Gold coast, QLD
A canal-front home defined by symmetry, scale, and coastal refinement.
Positioned along the waterfront in Mermaid Waters, Melrose was designed as a modern interpretation of Hamptons living, balancing architectural presence with warmth and liveability.
Created as a personal residence, the home reflects a clear intention: to maximise aspect, embrace natural light, and create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Grand in scale yet grounded in everyday function, Melrose captures a refined coastal lifestyle shaped by proportion, detail, and considered design.
45 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Completed 2021
567sqm
4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Car
Design Approach
The design centres on orientation, opening the home fully to the canal while maintaining privacy from the street.
Living, dining, and entertaining zones were positioned to capture uninterrupted water views and northern light, with a layout that supports both open-plan living and defined family spaces.
Key considerations included:
- Seamless indoor–outdoor connection
- Open-plan living anchored to the waterfront
- Separation between family and guest zones
- A master suite positioned to capture aspect and light
- Strong visual alignment from entry through to water
Symmetry and proportion were central to the design. From ceiling heights to window placement, each element was considered to create a sense of balance, giving the home a timeless architectural presence rather than a trend-driven aesthetic.
Material & Finish Direction
The material palette draws from classic Hamptons influences, reinterpreted through a modern coastal lens.
Soft whites, greys, and muted blues form the base, layered with oak timber, quartzite stone, and black detailing to create contrast and depth.
Key elements include:
- Linea board cladding for a refined exterior finish
- Engineered oak timber flooring
- Stone surfaces throughout kitchen and bathrooms
- Custom joinery and architectural mouldings
- Statement pendant lighting
- Terrazzo tiling and feature detailing
Black window frames and staircase elements anchor the palette, while layered textures soften the overall composition.
Standout Spaces
At the heart of the home, the kitchen, living, and dining area open directly to the canal, creating a space where water becomes the focal point.
Large bi-fold doors retract completely, extending the living zone into the alfresco and pool area, reinforcing the home’s resort-style feel.
The outdoor entertaining space and infinity pool are defining features, consistently drawing attention for their scale, openness, and connection to the water.
Designed for Living
While visually structured, the home was designed with real family living in mind.
Practical considerations include:
- A guest bedroom with separate entry
- A second upstairs living zone for flexibility
- A laundry chute for everyday ease
- Abundant integrated storage
- A resort-style entry pool step designed for family use
The layout allows for both connection and retreat, with shared spaces on the ground floor and quieter zones positioned above.
Build Highlights
Grand entry with void and statement staircase
Strong axial alignment from entry through to canal
Infinity pool positioned as a central visual feature
Large bi-fold doors maximising indoor–outdoor flow
The Feeling of Home
Melrose delivers a sense of balance — between scale and comfort, detail and simplicity.
It feels considered without being overworked, refined without losing warmth, a home designed to be lived in as much as it is admired.
The Plan Behind the Home
A layout shaped by symmetry, aspect, and flow — opening to the water while maintaining structure and balance throughout.
In the Media
Melrose set a suburb benchmark in Mermaid Waters and was featured across the Gold Coast Bulletin and realestate.com.au.
The project quickly became recognised as one of the standout canal-front homes in the area.
Melrose was completed in collaboration with ABI Interiors, with the home featured in their Behind the Design series.
Interested in the details?
We often receive questions about materials, finishes, and selections used throughout our homes. A full breakdown of The Sanctuary’s design and finishes will be available soon.