Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Cootharaba, within the quiet village of Boreen Point, a property has emerged that is set to captivate the Sunshine Coast's luxury real estate market. This is not just any house; it is a slice of living history, a testament to artistic legacy, and a sanctuary of refined tranquillity.
A Home Steeped in History and Artistry
Le Bateau Ivre, a name taken from Arthur Rimbaud's famed 19th-century poem meaning 'The Drunken Boat', is a 1930s Queenslander with a storied past. Built circa 1934 from locally sourced hardwood, the property has stood as a silent witness to decades of creative life, having once operated as a lively guesthouse. Local lore suggests it even hosted The Rolling Stones during their early Australian tour.
The home's journey continued as it evolved into an artist's retreat before catching the eye of acclaimed jewellery designer Lucy Folk and her partner, Joffrey Cauchy. The couple embarked on an extensive two-year restoration in collaboration with interior designer Tamsin Johnson, transforming the historic structure into their beloved family sanctuary. Now, this piece of living history is back on the market, with the owners seeking offers in excess of $4 million.
Meticulous Restoration Meets Mediterranean Flair
The restoration has been a labour of love, honouring the home's bohemian past while injecting a contemporary, light-filled sensibility. Behind the property's classic whitewashed weatherboard exterior and wide verandahs lies a meticulously composed interior.
Johnson and Folk worked to improve the flow of light, adding new verandahs and French doors that open onto stunning lake views. The gourmet kitchen is fitted with a La Cornue oven from France and an inside-outside bar, perfect for entertaining. The five-bedroom main house, which includes a separate two-bedroom guest bungalow, sits on over 1,000 sqm of fully fenced, tropical grounds.
The design ethos is one of crafted beauty and subtle imperfection, featuring:
- Venetian-plaster bathrooms with terrazzo tiles by Will Cooper for Ash NYC.
- Brass and bronze fittings by Astra Walker.
- Statement lighting from designers like Lockerroom and Ben Mazey.
- Sun-bleached floors and white timber walls that offset natural textures.
Outside, the home's pea-green exterior contrasts with white balustrades, blending into gardens that cascade toward the lake. A magnesium-tiled pool and a hardwood pool house, designed for a future sauna, complete the idyllic outdoor setting. Tiered gardens planted with mango, avocado, and citrus trees create a sense of lush abundance.
A Rare Sanctuary on the Sunshine Coast
Folk, who has lived in Paris and Melbourne, described instantly falling for Boreen Point's slower pace and the home's unique 'suspended' setting amongst the trees. The result of their work is a property that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly inviting.
Its atmosphere is one of softness and a lived-in vibe that is impossible to replicate. Located just a short drive from the boutiques and beaches of Noosa, and the weekend markets of Pomona and Kin Kin, Le Bateau Ivre offers a rare combination of artistry, architecture, and tranquillity. From its hand-built 1930s bones to its modern Mediterranean spirit, this home tells a compelling story and is expected to be snapped up quickly by a discerning buyer.
