Images: Ben Symons courtesy of Luxico/Foxtel/Binge / Instagram via @binge
Luxury, drama, and jaw-dropping interiors – Billion Dollar Playground, the newest series on Binge and Foxtel, delivers all that and more. Set against the backdrop of spectacular homes, the eight-episode series follows a team catering to the whims of ultra-wealthy guests. Think Below Deck, but swap the superyachts for multi-million-dollar mansions.
Yes, there’s plenty of high-stakes drama – romantic entanglements, colleague clashes and pressure-cooker moments – but what really has us tuning in is the incredible design. These homes are nothing short of extraordinary.
Ahead of the series premiere on May 13, we caught up with Alexandra Ormerod, co-founder and managing director of Luxico, the booking platform behind these next-level holiday stays. “While we don’t own the properties featured (though we’d love to!), we connect owners and managers of exceptional homes with discerning, high-value travellers,” she explains.
And exceptional is the word. With millionaires and billionaires as clients, there’s no room for ordinary. Alexandra and her partner Tom are fastidious when it comes to selecting homes that meet their standards.
“We look for premium locations – beachfront homes, iconic city views or serene countryside retreats,” she says. “Each property must showcase standout design features like showstopping pools, curated furnishings and architectural wow-factor. It’s all about creating a sense of awe and offering a truly unforgettable experience.”
While most of us won’t be checking in to these luxe escapes anytime soon, we can take design cues from them. Here, we round up 20 standout features from Billion Dollar Playground that bring the wow factor – and explain how to channel them in your own home.
20 interior tips from Billion Dollar Playground
Luxico co-founder Alexandra Ormerod talks us through some of the incredible houses featured on Billion Dollar Playground.
Sunny Brae in Vaucluse, NSW
1. Restore, don’t renovate
“Sunny Brae is a celebration of timeless elegance. Every detail has been lovingly restored to honour the home’s period charm.” It’s simply about retaining a home’s character by elevating not erasing original beauty.
2. Let history shine through
“From its intricate decorative wallpaper to the family photos of the owner’s ancestors that adorn the walls…” You get a real sense of a home’s many layers in this home.
3. Design with a sense of legacy
This home shows how interiors can honour the past while still feeling fresh. Thoughtful details like heirloom photographs and period décor connect generations through design.
4. Build a library worth dreaming about
“My favourite space is the library – a sanctuary with soaring ceilings, a stunning collection of first-edition books, and captivating artwork.” Create your own to fit the scale of your home.
5. Design a home that invites you to linger
Create spaces that help you “lose yourself in their beauty”, just like Sunny Brae’s alfresco area.
Sweven Estate in Cattai, NSW
6. Think of nature as part of your design
“The grounds are a dreamscape, complete with a lotus-filled lake, tree plantations and sheep-dotted paddocks.” Even indoors, you can feel immersed in lush surrounds with large windows and an indoor-outdoor flow.
7. Consider a workspace that’s truly serene
“For me, the treehouse office is the ultimate luxury – a serene, elevated space that allows you to work undisturbed while soaking in the breathtaking views.” Think outside the box when it comes to your WFH space.
8. Choose a location that offers privacy
“Sweven is nothing short of magical. Situated on 141 acres along the Hawkesbury River, this estate offers unparalleled privacy and natural beauty.”
9. Design with your guests in mind
“Sweven… [is] a favourite among celebrity guests.” Yet its appeal goes beyond butler service, it’s the enveloping interiors and sense of serenity that make it a welcoming rustic retreat.
10. Don’t forget the power of a peaceful pool
“And let’s not forget the stunning pool, perfect for hours of peaceful relaxation.” An infinity edge never goes out of style.
Dovecote in Gerringong, NSW
11. Make your first impression wow
“Dovecote is a marvel of architectural sophistication. Its design makes a statement before you even set foot inside.”
12. Position matters – showcase the drama
“Perched on a hill overlooking the rugged coastline… its clean lines and striking form are a perfect complement to its dramatic surroundings.”
13. Make the view your hero
“But the real showstopper? The view. It’s nothing short of extraordinary.” Never underestimate how a view can elevate your whole experience of a property.
14. Match the landscape with bold design
“Its design makes a statement… a perfect complement to its dramatic surroundings.” Lean into your environment when designing.
15. Keep it strong and simple
With its striking form and restrained styling, Dovecote embodies quiet luxury.
Rawson in Rose Bay, NSW
16. Build up, not out
Building upwards is often overlooked, but it can create a striking sense of scale and sophistication that’s hard to achieve on a single level.
17. Skip paint – cover every wall in wallpaper
“There isn’t a single painted surface in the entire house,” Alexandra says. “Every inch is covered in textured wallpaper. It’s a tactile and visual delight.”
18. Consider an internal atrium
“The internal atrium is another standout feature, seamlessly connecting the indoor living spaces.” When outdoor garden space is lacking, an indoor one can fill the void.
19. Disappear your doors
“With retractable glass doors, the ground floor transforms into an expansive, open-plan oasis.”
20. Prioritise both the view and the interior
“While the iconic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline are a major drawcard, the home’s interior is equally breathtaking.”
Billion Dollar Playground premieres on Binge at 12pm and Foxtel at 1.30pm on Tuesday, May 13.
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