First published 27 Oct 2026, 5:00am
Between its rad green stone bathrooms and a totally tubular outdoor set-up complete with a tiki bar, this 1980s gem is enough to make a property lover scream, ‘Cowabunga!’
The Gold Coast property has hit the market for the first time in 43 years, igniting a fiery debate among vintage real estate diehards: exactly when did the decade of excess become “retro”?
The time-capsule home quickly landed on the radar of popular Facebook group Retro House for Sale (and renovation) Australia, where it divided the community of mid-century purists.
“90s isn’t retro, 80s is marginal,” one group member said.
“Some houses might have an early 80s original bathroom but that’s the only feature of the entire house that could be called retro.”
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But a new wave of fans has embraced the bold, brick-heavy style of the era.
“News flash 80s is the new 70s,” another member fired back.
“There’s plenty of thoughtful 80s architecture that is worthy of showcasing. It just might not be to your taste. My 29yo adores 90s architecture and interiors. And my 40yo has bought a house built in the 80s styled with pieces of furniture from the 60s and 70s.”
For some, the reality of the timeline was a bitter pill to swallow. “Unfortunately this means you’re old cause 90s is retro now,” quipped one user.
Feature stone and timber set the scene
The double-brick four-bedroom, three-bathroom home’s opulent bathrooms are true to the era, featuring emerald-toned stone that wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Miami Vice.
Entertainers can crank up Love Shack and mix a Midori Illusion at the heavy stone bar topped in slick, fire-engine red vinyl top, flowing to a billiards room.
Step outside, and the tropical alfresco set-up includes a free-form pool and spa flanked by expansive patios with a rustic brick pizza oven and tiki bar.
The 4,106 sqm creekside property at 5 Palomino Dr, Mudgeeraba is marketed via an expressions of interest campaign with Karen McDonald of Coastal.
The spacious entertaining lounge opens to outdoors
“Step back in time with this inviting retro-inspired entertaining room,” the listing reads.
“A home full of character and old-school charm, this is a fantastic space to unwind, entertain and enjoy a little retro living.”
Other features include striking high vaulted ceilings, multiple living spaces, a cosy indoor fireplace, and the modern addition of 32 solar panels.
Whether the next owner decides to preserve the red vinyl tiki bar in all its glory or not, one thing is certain: the 1980s have officially entered the vintage chat.
Poolside entertaining with a barbecue and brick oven
A tropical setting for the pool and spa
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