The Queensland business couple behind a spectacular $28.5 million Sunshine Beach property sale are preparing to farewell another extraordinary home, listing a historic Brisbane estate after an extensive architectural transformation.
Samantha and Brad Hopper have placed their Hamilton Hill residence, Katanga, on the market, with the five-bedroom property at 25 Langside Road scheduled for auction on October 28 through Damon Warat and Nick Roche of Ray White Ascot.
The listing comes four years after the couple’s former Shaun Lockyer-designed home at 24 Arakoon Crescent, Sunshine Beach, changed hands for $28.5 million in an off-market transaction.
That property was purchased by Karen Greer, wife of Geoff Wilson, founder of Sydney-based investment manager Wilson Asset Management.
The April 2022 sale attracted attention for both its price and the striking contemporary residence on a 636sqm oceanfront block near Noosa National Park.
Historical property reporting identified Samantha as an earlier owner of the Sunshine Beach property, which was subsequently held by Lunar Investments Pty Ltd, a company associated with Brad, before its sale to Greer.
Brad is managing director of the Ascot-based Hopper Group, whose interests span supermarkets, specialty retail, property and hospitality, including Maleny Lodge in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Samantha, who has a background in retail property and shopping centre management, is also involved in the family’s business interests through her role on the board of HG Retail.
After returning to Brisbane in 2022, the couple turned their attention to Katanga, a landmark Hamilton Hill residence dating back to about 1884.
Property records show the estate last changed hands for $5 million in December 2022, before the extensive transformation that has now brought it back to market.
Occupying an elevated 1,113sqm allotment overlooking the Brisbane River, the residence has been reimagined by Twohill & James, combining its original heritage architecture with contemporary living spaces across three lift-connected levels.
A link bridge connects the original residence to the newer addition, while Calacatta Viola marble, travertine and expansive glazing feature throughout.
Despite the property’s grand proportions, Samantha said functionality had been central to the design.
“It is the most functional home,” she said.
“While we have honoured the heritage era of the house, the design provides a modern, functional home with a luxury aesthetic.
“The restrained street presence belies the impressive scale, superior finishes and breadth of lifestyle amenities.”
The main living and dining spaces centre on an entertainer’s kitchen featuring a Calacatta Viola marble island, Gaggenau appliances and a butler’s pantry.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing connects the interiors with an alfresco terrace overlooking the river, complete with an outdoor fireplace, television and built-in barbecue kitchen.
Beyond the terrace are landscaped lawns, a wet-edge swimming pool and heated spa.
A dedicated wellness area includes a gym and sauna, while a concealed theatre features tiered electric recliners, a bar and Ross Gardam lighting.
The residence has five bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, as well as separate accommodation zones designed to give family members and guests greater independence.
The guest accommodation includes a kitchenette, lounge and balcony, while the children’s wing has its own lounge and billiards room.
The main bedroom retreat occupies the upper level of the original heritage residence, complete with wraparound verandahs, a private office, dressing room and marble ensuite featuring underfloor heating and heated towel rails.
Practical additions include a six-car garage with dual electric vehicle charging points, extensive storage, a laundry chute and drying court.
Sam said the entertaining and leisure spaces had become an important part of the family’s time at the property.
“We thoroughly enjoy all of the home’s leisure and entertaining spaces that bring our family and friends together,” Sam said.
However, after transforming the estate into a contemporary family residence, the couple have decided the time is right to return to the Sunshine Coast.
“It has been a difficult decision to sell something we’re emotionally invested in, but the time is right to head back to the Sunshine Coast and hand the home on to a new family to make their own.”
The sale gives prestige buyers an opportunity to acquire one of Hamilton Hill’s historic residences, with extensive modern amenities and elevated views across the Brisbane River.
Katanga will go under the hammer at an in-room auction at Ray White Ascot, 138 Racecourse Road, on Wednesday, October 28, at 5.30pm.
No price guide has been advertised. View the listing here.