Research and support for Australia’s cystic fibrosis community will be boosted when a South Coast home built entirely through business and community generosity goes under the hammer on January 28.
The LJ Hooker Foundation – the charitable arm of LJ Hooker offices nationwide – will donate the full purchase price of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at Malua Bay, New South Wales, to Cystic Fibrosis Australia (CFA), to continue its advocacy and support for those living with the condition’s daily challenges.
The home has been named the Red Rose house in honour of CFA’s emblem.
The concept of the 32 Wattlebird Way home originated with former LJ Hooker agent Michael Skuse, and was quickly embraced by surrounding South Coast professionals, and more than two hundred volunteers including representatives of large multinational companies like Bluescope Steel and James Hardy to smaller sub-contractors like electricians, plumbers and painters.
Developer Sea Breeze donated the generously sized 862sqm block.
LJ Hooker CEO Grant Harrod said it was fitting that the product of community goodwill would go to such an important cause.
“To have the house come out of the ground – from the sourcing of land to the bespoke finishes and final internal fittings – is an enormous achievement,” said Mr Harrod.
“We’re very pleased for the LJ Hooker offices and wider business leaders whose generosity will be acknowledged and turned over to the CF community on January 28. It’s a touching example of community goodwill and one the LJ Hooker Foundation is very proud to support.
“And for the successful bidders, they’ll likewise be credited with making a significant contribution to the CF community, which itself is very exciting.”
Cystic Fibrosis Australia CEO Nettie Burke thanked the LJ Hooker Foundation for the donation, saying the house was a poignant representation of life with CF.
“Building a home is a step-by-step process. Likewise, living with cystic fibrosis involves regimented, step-by-step living that involves a tortuous combination of hours of physiotherapy and countless daily intakes of life saving drugs,” said Ms Burke.
Situated in a holiday spot popularised by Sydneysiders and Canberrans, the Red Rose house – designed by reputable consultancy BHI Architects and constructed by highly regarded local builder Bernie Basevi – could be a great weekender or investment, located only 15 minutes from Batemans Bay and approximately two hours from Canberra. Equally, the north-facing home has been created with lifestyle in mind with three bedrooms and study, two bathrooms, hardwood floors, multiple entertaining decks a remote-controlled two-car garage and more.
“It’s simply a stunning home, but what makes it so breathtakingly beautiful for us is what the local South Coast volunteers have done,” said Ms Burke.
“The story has given the home its own character, already.
“The home represents so much for so many Australians with cystic fibrosis. We could never thank the passionate South Coast business community enough for transforming this fundraising idea into a reality.”
All money raised from the sale of Red Rose House will go to Cystic Fibrosis Australia’s research programmes and support CFA’s efforts to increase life expectancy from 37 to 50 years by 2025.
Mr Harrod said the design and workmanship of the home wold attract significant interest during the auction campaign.
