Located on the scenic Atherton Tablelands overlooking Lake Tinaroo, this expansive residence is perched along a ridgeline, commanding breathtaking lake and rural vistas. Known as Pine Ridge Retreat, the home is defined by its dramatic setting and innovative construction.

The home sits on a sprawling site and comprises four pavilion-style rooflines linked by glazed walkways. Soaring raked ceilings reach up to 8.5 metres, while the main living level boldly cantilevers over the ridge, creating a striking connection with the landscape.

Features include a sunken lounge, sculptural branching columns and expansive picture windows that frame the surrounding scenery. Inside, materiality takes centre stage, with European Oak smoked and black engineered timber flooring, limestone tiles and plush Australian wool carpets delivering warmth and understated luxury throughout.

Awarded the 2025 HIA North Queensland Home of the Year and Custom Built Home, Pine Ridge Retreat was designed by bàlay Vandyke Building Designers and built by Ash Moseley Homes, led by husband-and-wife directors Ash and Michelle Moseley. The firm also won Bathroom of the Year when it joined with CCW Cabinet Works.

HOUSING spoke with Michelle Moseley to find out more about the vision behind this complex yet inspiring residence.

Q: When did you establish Ash Moseley Homes?

A: In the early 1990s, my husband Ash worked as a carpenter for local Cairns builders before founding Ash Moseley Homes in 1992. Renowned for his keen eye for detail and a strong sense of proportion, Ash quickly established the Ash Moseley Homes brand, launching it with a display home that showcased his craftsmanship and commitment to excellence.

Q: How has it changed over the years?

A: The business delivers high-quality residential homes for owner-occupiers. Our philosophy has remained consistent over the years: to build every home as if it were our own. What has changed is the scale and calibre of the homes we deliver.

In the early years, most homes in the market were completed for under $200,000. Over time, factors such as the introduction of GST, the global financial crisis, and more recently COVID-19 have reshaped the industry. Today, we are highly competitive in the custom-design market, delivering homes valued above $800,000 while maintaining the same commitment to quality and care.

Q: How many staff members and regular contractors do you have?

A: Ash Moseley Homes is led by Ash and myself, alongside our son Ethan. He plays a key role onsite, coordinating contractors and suppliers and working hands-on each day. We are supported by three additional full-time, carpentry-focused staff members and a trusted network of contractors with whom we have worked for many years.

Q: Could you mention one or two difficulties during the build of Pine Ridge Retreat?

A: One of the main challenges was the steep, complex site and the demanding structural design. Our team constructed profiles up to 15 metres high and installed 16 steel branching columns to support cantilevered suspended slabs.

Each 280kg column had to be transported up the slope, lifted into position using custom chain blocks, and site-welded within tight structural formwork. Executing this safely and accurately on a steep incline required plenty of coordination and skill from our team.

Q: Any interesting materials or techniques involved with this build?

A: A selection of innovative materials includes the steel porch beams and posts clad in dressed blackbutt timber. Freeform stone walling to the chimney, fireplace and entry pillars complements the Millboard ‘Burnt Cedar’ Board & Batten cladding and ‘Driftwood’ weathered oak decking.

Bespoke batten detailing across the two-storey entrance wall highlights carpentry expertise, while limewash and ebony timber-lined feature ceilings and walls add structure and warmth – in keeping with the engineered European oak timber flooring.

Q: Why did you decide to apply for the HIA award?

A: If we feel one of our projects meets all the judging criteria, then we enter the awards in the hope of receiving recognition for all the work that goes into building homes of this calibre. We’ve been overwhelmed with the number of categories which Pine Ridge has won! These awards showcase the type of construction we do and the attention to detail that we inject into all our projects.

Q: As a couple running the business together, how do you get a perfect balance?

A: Working as a couple is less about achieving perfect balance and more about shared vision and trust. We each bring different strengths to the business, with defined roles that allow us to collaborate seamlessly. Open communication and mutual respect underpin everything we do.

Q: Are you planning any new ventures in the future?

A: Looking ahead, our focus remains on continuing to secure residential building projects and delivering homes of the highest quality. We’re also excited about the next generation becoming involved, with plans to welcome our son into the business as a director.

Time to shine

Celebrate outstanding workmanship, innovation and leadership. Entries for the 2026 HIA Awards are now open and close in May 2026. Showcase your work, acknowledge your team and take your place among the industry’s best.

Enter now

First published on 20 February 2026