Why veteran developer Coral Knowles bought a Harmoni on Hythe townhouse in Miami
As a developer, there's no greater sign of confidence when a fellow developer buys in your project.
That was the case for boutique Gold Coast townhouse developer Highlife Homes at their recently completed four-pack townhouse project in Miami, Harmoni on Hythe.
When it was approaching completion, veteran developer Coral Knowles, who has built and developed thousands of dwellings over the years and has been involved in both residential and commercial investment, secured her Harmoni on Hythe villa.
When asked why Harmoni on Hythe, for a buyer who really could have picked anywhere up and down the Gold Coast, Knowles said there weren't many boxes it didn't tick.
"I thought it was so unique," Knowles recalled.
"It's right near Miami Beach, one of very few beaches which has retained the relaxed beachside lifestyle the Gold Coast is known for. There's coffee shops within a few steps, the surf life-saving club, and transport options. It has everything you'd need."
Knowles was wearing two hats when talking to the development team, as both a buyer and a longtime developer.
"My husband is a builder and he spoke to the construction team onsite, as well as Highlife Director James George" Knowles said.
"After a 10-minute conversation he walked away and said 'these guys know what they're doing.'"
The four-bedroom townhouse with views to Miami Beach was initially spotted by Knowles' granddaughter who attends Bond University. Knowles was buying a Gold Coast beach home for the predominantly Melbourne-based family, which her granddaughter could reside in during her studies
"My granddaughter had been tasked with going and finding something near the beach which will suit a number of uses," Knowles said.
"I flew up to the Gold Coast and she showed me the townhouse. After inspecting the development and speaking to the team, there was nothing more to see, we knew that it was the one."
The sales process was also something that Knowles said was a pleasant experience, rather than it being stressful like most property purchases.
"The Highlife team were so accommodating with every request and we're well engaged during the process. The whole transaction was a pleasant experience," Knowles said.
"To deal with a small, internal team, it doesn't feel like you're being sold to. James Macqueen was the first face we saw at the display and he was our point of contact throughout the whole buying journey. It was a refreshing change of pace to get an end-to-end service from one person.
"From our first conversation to handing over the keys and now to after-purchase care, James and the Highlife team really know how to make things run smoothly and make any prospective purchaser feel comfortable and at ease during the buying process."
Having now stayed in the home, Knowles says it evokes a very classy feel.
"The fixtures and fittings are everything you would choose for your own home. There's gold tinted taps and even an internal lift. Every part of the project, from the interactions with the builders, sales team, and now the quality of the townhouse, has exceed expectations."
There is now just one townhouse remaining at Harmoni on Hythe.
The striking side-by-side townhouses have been cleverly designed to cater for everyone from a downsizing family with kids and grandkids, to a weekender for a Brisbane city dweller, given its location just 160 metres from the beach.
They each have four bedrooms, but the fourth bedroom, on the top level of the townhouse, is also designed to be a perfect multi-purpose space or second living room, given it opens onto the outdoor roof terrace which features a full barbecue kitchen.