2025 MCT EPISODE 4: RICK AND ASHLEY’S BRISBANE HAVEN

FAMILY, FOOTY, AND A FULL HOUSE

Stop four of the 2025 Man Cave Tour brought us to Bellmere in Brisbane, where we met Rick Hughes and his dad, Ashley. They live side by side on the same property. Rick in the main house. Ashley out the back in his own setup.

What they have built together goes far beyond a man cave. It is a testament to resilience, family, and the simple truth that no matter how hard life hits, you can always build something meaningful again.

A FATHER AND SON’S SANCTUARY

From the moment we arrived, the welcome was unmistakable. Wagging tails, open arms, and the warmth of a tight-knit family. A couple of big dogs. A couple of small ones. All good energy.

It was a classic Brisbane Monday. Blue skies, easy laughs, and spirits running high after the Broncos’ unforgettable comeback win against the Raiders. The shed roof told the story before anyone said a word. Around fifteen Brisbane Broncos jerseys hung overhead like victory banners.

The cave felt unmistakably Queensland. Relaxed. Genuine. Built for good times and even better company.

POKER, POOL, AND A PERFECT FEED

At the heart of Rick’s cave sits his poker den. Not one, but two poker tables anchor the space. One features LED strip lighting tucked inside the rim, casting a soft glow against the timber walls.

Rick is no casual player. He claimed the Australian Poker Tour Short Deck Championship in 2020. Inside this cave, though, poker is not about titles. It is about mateship, weekly games, friendly rivalry, and plenty of laughs.

A classic nine-foot slate pool table sits proudly at the centre of the room. Behind it, a feature wall of collectible miniature cars and motorbikes adds personality, while Sky Racing flickers quietly on the television.

Then there is the food.

Rick had been up all night tending a slow-cooked pulled pork. Smoker fired up at midnight. Basted every couple of hours with apple cider vinegar. By the time we arrived, it was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The kind of meal that turns a visit into something that feels like Sunday lunch with family.

For anyone building a games-focused cave, this setup is hard to beat. (SHOP POOL TABLES)

A SPACE THAT HEALS

The story behind this cave runs deep.

Rick and Ashley built it together after the passing of Rick’s mum and Ashley’s partner a few years ago. The project became a way forward. A place to put energy when life felt heavy.

Today, it is more than a shed. It is a safe haven. A place to unwind, tell stories, and share the kind of company that quietly puts you back together.

It has also grown into a genuine community hub, blending footy, friendship, and fatherhood into something powerful without ever trying too hard.

PLANS IN THE WORKS

Rick is not finished building. Not even close.

Out the back, plans are already taking shape for a golf simulator setup. Nets, sensors, and a digital projection wall. The walls are prepped. The designs are locked. He is just waiting to pour the slab.

When it is done, it will be poker by night and golf by day. A setup built for sharpening your swing when the course is out of reach. 

There is also talk of adding a kegerator and integrated bar supplied by A Man & His Cave to complete the outdoor zone near the pool and patio. Knowing Rick, it will not stay talk for long. (SHOP KEGERATORS & HOME BAR COLLECTION)

DETAILS THAT TELL A STORY

One standout feature in the cave is a vintage Blues Brothers cue stand. Rare, quirky, and full of character. It anchors the pool area perfectly.

That theme runs throughout the space. Every detail means something. From the bar fridge to the neon signs, nothing feels random. Everything has a reason for being there.

The vibe is pure Queensland hospitality. Cold drinks. Warm company. No shortage of laughs.

FAQs: BUILDING A SPACE THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

What makes a man cave feel like home?
Fill it with what matters to you. Family, memories, and passions. The rest falls into place.

Can a man cave strengthen family bonds?
Without question. Shared projects create purpose. Building together gives people a reason to keep showing up.

What’s one must-have for a poker cave?
Good lighting, comfortable chairs, and a table that already has a few stories in it. Everything else is secondary.

THE HEART OF THE HUGHES CAVE

Rick and Ashley’s cave is not about luxury or perfection. It is about meaning.

It shows how grief can soften into gratitude, and how healing often happens quietly over cards, laughter, and a good meal shared with mates.

Their space stands as a living reminder that love and laughter can rebuild anything. One hand, one project, and one slow-cooked pork shoulder at a time.