Hotel made famous by iconic TV series SeaChange seeks new owners
Seachange which originally aired on the ABC from 1998 to 2000 has gone down in Australian TV history as one of our more iconic shows depicting a lawyer’s move from city life to a small seaside town for a fresh start on life.
It not only had viewers from across the country glued to their screens for protagonist Laura Gibson’s daily drama, but helped put coastal towns like St Leonards in Victoria where it was set on the map.
Now, you could have the chance to own a piece of television history with the sale of St Leonards Hotel & Motel, situated at 496 The Esplanade, also known as the real-life location that doubled as the iconic Tropical Star Hotel.
Will Connolly, Senior Vice President at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, says interest in the listing has been overwhelming since it hit the market.
“I must say that the interest in the first sort of 24 hours of it being on market has been quite extraordinary,” Connolly says.
“That comes down to a few things – obviously the location, which is very special, but also the potential that the hotel has right now. There’s certainly a blank canvas opportunity there for someone to create quite a special destination venue and it’s one of the more celebrated venues on the Bellarine Peninsula.”
The SeaChange fame lends the property cultural significance, which the new owner can leverage as a selling point for potential guests and customers.
“People have and still do have an affinity to that TV show – it’s a fairly iconic Australian TV show, and no doubt people will still play to that memory,” he says.
Offered as a freehold and business opportunity, the property spans roughly 4590 square metres of floor space on a 4589-square-metre land parcel, which overlooks the waterfront.
It includes motel-style accommodation with 10 rooms, a four-bedroom managers’ residence, and a 1am general liquor licence with a significant patron capacity of 535 patrons. The property is currently vacant, providing the next owner with flexibility to renovate and relaunch.
The township’s exposure through SeaChange enhanced its profile as the fictional town of Pearl Bay, which was brought to life with shots in St Leonards (and Barwon Heads). This history draws nostalgic visitors who were fans of the show.
St Leonards itself is about 30 kilometres east of Geelong and boasts calm bay waters and peaceful views, and a reputation as a holiday-maker’s retreat, especially for those seeking a weekend trip from Melbourne or Geelong.
“The area of St Leonards is increasing itself in terms of permanent residency,” Connolly says.
“As opposed to years gone by where it was seen more as a transient holiday destination, that permanent population is building year on year. St Leonards is about one and a half hours from the Melbourne CBD, so it’s seen as being accessible both to the city and also across to the Mornington Peninsula via the Queenscliff ferry.”
The expression-of-interest campaign for the St Leonards Hotel & Motel is being handled by JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group and closes on November 6.
