I am a huge fan of beautiful Architecture and Design, especially when it is nicely blended into Nature. The long dark winters in Finland are are great time to put your head somewhere else. Come on a journey to admire some of the best real estate on the east coast of Australia.

The houses on this list are all mid-tier $5 million Australian Dollars or less, houses. They all have some land and are situated within 25 minutes of coastal beaches. This part of the country is very popular with the moderately wealthy who can afford to live outside the urban sprawl.

1. Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell – Byron Bay NSW

A modern timber house set on 24 hectares of elevated bushland, just south of the extinct Mount Warning volcano. Overlooking lush farmland and enjoying a spectacular 210 degree view of the coastline, this property is a sight to behold.

A sizable pool, outside entertainment area, and subtropical gardens make spending time outside a delight. The property was sold in March 2021 for an undisclosed amount.

2. Skinners Shoot Road, Skinners Shoot – Byron Bay NSW

Tucked away behind Byron bay township, this unique bushland retreat is set on 3.8 hectares of lightly forested farmland. It features a wrap-around balcony, beautiful timber floors and a cozy interior. There is a lavish outside pool and plenty of space to entertain guests.

This property was put on the market in 2021 for an undisclosed amount.

3. Oyster Bank Road, Bli Bli – Sunshine Coast QLD

Easily the prettiest Queenslander on the Sunshine Coast, this riverfront property is set on 1.84 hectares of prime real estate only a few minutes drive from the centre of town. The 3 quarter wrap around balcony gives shade to the bottom floor and is accessible from multiple rooms on the second floor.

Enjoy a huge pool area and have friends stay in the neighbouring guest retreat. There are even some stables and a large shed at the back of the property. The selling price for this home was $2.83 million in early 2021 which is understandable given the location.

4. Hamersley Lane, Lake Macdonald – Sunshine Coast QLD

Set on 9.6 hectares of lakefront property, this 5 bedroom homestead offers a tranquil bushland setting, not too far from Noosa. The single-story house with loft has beautiful polished wooden floors and modern facilities. There is a modest (underwhelming) pool and entertaining area and a separate guest house.

This property sold in January 2021 for $4.2 million.

5. Lake Vista Drive, Peregian Beach – Sunshine Coast QLD

This property is set on 19.4 hectares of land on the shores of Lake Weyba, just south of Noosa. It operates mostly as a rustic farmhouse wedding venue. The main building is a 2 bedroom cottage constructed of stone with a gorgeous wood framed roof and hardwood floor. It is fitted with all the modern facilities while still maintaining its farmhouse charm.

The property was put on the market for $4.5 million in 2021. At that price it would be hard to make money out of this place as a wedding venue.

6. Litfin Road, Verrierdale – Sunshine Coast QLD

This modern home is set on 17.8 hectares of bushland just south of Noosa and 10 minutes drive to the beach. From the front, the house looks plain but inside there are some redeeming features that get it on the list. In particular, the wooden pillars, stone fireplace and polished wooden floors are all spectacular. The wrap-around balcony also adds some charm.

The property operates as a yoga retreat, and comes with a few secluded cabins for guests, enabling some additional income streams. This property was put on the market in 2020 for an undisclosed amount.

7. Blake Court, Mount Samson – Brisbane QLD

This 5 bedroom house is set on 2 hectares of land just behind Brisbane city. From the outside the completely white house looks a bit out of place against the contrast of the green hills but once you get inside and up close it is easy to appreciate the elegance and beautiful design of this dwelling.

The house was sold for $2.8 million in early 2021.

8. Ferrells Road, Cooroy – Sunshine Coast Qld

This 6 hectare property 25 minutes west of Noosa is a horse lovers paradise. It is a 4 bedroom 8 stable property with large riding arena, round pen and paddocks. The most lovely feature of the house is the redwood timberwork and finely polished floors.

This property sold for 2.1 million in September 2020 which seems quite reasonable given the facilities. If it were me though designing the property I would have move the main residence slightly further away from the stable to avoid the feeling of bunking down with the horses.