Family FOCUS

A PURPOSE-BUILT, DUAL-LIVING HOUSE NESTLED ON THE GOLD COAST, PROVIDES AN IDYLLIC LIFESTYLE AND COUNTLESS BENEFITS FOR THREE GENERATIONS

- KYLIE JACKES

Gold Coast couple Jess and James are no strangers to dual living. When the couple met in 2011 Jess had just embarked on a project with her parents, Louise and Warwick, to build a pair of duplexes where they’d live alongside each other. When it was completed, James moved in too. Seven years later, when the couple began planning their own family, they snapped up a dream block of land surrounded by greenery away from the Gold Coast hustle and bustle where they envisaged their kids could run amok. With James’ skills as a professional builder and his own construction company, the couple embraced the opportunity to design and create a unique home on the site, which ticked myriad boxes. “Cost-wise, my parents were looking to get rid of their mortgage and we were looking to minimise our cost, so there were benefits in creating a dual-living home for all of us,” explains Jess. With the addition of son Harry and daughter Milly on the way, having grandparents close by was also advantageous.

Key to a successful design was thorough planning to ensure everyone’s needs were met in the immediate and long-term future. “Mum and Dad were downsizing so we worked out how much space they’d need to be self-contained, comfortable, and for privacy, our indoor and outdoor living spaces weren’t adjoined,” says Jess. “It allows us to feel separate, but easily come together whenever we choose.” A seamless floor plan with minimal level change that simply flows outside to the pool and expansive backyard, is also ideal for all.