Dune Burleigh: Inside the Gold Coast’s New Moroccan-inspired Mansion

Rising out of the Gold Coast’s iconic Burleigh Heads hillside with an enviable ocean outlook, Dune sets a new standard for ultra-luxury seaside living. As much a home as a work of art, this Moroccan-inspired, four-storey residence seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, showcasing the power of neutral tones and natural textures.

The ultimate entertainer's home, Dune Burleigh boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, an eight-car basement, and dual living spaces, plus a lift, wine cellar, sauna, gym, and rooftop bar. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the 17-metre-long floating pool with an acrylic viewing window overlooking the coastline.

The visionary developer behind the home is GRAYA, led by brothers Rob and Andrew Gray. The Brisbane-based firm is renowned for its portfolio of design-led luxury residential projects. Created as a holiday home for Rob, his wife Meghan, and their family, Dune marks GRAYA’s Gold Coast debut. The brothers believe the region’s southeast corner offers unrivalled opportunity as one of the country’s best-performing real estate markets.

Dune’s entranceway immediately showcases the home’s architectural prowess.

“When embarking on this project, we were looking for a coastal getaway — so we went for a coastal Moroccan theme,” says Rob.

“One of the important elements that helped bring that feeling into the house was this unique skylight. We felt like it gave an important introduction to the home,” Meghan adds.

Sweeping curves, natural stone finishes, and wall-to-wall peach fuzz render are hallmarks of Dune Burleigh’s sculptural design. Nestled amid lush greenery, the home sits at the end of a private enclave, and its elevated position offers uninterrupted ocean views.

“Leading up to the construction of Dune, I was super nervous — mainly because this was our first Gold Coast build, and the access to this property was very, very difficult,” Rob explains.

“Because we're building on a hill, we put the living area on the top floor. So, on the first floor, we've got a kids’ wing with a rumpus room and four rooms with ensuites.”

“When considering functionality and lifestyle for our family, we still wanted to create a bit of a yard space while utilising the entire block,” adds Meghan.

As you ascend to the second level, you’re met with breathtaking views over the Burleigh Heads skyline. This picture-perfect outlook is framed by the 17-metre-long swimming pool, complete with a spa bath and four luxurious floating daybeds inspired by Mykonos’ Cavo Tagoo Hotel.

“Something I always look for when choosing a site is its frontage and the uniqueness of the block shape, so you can have fun with the design and do something that's quite unique,” explains Rob.

“View corridors are very important. Being able to build up to a certain height and look over houses with a protected view out to the beach is something that adds so much value to your property.”

A seven-metre-long, silver travertine curved island bench is the defining feature of the spacious, open-plan kitchen, living, dining, and al-fresco area. 

“We felt like it really complemented the peach fuzz render and the [ABI Interiors’] brushed copper tapware beautifully,” says Meghan.

“One of my number one tips when designing a home is something that I used to fail at — start with selecting your tapware colour,” Rob explains.

“This will roll on for many things like your door handles, hinges, and a lot of your accessories around the home. On this project, it was hard to go past the colour copper.”

Curves are expertly interwoven throughout Dune Burleigh, from architectural elements like arched windows and doorways to wave-inspired details in the decor and furniture. 

These themes carry seamlessly into the master bedroom and ensuite, where Rob and Meghan have created a space that exudes the ambience of an opulent hotel suite.

“Instead of having a party wall between the bedroom and the bathroom, we made it this one open room,” Rob explains.

“It’s definitely our favourite space — we get to wake up and have this extraordinary view of the ocean,” adds Meghan.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a developer, Rob stresses the importance of investing in durable, high-quality materials and finishes for wet areas.

“Your kitchens and bathrooms are your most expensive areas and the most important when it comes to resale,” he explains.

Beneath a large, recessed archway sits a double rainshower and freestanding travertine bath, accompanied by our brushed copper tapware and Atelis Concrete Basins.

Last but certainly not least is the incredible rooftop entertainment space, offering an unparalleled vantage point to enjoy both sunrise and sunset. 

“The Dune rooftop really feels like a beach club,” says Rob. “It's a wonderful spot for hosting parties.”

“The roof is split in two, so if you're entertaining people on the lower level, the upper level looks straight over the top of them, and you see the ocean skyline.”

The space features a dining area, lounge, pizza oven, BBQ, and a fully stocked bar complete with an ice machine, dishwasher, and fridge — perfect for hosting family and friends. The linen drapes add an organic touch, creating soft shadow patterns that dance across the upper level as the breeze rolls in.

“I’ve worked with ABI for about 10 years now in probably the last 10 to 15 projects — I've lost count,” says Rob.

“The quality is top-notch, there are lots of different designs, and it’s really affordable. It's such a great pick, not just for this house but for GRAYA in general.”

With the completion of Dune Burleigh, GRAYA now turns its attention to the next project, Kloud — a luxury apartment tower that will occupy a prime position in Palm Beach. Going from strength to strength, the luxury developer currently has four Gold Coast projects in the pipeline, stretching from Mermaid Beach to Palm Beach, and shows no signs of slowing down.

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