Photography: Louise Roche / Styling: Kylie Jackes
It was the charming driveway lined with towering fig trees that piqued the interest of Adriana and Casey Stoner when they first glimpsed their sprawling 5-hectare property in Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland. Having travelled extensively during Casey’s career as a professional motorcycle racer, with stints spent living in Monaco and Switzerland, the couple’s dream was always to return to Australia and lay down some roots once Casey, a two-time MotoGP World Champion, had retired.
Moving in with daughter Alessandra, now 12, while Adriana was pregnant with second daughter Caleya, now six, the family immediately embraced a more rural lifestyle, acquiring several ponies to take advantage of the property’s paddocks and horse arena. A dirt bike trail was also established, where Casey could teach the girls to ride in the backyard.
While the family fell in love with the property, a renovation to rejuvenate and repair the 30-plus-year-old house was always on the cards. In preparation, a shed was purpose built where the family could ‘glamp’ on site during the renovation.
Who lives here?
Casey Stoner, a retired two-time MotoGP World Champion; his wife Adriana, a stay-at-home mum and daughters Alessandra, 12, and Caleya, six; Silky Terrier Frankie; Chestnut pony Janie; and bay pony Gucci.
What makes your location idyllic? Adriana: “With Casey still frequently travelling, the size of our acreage is manageable and also conveniently close to town and an airport. We love the space and privacy it provides, too.”
Renovation tip? “It’s all down to the builder. We are very thankful to have been recommended Kai Konstruct to take on the renovation. They exceeded our expectations and were a pleasure to work with every step of the way.”
Engaging the expertise of local company Kai Konstruct, the extensive project began in 2023, with the scope encompassing a redesigned kitchen, updated bathrooms, additional internal stairs, office space and mudroom, as well as reconfigured and extended upper level for a new main bedroom, ensuite and trophy room.
A pool house for guests was also updated, along with the gym. “Virtually everything was changed,” says Adriana, of the new look.
Kitchen
Moving back in December 2023, thrilled with the renovation, Adriana says the house felt brand new. Yet their jubilation was dampened somewhat when, just weeks later, a storm categorised as a tornado tore through their property on Christmas night. “Our builder Tim was amazing, going over and above to come out on Boxing Day to do repairs, and luckily we had generators,” recalls Adriana.
The repercussions continued, with a storm on New Year’s Day flooding the nearby blocked creek and deluging the shed they’d just moved out of. Despite the effects of the weather, the family considers themselves fortunate compared to others impacted by wild summer storms and appreciate their place more than ever.
Designed specifically to suit the way the family congregates and entertains – often around an island bench – the kitchen features both a working island and social island, teamed with bar stools.
“A big butler’s pantry and a gas cooktop were musts,” explains Adriana of the kitchen redesign, which features an impressive Ilve ‘Majestic’ 150cm dual fuel oven in Antique White and Brass – still quite a novelty to use, after almost a year spent without an oven.
Working with Kai Konstruct on the selection of finishes to achieve a modern country feel, the palette was kept simple and sophisticated with Euro Marble Calacatta Oro benchtops, mosaic splashback tiles from Three Balls Red and brass accents such as Hepburn Hardware cabinetry handles, a Blanco kitchen mixer tap and ABI Interiors ‘Elysian’ pot filler.
“It was Casey’s idea for all the major joinery to be blue,” says Adriana. “Yet with so many [shades of] navy, which can look so different in different lights, finding just the right shade was one of the trickiest decisions in the whole house,” she adds. Ultimately opting for Porter’s Paints Yacht Race, they couldn’t be happier with the hue used for all Farmers Doors joinery. Visit Porter’s Paints.
We love… deep blue
Laundry
A real workhorse, the laundry is stylish and incredibly functional with an abundance of storage. Cabinetry in Dulux Vivid White, topped with Marbella benchtops from Stone Ambassador hug two walls, with a charming Farmhouse Sinks fluted sink positioned below the window.
Trophy room
A feature on the upper level is a trophy room. Taking pride of place are his bikes he won two world MotoGP titles on – a Ducati GP7 and Honda RC212V.
Living area
The more formal of the home’s several living spaces, this zone enjoys an indoor-outdoor feel, with its wrap-around glazing and French doors providing views and access to the pool and alfresco areas.
While the existing travertine floor tiles were kept, door frames and walls have been refreshed in Dulux Snowy Mountain Quarter with furnishings that were chosen to reflect the blue of the pool beyond. A Pottery Barn rug and sofas define the sitting area where cushions from Hamptons Style and Provincial Home Living add a dash of pattern to the space.
Dining
In the dining area, a timber bench is paired with a dining table, both from Pottery Barn. Upholstered chairs from the family’s previous home complement the setting as does a ‘Riva’ perforated island pendant in Antique Brass, from Interior Collections, which adds to the home’s modern farmhouse feel.
Main bedroom
A large part of the renovation was reconfiguring and extending the upper level to create a new spacious main bedroom, ensuite and dressing room. The bright, airy feeling is enhanced with lofted ceilings, while curtains from Decorators Workroom diffuse the stream of sunlight when needed.
“We love the modern country look because we feel it’s timeless, warm and inviting.”
Adriana
In the ensuite black matt large format tiles from Three Balls Red provide the foundation for a fluted bath, from ATS Tiles and Bathrooms. The vanity by Farmers Doors in Porters Yacht Race, topped with a slab of Marbella from Stone Ambassador, is paired with twin ‘Stadio Groove’ fluted oval stone basins from ATS Tiles and Bathrooms and ABI Interiors tapware.
Pool and outdoor area
Boasting resort-sized proportions, the existing pool didn’t need any enhancing. Year round, it provides a beautiful water outlook from multiple spots within the house and a lovely alfresco spot to entertain.
“We really love it here,” says Adriana. “We feel very blessed to have ample space where we can enjoy a variety of activities, so much so that on weekends the girls don’t want to leave.”
Builder: Kai Konstruct, 1300 524 284, kaikonstruct.com.au.
SOURCE BOOK
Cabinetry: Farmers Doors, 1300 725 151, farmersdoors.com.
