In the leafy suburb of Gumdale hides one of the most extraordinary private properties in the country, a sprawling luxury estate designed not just for living, but for celebrating a lifelong love of cars.
A Private Retreat Built Around Speed and Style
Steve Cooper, a property entrepreneur with a long-standing passion for motoring, has transformed his acreage home into a personal sanctuary that reflects his devotion to classic and high-performance cars. Nestled on 4.47 acres, the residence includes five interconnected pavilions linked by glass walkways and surrounded by lush rainforest and landscaped botanical gardens.
The property is centred around a climate-controlled, 375-square-metre car showroom that doubles as a workshop. Inside, Cooper houses about 15 vehicles, each with a unique story. His collection includes an upgraded 1974 Porsche 911 styled after the ’70s International Race of Champions series, a roaring Aston Martin V8, a 1966 Ford Mustang, and a Porsche GT3 built for the track.
Cooper’s view is that cars are functional art. He believes they’re not just for display—they’re meant to be driven. That philosophy is shared with his son, who helps him maintain and upgrade the collection in their well-equipped garage space, complete with hoists and machining tools.
Inside the Pavilions: Modern Comfort Meets Natural Beauty
The home is split into five sleek, contemporary pods that each serve a distinct function. Four en suite bedrooms are spread across three pavilions, offering both privacy and flexibility for daily life or hosting guests. A glass gallery walkway provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding greenery, blending indoors with outdoors in a seamless way.
Throughout the home, the materials speak to thoughtful design and global influence. Reclaimed timber and imported stone are paired with high ceilings and full-height glazing to bring in light and the peaceful natural surroundings. From every room, the landscape is visible, providing a constant connection to the outdoors.
The estate also includes a cinema room, gourmet kitchen with a commercial-grade cool room, and multiple lounge and entertainment areas, perfect for both relaxed family time and larger gatherings.
Life Beyond the Garage
While the car collection is a major feature, the property offers much more. Outside, there’s a freshwater swimming pond suitable for snorkelling, a half basketball court that doubles as a volleyball or pickleball court, a garden gazebo for outdoor dining, and walking paths through the over 2,000 established plants and trees.
Additional structures include two oversized sheds and a second dwelling with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Together, the estate functions as both a personal retreat and a multi-use lifestyle space, adaptable for family life, hobbies, and hosting.
For Cooper, the journey began with restoring an old Holden Torana in his youth. That project sparked a passion that never left. Today, his life in Gumdale revolves around the balance between nature, design, and the thrill of a well-tuned engine.
Published 7-May-2025
