{"id":820858,"date":"2026-07-24T12:49:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T12:49:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/820858\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T12:49:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T12:49:08","slug":"giant-retro-home-with-motor-inn-vibes-goes-viral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/820858\/","title":{"rendered":"Giant retro home with motor-inn vibes goes viral"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">A quirky two-storey home with a unique floorplan and distinctive 90s flair has gone viral, with many viewers likening it to a regional hotel or motor-inn. <\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">The huge seven-bedroom house at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realestate.com.au\/property-house-qld-bridgeman+downs-147711016\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">121 Ridley Road in Bridgeman Downs<\/a>, on the northside of Brisbane, is on the market with a price guide of $2,250,000 to $2,475,000 \u2013 and according to viewers, there\u2019s a lot of potential.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa wp-post-1147910 wp-image-1147916\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 800 450&quot;%3E%3C\/svg%3E\"  alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Various design choices were made when the house was built in 1997. Picture: realestate.com.au<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">Vendor Kevin Mathewson is selling the property without a traditional agent and bought it off the builder in 1997.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cIt was built in the era when Hong Kong was handed back to China and in that era lots of Chinese were building homes in Australia,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">&#8220;[The builder] came from Hong Kong &#8211; it was very specific to his family and to his way of life. You would find this type of property in Hong Kong or China.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa wp-post-1147910 wp-image-1147954\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 800 450&quot;%3E%3C\/svg%3E\"  alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Viewers have likened the layout to a hotel, with all rooms overlooking the pool. Picture: realestate.com.au<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">He said the floor-to-ceiling height exceeds 7.5 metres, with an atrium-style design that&#8217;s rarely seen in Australia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cIt\u2019s quite an astonishing house &#8211; as soon as you walk in people always go &#8216;wow&#8217;,&#8221; Mr Mathewson said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cA lot of people look at it and go, &#8216;It&#8217;s laid out like a hotel&#8217; &#8211; all the rooms are off a central, almost open-air focal point.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">The first level is constructed out of brick with a kidney-shaped pool in the middle, with a cream aluminium fence surrounding it, giving off a retro 1970s motor inn vibe.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa wp-post-1147910 wp-image-1147918\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 800 450&quot;%3E%3C\/svg%3E\"  alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Motor-inn vibes on the bottom floor. Picture: realestate.com.au<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">For some it might also give off a Roman baths vibe as seen across Europe, except with a uniquely Australian flair.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">The kidney-shaped pool is juxtaposed with the clean, modern lines of the top level, squared off with glass fencing and white paint, with several bedrooms off the main rectangular wraparound balcony.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">Back downstairs, the house features Medieval-looking doors that open onto a giant living area, and a rounded-off main bedroom that Hagrid from Harry Potter might enjoy.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa wp-post-1147910 wp-image-1147919\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 800 450&quot;%3E%3C\/svg%3E\"  alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Some slightly Medieval design choices, too. Picture: realestate.com.au<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">From there sits a kitchen area that opens onto the pool, which is sure to be nostalgic for anyone with wanderlust, reminiscing on their days as a backpacker staying in hostels. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">Some comments online speculated on the house\u2019s more X-rated proclivities, such as a house for swingers or a brothel, with a photo of a wall displaying lots of hooks for keys, as well as a safe.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cI&#8217;m not exactly sure what a swinger is, so I&#8217;m going to say no,\u201d Mr Mathewson said, shutting down the speculation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cA few people have actually come in and gone, &#8216;wow this would make a great brothel&#8217;.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa wp-post-1147910 wp-image-1147956\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 800 450&quot;%3E%3C\/svg%3E\"  alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The property&#8217;s plentiful key-storage has caught the attention of viewers. Picture: realestate.com.au<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">For years the Bridgeman Downs and Carseldine areas were considered the last gasp of Brisbane proper, before urban sprawl enveloped the area and continued its way northward to virtually connect with the Sunshine Coast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">As such, many motor inns are dotted around the area, with weary motorists choosing them for their convenience and highway access without having to go closer to Brisbane CBD. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">This area of Brisbane, having been sleepy for years, is finally realising its potential, with families and first-home buyers alike favouring it in recent years for its large houses and big blocks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cThirty years ago, you could walk to a farm\u2026 now there&#8217;s a set of lights 200 metres from the property, which used to be a give way sign,\u201d Mr Mathewson said.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa wp-post-1147910 wp-image-1147920\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 800 450&quot;%3E%3C\/svg%3E\"  alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Seamless flow from pool to kitchen, easy for the kids to swim and raid the pantry. Picture: realestate.com.au<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">This house itself is on 994sqm \u2013 or nearly a quarter-acre \u2013 which is becoming increasingly rare as Brisbane becomes more popular and densifies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">PropTrack data shows the median house value for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realestate.com.au\/qld\/bridgeman-downs-4035\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bridgeman Downs<\/a> is just over $1.6 million, which is up 11.6% on the year \u2013 one of the strongest growth pockets in the northern suburbs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">Median days on market sits at 27, which is a little less than recent market averages.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">Mr Mathewson marketed it as having potential as an Airbnb, and wasn\u2019t shy about it having sat on the market for a year. It\u2019s had no shortage of eyeballs, however.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa wp-post-1147910 wp-image-1147923\"  src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 800 450&quot;%3E%3C\/svg%3E\"  alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hostel-like bathroom sits conveniently off the pool area. Picture: realestate.com.au<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">It\u2019s been shared across the likes of Reddit, Instagram, and various property forums, going viral with tens of thousands of views, shares and a lot of commentary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cWhy am I getting visions of something out of Boogie Nights?\u201d one user queried.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">However, Mr Mathewson has taken the jibes in good humour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cI\u2019m honestly more amused by the comments\u2026 you can\u2019t buy that sort of exposure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text__Typography-sc-1103tao-0 bjGYxJ StyledP-sc-cebixd-0 bzEerj\">\u201cYou\u2019re never going to find another house like it.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A quirky two-storey home with a unique floorplan and distinctive 90s flair has gone viral, with many viewers&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":820859,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[64,63,99],"class_list":["post-820858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-business"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/820858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=820858"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/820858\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/820859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=820858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=820858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=820858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}