98 Porteus Drive

Seven Hills QLD 4170

With Hamptons homes becoming dime-a-dozen dotting Brisbane streetscapes, it's a revelation to find this picturesque residence rejecting the generic Hamptons terms of reference to seek a more authentic connection to the relaxed Queensland lifestyle.

Indeed, there's no denying the traditional Hamptons style is enjoying increasing popularity, in no small part thanks to classical rather than contemporary styling that never seems to date. However, as these homes become ever-bigger, more ostentatious and more focussed on decorative adornments, it is instead this homes quiet, understated elegance that truly sets it apart.

Spanning 3 levels and standing noticeably tall in its street, this home indeed offers abundant floor space and storage space alongside 4 oversized bedrooms, each with its own personal walk-in-robe. As such, it is definitely more sizeable than some of the newly-built, recently sold houses in the suburb, though it also asserts its true value without resorting to excessive bling.

Indeed, there's no showiness, no stuffiness, no pretentiousness here; instead this home reveals a certain quiet confidence that needs not rely stylistically upon screaming 'Look at me!' Instead, this is a house capable of embracing the more laid-back Queensland lifestyle, that, while grand in its proportions, chooses to rely on genuine quality and understated elegance to create relaxed refinement and easy luxury.

This is what happens when an interior design afficionado gets her hands on designing her own house, explains Duke Realty director Sam Patterson as he ascends the grand staircase of this gorgeous Seven Hills residence. And, upon touring this beautiful home, it becomes clear exactly what Sam means.

A study in calm, considered restraint and careful curation, this home bears all the hallmarks of a deft design touch, where quality is assured and functionality is key. There is a genuine warmth here extending beyond the subtle yet sophisticated marble-clad fireplace; coupled with a willingness to deny trend in favour of a more classic sense of styling, allowing for freedom of stylistic interpretation and the incorporation of design elements reflecting personality, vibrancy, quirkiness and fun.

To begin with, it's refreshing to see a departure from the traditional greys and whites that have become Queensland's Hamptons vernacular and to instead be greeted upon arrival with a classic black and white colour scheme ensuring timeless appeal. Genuine, artisan-crafted timber French doors attest to the homes absolute commitment to quality and are a subtle nod to Queenslander homes of yesteryear, while bright pops of colour and pattern inside and some unique personal inclusions outdoors confirm that this is not just another showpiece, but a home that knows its place and is very much the real deal.

In fact, this homes American-inspired beauty and distinctly Queensland-oriented sensibility led to a starring role in an episode of lifestyle TV's Open Homes Australia, and has also seen it grace magazine editorials and webpages, including the popular Architecture & Design online blog and magazine. Yet, beyond its famous fortunes, there's also plenty of evidence this inspired residence is home to an actual, living, breathing family, with a highly functional design extending beyond the four spacious bedrooms to include multiple living spaces and a huge, separate multipurpose-come-media room, offering space and flexibility in design to accommodate growing families and their ever-changing needs.

A stunning chefs kitchen incorporating coffee nook, butlers pantry and beautifully-framed display cabinets for personal treasures, anchors a light, bright, white palette via a bold island bench in Dulux Monument, continuing the classic black-white scheme. Rich and robust walnut timber flooring provides subtle colour and contrast, while shuttered windows filter sunlight and provide a glimpse of lush, verdant shrubbery.

A crystalline pool adds further colour courtesy of its alternating light show, a centrepiece for various outdoor entertaining and break-out spaces making exceptional use of this low-maintenance block. And all this before ascending to the homes top-most level where a lavish master suite gives way to a rear viewing deck enjoying spectacular sunsets over the city's sparkling lights.

Still, despite the sophistication and promise of all these luxury inclusions, there remains something incredibly genuine, authentic and homely about this place; something, dare we say, 'REAL'. So, ignore primadonnas and pretence; replace the fakery with finery. Inspect an authentic, family-friendly home designed for the REAL housewives (and/or husbands and families) of Seven Hills.