They bought a swimming pool for $1 million and turned it into their dream home – realestate.com.au

Some may have seen it as a very expensive swimming pool, but Melissa and Milan Butina saw their opportunity.

The Brisbane couple were having coffee around the corner from the unique property at 33 Plunkett Street in Paddington when they noticed it was for sale.

“A swimming pool on top of a garage certainly caught our attention!” said Mrs. Butina. “When we came across the house, it was open for viewing and we were only around the corner, so we went straight in. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.”

The swimming pool at 33 Plunkett St, Paddington, is situated high above the street and offers views of the suburbs.

---

That was seven years ago. A fire had destroyed the previous house on the 450 m² elevated site, leaving only the swimming pool and garage high above the street.

“It was a clear construction area at the top,” Ms Butina said. “We loved the orientation of the pool so much that we designed and built the house around it.”

RELATED: Swimming pools top list of Brisbane’s most desirable home features for 2025

Swimming pool builder earns $13 million

The Butinas engaged Myers Ellyett Architecture to help them design a three-story, five-bedroom, four-bath home built into the hillside with 180 views.

“The design inspiration behind our home was to create a modern family space that focuses on connection and entertainment,” said Ms Butina.

This property at 33 Plunkett St, Paddington, is for sale by Max Hadgelias of Ray White Paddington.

---

This included creating multiple conversation zones and a strong indoor-outdoor flow so that the house felt open, functional and calm.

“We also wanted the house to feel like our own sanctuary – a place to relax, unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

The original swimming pool has become one of the most loved features of the house.

MORE: Prestigious Brisbane acreage with amazing floating pool sells for $6.7 million

Cool swimming pools: Australia’s top 10 suburbs pack a punch

“The swimming pool is important for our household because it really contributes to the way we live and enjoy our home, especially to relax and spend time together as a family,” says Mrs Butina.

Melissa Butina with her children Petra, 5, and Oliver, 3, in their swimming pool at 33 Plunkett St., Paddington. Photo: Nigel Hallett.

---

“We have also added a heater so we can enjoy it all year round.

“For us, it’s not just about having a pool, but also about the lifestyle it offers: enjoying warm days, having friends and family visit and creating memories together.”

The Butinas loved the process so much that they have decided to do it again on a different site and are now selling 33 Plunkett St through Ray White Paddington agent Max Hadgelias through an expressions of interest campaign.