Popular Queensland eco retreat Narrows Escape on the market for about $3 million
A multi-award winning eco-retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland offers buyers the potential for solid returns while also being able to escape the daily grind.
Narrows Escape is set among nearly 3 hectares of remnant rainforest in the coast’s Blackall Range, yet is only four minutes from the town of Montville, which is about 100 kilometres from Brisbane.
The current owners, Mark and Joanne Skinner, have spent the past decade transforming the property into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most in-demand, five-star retreats.
“We’ve completed our ambition with what we wanted to do here,” Mr Skinner said.
“We’ve made a beautiful property in an iconic destination so I think it’s time for us to go and do something else.”
The resort has six fully self-contained luxury timber pavilions. Photo: Supplied
The retreat attracts a mix of domestic and international guests. In fact, it is currently filled with Europeans, Mr Skinner said.
The couple had developed strong relationships with local and overseas trade partners during their tenure, which had dramatically increased occupancy, he said.
“I think when we bought it we were around about 50 per cent [occupancy] and it’s up in the 80s now. We’ve actually doubled the price per night since we bought it, too. The return is better,” he said.
Narrows Retreat has an average yearly occupancy of between 85 to 90 per cent and an average daily rate of about $340, according to Zeb Realty. It also has forward bookings to March 2019.
Mr Skinner – who is also on the board of Visit Sunshine Coast – said the couple had streamlined the business, which included cleaning and gardening staff as well as relief managers.
He said they were also available to help new owners settle in to the business – just as the owners before them had done for them.
The resort has an average daily rate of about $340 a night. Photo: Supplied
“We are very proud of what we have achieved and will do everything in our power to enable the new owners to continue that success,” he said.
Zeb Realty agent Ann Ellison said the owners were looking for offers of about $3 million.
She said the property’s robust policies and procedures meant new owners could simply walk in and take over the business.
“Mark and Joanne have taken it to an amazing height with all their hard work,” Ms Ellison said.
“They have taken this property to another level. There’s nothing like it that compares. It also has outstanding financials and substantial forward bookings.”
Narrows Retreat features six fully self-contained luxury timber pavilions, separate laundry facility, saltwater pool, on-site covered parking for guests, extra visitor parking and a three-bedroom manager/owner’s residence with recently refurbished reception area.
