When a local council discarded a rare vintage chandelier decades ago, it was rescued from the tip by a person with savvy eye for style.
The 1970s Motoko Ishii sputnik chandelier was created by Japanese lighting designer Motoko Ishii, who was renowned for her work with German manufacturer Staff. The eye-catching piece was her largest-ever design.
The salvaged treasure now illuminates the heart of a home at 32 Spitfire Lane, Cooroy, which has been listed for sale with an asking price of between $1.9 million to $2.1 million.
Seller Lou Frances said when Noosa Shire Council discarded it decades ago, a quick-thinking friend fished it from the tip.
Ms Frances said the stunning chandelier is now a much-loved feature of the sustainable home.
Ms Frances worked alongside local sustainable design experts Ecolibrium to create a home that barely needs artificial heating or cooling.
Core-filled blockwork, polished concrete floors, strategic louvres, breeze blocks and floor-to-ceiling tinted windows create natural temperature regulation year-round.
“The passive solar design means minimal energy costs,” Ms Frances said.
“Combined with income from the cottage, it essentially costs us nothing to live here.”
Developed over 20 years, the property comprises a striking four-bedroom main residence and a three-bedroom cottage, which is at a 130m distance from the principal dwelling. The cottage has a separate road access that’s geared towards multi-generational living or rental income.
The main house showcases an eclectic blend of industrial, mid-century modern and contemporary Australian design.
Raw concrete, timber, glass and steel create spaces that flow seamlessly to wraparound verandas.
Three upstairs bedrooms with new walk-in robes overlook gallery spaces with glass balustrades inviting uninterrupted views across Black Mountain, Mount Cooroora, Pinbarren and Mothar Mountain.
Below there’s a creative studio, workshop and an 18-month-old 7m x 3m magnesium pool surrounded by travertine pavers.
The cottage, built entirely from reclaimed and upcycled materials, features bedrooms as separate pods, vintage character details and coloured glass.
Perched on 1.72 hectares, the property offers front-row seats to nature’s theatre.
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“Summer storms roll across mountain ranges, wedge-tail eagles circle overhead and king parrots shelter on verandas during rain,” Ms Frances said.
“Established native gardens attract honeyeaters and black cockatoos to banksias and grevilleas.”
It’s located just 5km from the Cooroy and Bruce Highway access, 29km from Noosa Main Beach and is within easy reach of Eumundi, Pomona and Kenilworth.
“What I’ll miss most is being part of the environment,” Ms Frances said.
“But it’s time for someone else to experience what we’ve created here.”
32 Spitfire Lane, Cooroy is being marketed by Ray White Rural Eumundi agent Sacha Laing and is for sale via expressions of interest.
