Merivale billionaire Justin Hemmes, alongside his partner Madeline Holtznagel, has secured a prestigious A-list seafront property in the coveted Byron Bay area. The hospitality magnate reportedly invested $18 million in this secluded estate, which last changed hands in 1998 for a mere $875,000, highlighting a dramatic appreciation in value over the decades.
Prime Location and Property Details
Situated just one kilometre from Byron Bay at Belongil Beach, the sprawling estate encompasses an impressive 1,580.3 square metres. The property features a two-storey, four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence, often referred to as a 'shack' in local parlance, though it offers luxurious amenities. Hemmes, aged 53, finalised the deal last week, as confirmed by reports from The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday.
Architectural Highlights and Design
While the official sale price remains undisclosed, sources indicate the $18 million transaction includes two titles within a gated enclave. The main dwelling is strategically built on a high dune overlooking the ocean, boasting 20 metres of direct beachfront access. Surrounded by lush bushland, the house opens to a lawn terrace with a stone staircase leading down to the sandy beach.
Key architectural features include a thoughtful open-plan layout and sliding cantilevered doors in the living areas, designed to maximise the breathtaking surrounding views. The interiors exhibit a strong tropical influence, characterised by high ceilings and extensive timber finishings throughout the property.
Development Potential and Family Life
Sales agents have promoted the property, configured into three self-contained units, as an ideal opportunity for developers. Meanwhile, Justin and Madeline have been embracing life as a blended family. The high-profile couple recently attended the opening night of the Tropfest short film festival in February, accompanied by Hemmes' two older daughters from his previous relationship.
Expanding Family and Personal Milestones
The tycoon shares his daughters, Alexa, aged nine, and Saachi, aged seven, with his ex-partner Kate Fowler. In a personal milestone, Madeline announced the arrival of her first child with Hemmes on Instagram in June 2025, sharing a gallery of sweet photos. She had earlier revealed the baby's sex in an interview with Stellar magazine, expressing excitement about embarking on a 'new journey' with Justin, particularly as they are expecting a boy to join his two daughters.
Madeline noted that she had previously kept pregnancy details private but was now ready to share her journey. In November 2024, an insider confirmed the pregnancy news to Daily Mail, revealing that a friend of Justin's had vacated his Vaucluse mansion to accommodate their growing family.
Background and Relationship Timeline
The business mogul, with a net worth estimated at $1.39 billion, began dating Madeline in 2019 when she was 22 and he was 47, following his split from Fowler in 2018. Madeline is the younger sister of Australian model Simone Holtznagel, who welcomed her first child, a daughter named Gia, in March 2024 with her now-ex-boyfriend Jono Castano.
