Before and After: This 1940s Tewantin Cottage Became a Luxury Waterfront Duplex

From a modest post-war workers cottage to a contemporary waterfront duplex overlooking Lake Doonella, this Tewantin knock down rebuild is a dramatic example of how older Sunshine Coast homes are being completely reimagined for modern living.

For this edition of our Real Knock Down Rebuild Project Sunshine Coast series, we’re showcasing Riverside Vistas - a custom-designed duplex that transformed a historic cottage into two elevated coastal homes designed to maximise views, lifestyle and functionality.

Before: A Historic 1940s Workers Cottage

Before the knock down rebuild, the elevated 986sqm waterfront block was home to a small workers cottage originally built in 1946 for a young banana farm worker employed by the Hollett family.

At the time, the street was little more than paddocks overlooking the water. The original home began as a simple two-room Queenslander before gradually evolving over the decades into a modest 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence.

The property remained within one of Noosa’s long-standing local families for almost 60 years, becoming part of the area’s history and character.

While rich in nostalgia and positioned on an exceptional waterfront site, the ageing home no longer reflected the potential of the land or the lifestyle opportunities the location could offer.

After: Riverside Vistas

Today, the site has been transformed into Riverside Vistas - a luxury double storey duplex designed specifically for the sloping waterfront block.

The new knock down rebuild now features two contemporary coastal residences, each including:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 2 car spaces
• Multipurpose room
• Study
• Private pool
• Large entertaining areas

The elevated pavilion-style design was carefully planned to capture water views, natural light and breezes while maintaining privacy between both homes.

Externally, the homes combine:

• White weatherboard-style cladding
• Rendered elements
• Vertical batten screening
• Large glazed windows
• Glass balustrades
• Soft white coastal finishes

The result is a modern waterfront duplex that feels connected to the surrounding landscape while making full use of the elevated site.

Why the Knock Down Rebuild Worked

Rather than attempting to renovate the original cottage, rebuilding allowed the homeowners to completely rethink how the block could function.

The new design created:

• Larger open-plan living spaces
• Better indoor-outdoor flow
• Expanded entertaining zones
• Improved natural light and airflow
• Modern functional layouts
• Maximised waterfront views

The duplex configuration also made efficient use of the site without compromising privacy or outdoor living.

Building on a Challenging Site

Like many knock down rebuild projects on the Sunshine Coast, the site came with several construction complexities including:

• Steep sloping terrain
• P class soil conditions
• Working around an existing protected council tree
• Difficult construction access
• Weather impacts throughout construction

Despite these challenges, the completed project demonstrates how thoughtful design and site-responsive construction can completely transform an older property into a modern coastal home designed for long-term living.

Completed in 2023, Riverside Vistas is a strong example of how a knock down rebuild project on the Sunshine Coast can unlock the full potential of an established waterfront block while preserving the location and lifestyle homeowners already love.

Thinking About a Knock Down Rebuild?

If you love where you live but your home no longer suits your lifestyle, a knock down rebuild may be worth exploring.

Learn more about our Knock Down Rebuild process or browse our Home Designs & Floor Plans for inspiration.

Read the case study here.