38 Florida Road

Palm Beach NSW 2108

Built c1920, Kalua was one of the first properties constructed in Palm Beach, guaranteeing its historical significance. The main residence was built and held for some 60 years by the distinguished Hordern family and was purchased by current owners the Joye family in 1978. Folklore has it that the Hordern family sent their architect by sea to Oahu, Hawaii, to copy ''stick by stick and stone by stone'' the impressive Dillingham plantation residence. Hence it was named Kalua, which means 'double' in Hawaiian. At the time of construction there were no roads into Palm Beach so all materials, including soil, had to be barged in from Newport. The original sandstone steps still take you up from the beach to the house.
Reminiscent of a bygone era and retaining all of its classic appeal, the elegantly relaxed 1920s plantation-style home is a sprawling, flexible family residence framed by wide entertaining verandas. It encompasses six generous bedrooms, five with en suites, including privately accessible helpers' quarters accommodating 1-2 staff. The entire upper level is devoted to the master retreat, encompassing his and hers dressing rooms, a marble en suite, an entertainment cabinet, a private outdoor shower terrace and a second large terrace with premier views. Multiple entertaining spaces include a grand lounge room, a generous atrium-style dining room, a family room and a charming gas kitchen featuring solid timber cabinetry, Carrara marble bench tops, commercial ovens and sitting area with a gas fireplace. The gracious residence is enhanced by touches such as jarrah, tallowood and kauri floors and a wood-burning fireplace in the lounge room.
A second completely private residence has been designed specifically to accommodate an on-site caretaker's family. It is also perfect for guests or extended family members. Constructed from Australian hardwoods, the two-storey building has private access through the adjacent parkland down to the beach. It contains three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a black granite kitchen. Enhanced by cathedral glass ceilings, park views and wide recycled blackbutt floorboards, its living space is warmed by a gas fire. To facilitate maintenance work, there is a large dedicated workshop, a second utility room and a washroom for tradespeople. A self-contained beach cabana is located down by the property's beachfront entrance and is set up as a bunkhouse to accommodate multiple beds.