multiple angles and the incredible accessibility of the location, Carole and Greg say they wouldn’t want to live anywhere other than their little slice of paradise.
“We’re less than a kilometre from the beach, lagoon, boardwalk, shops and dining options – everything is at our fingertips. Looking down towards the town you can see what is happening, but our location is just so tranquil. You feel like you’re in your own little world.”
While all these things tick plenty of boxes, Carole says nothing beats the view of the topaz blue waters of The Whitsundays.
“I get lost in the view,” Carole says. “It’s ever-changing day and night but always a ‘wow’. I work from home and chose to build my office on the side of the house that looks over the national park or I would never get anything done.”
Carole and Greg’s Coastal Hamptons-inspired home was built within about eight months. They opted for a style suitable for the temperate Queensland weather, with two levels of decking spanning the front of the house and as many louvred windows as they could squeeze in to maximise the view and breezes.
“Being a relatively flat corner block, we were able to make use of the entire area to capture the everchanging 280-degree view from the home, pool and garden. To the left we get expansive views of Woodwark and the cooling northerly breezes, to the right the leafy views of Conway National Park as well as both marinas, Whitsundays Islands, Airlie Beach Lagoon and the main town strip.
“We purposely built at the front of the block and kept the house design simple with two levels and four bedrooms. We have two adult sons and there’s still plenty of room for friends and family to stay.”
Moving from acreage in the hills of Mackay, Carole says she was surprised how quickly they relaxed into the placid Airlie lifestyle.
“It’s just so easy here, you can be anywhere within 10 minutes. The vibe is fantastic, the nightlife and restaurants are buzzing and there’s always something to do if you want to. Of course, it’s just as tempting to stay in and watch the world go by.
“It’s the perfect balance between relaxed and happening.”
