Inside Buderim's 'butterfly house': Clifftop home with glass-walled infinity pool hits the market

“Think of the house as a butterfly,” the architect told the owner 18 years ago as he displayed his designs. “You’ve got a central spine – which is a lap pool – and a set of two-storey wings on each side.”

That conversation between architect Kelly Gray and owner John Rawlins gave birth to the remarkable home now for sale at 44 Panorama Crescent in Buderim, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The cantilevered infinity pool extends the full length of the solid concrete house, then stretches out towards the ocean over the edge of the cliff.

Agent Tristan Allison of Property Today Real Estate describes the home as one of the most spectacular properties he’s listed for sale. “It’s a feat of engineering in all senses of the word,” he says.

“The pool has a ballistic glass front so you can look out at the ocean, even from underwater, and there are portholes on the side so you can look into the pool from bedrooms and bathrooms.”

The three-level house on a steep 819 square-metre block has a study, wine room, entertainment room, workshop and six-car garage.

Rawlins and his wife, who are now in their 80s, have listed the three-bedroom home for sale and are looking to downsize.

“It was a great house for relaxing and entertainment and we had lots of social events,” he says.

“One of the delightful things … is that it’s a very good neighbourhood, with friendly people who look out for each other.”

Allison is hosting a cocktail party at the property on August 1 for prospective buyers and buyers’ agents.

“We want to show buyers the lifestyle the home has to offer,” he says.

FOR SALE

44 Panorama Crescent, Buderim QLD 4556

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