A neglected timber cabin tucked inside a rainforest estate on Queensland’s Gold Coast has become a source of rental income after its owners restored the historic structure into a two-bedroom holiday retreat. The property, located in Bonogin, is now heading to auction, with its unusual combination of contemporary architecture, equestrian facilities and a heritage cottage drawing attention in the local property market. The story was reported by The Gold Coast Bulletin, with property details also listed by realestate (dot) com (dot) au and other Australian property portals. Marlon Sayer and Romolo Romeo purchased the 3.04-hectare estate at 14 Fowler Court in 2016 for A$1.6 million. While the main residence was designed by architect Michael Witty and built in 2007, the property also contained a much older structure that had fallen into disrepair.
A forgotten cabin with a century of history
The timber cabin dates to 1932 and is associated with the region’s early timber-cutting history. Research by the owners linked it to Frederick Fowler, a pioneering timber hauler whose name was later given to the street. When the couple first inspected the property, the cabin was in poor condition, with visible mould and signs of neglect. Rather than demolish it, they decided to restore the building and preserve its distinctive character.
From dilapidated shack to rainforest retreat
The renovation retained several original features, including the cedar exterior, slate flooring and A-frame roof. Exposed beams and the cottage’s rustic character were also preserved, while substantial improvements made it suitable for modern guests. The owners installed a new kitchen, added a bathroom and repaired the structure’s essential services. The fireplace was refreshed with individually painted bricks, and a deck was added to extend the living space into the surrounding rainforest.The finished cabin has two loft-style bedrooms beneath its pitched roof, alongside an open-plan living and dining area. Its secluded setting and outdoor deck give the property a different character from the larger, contemporary home elsewhere on the estate. The restoration has also given the old building a new commercial purpose. Operating as a holiday rental, the cabin reportedly charges about A$300 a night and generates between A$45,000 and A$50,000 annually, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin report. Actual earnings can vary depending on occupancy, seasonal demand and running costs.
A luxury estate with a distinctive mix of features
The cabin is only one part of the property being marketed as Pegasus. The main house has four bedrooms and features soaring ceilings, New Guinea rosewood finishes and a subterranean wine cellar designed to accommodate approximately 600 bottles. Outdoor amenities include a 120,000-litre swimming pool, an entertaining terrace with an outdoor kitchen and views across the surrounding valley. The grounds also include rainforest areas, a freshwater creek and walking trails.For buyers interested in keeping horses, the estate has relatively level paddocks, stables, a tack room, a washing bay and a dam. The rental income from the cabin has helped the owners offset the expenses associated with maintaining the horses, according to the report. The property’s appeal lies in the contrast between the architect-designed residence and the modest timber cottage, which offers a separate accommodation option without losing its historic identity.
Property goes to auction
After a decade at the estate, the retired owners are preparing to downsize. Realestate (dot) com (dot) au listing confirms that the property is scheduled to go to auction on October 30, 2026, with Hayley Kidson and Marco De Vincentiis of Kollosche handling the sale.The property is being marketed without a disclosed asking price. Its eventual sale will determine how buyers value the combination of the main residence, extensive grounds, equestrian facilities and income-producing cabin. The restored cottage offers a reminder that older structures on large properties can have value beyond their original purpose. In Bonogin, a building that was once close to being overlooked has become a working holiday retreat, adding another dimension to an estate defined by both modern design and local history.
