Shoalhaven glamping asset South Coast Retreat listed for $3.6m
Glamping, fresh oysters and world-class fishing aren’t usually associated with remotely managed accommodation businesses generating more than $335,000 in profit a year.
But that’s exactly what’s on offer in the coastal waterfront village of Greenwell Point in NSW’s Shoalhaven region, where South Coast Retreat has hit the market – allowing incoming owners to retain their day jobs.
The waterfront accommodation asset – comprising six purpose-built luxury safari-style tents and 10 self-contained cabins, including three with water views – has been listed for sale through ResortBrokers for $3.6 million, making it the only provider in Greenwell Point to offer luxury safari-style glamping tents.
Strong returns and remote operation
Sarah Hutchins, specialist accommodation broker for ResortBrokers’ South Coast region, says the profitable escape has generated more than $335,000 in annual net profit in each of the past three financial years – all while being managed by its owners off-site using established systems and local staff for cleaning and groundskeeping.
“The response has been phenomenal,” says Hutchins.
“It has been a big drawcard for people, especially newcomers going ‘we could sort of do this on the side and ease our way into it’.”
The campaign has generated strong interest, attracting more than 120 enquiries, eight inspections and three offers since listing in February.
“Above all, it’s a well-established freehold business with a proven trading history … buyers are really drawn to that,” she adds.
South Coast Retreat is the ideal relaxed getaway spot at 121 Greenwell Point Road, just 30 minutes from the 450,000 who visit popular Jervis Bay every year, and midway between both Sydney and Canberra, a 2.5-hour drive away and an easy foodie weekend getaway.
Conveniently flanked between a boat ramp and a wharf, the property stretches across 4072 square metres, separated from the oyster-brimming estuary waters of Crookhaven River by the foreshore reserve and its award-winning playground, where a pool comes to life over summer, alongside year-round barbecue facilities.
While guests can marvel at pelicans and dine on freshly-chucked Sydney Rock Oysters down the road at Jim Wild’s Oysters or seafood towers at nearby Pelican Rocks Cafe, incoming owners can enjoy the rewards of strong, consistent trade and reliable income.
“It’s very easy to see why people keep coming back,” adds Hutchins. “The retreat has plenty of regulars.”
Eco upgrades and expansion upside
Since acquiring the site five years ago, the vendors have ploughed profits into extensive upgrades, including a new kitchen and outdoor entertaining area, flooring, furniture, blinds, smart TVs, lighting, fresh paint, a security camera system and a ride-on mower.
In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint, they added solar panels and LED lighting, along with energy-efficient appliances and an EV charging station.
“The vendors have focused on sustainability through clever eco-upgrades … this both reduces running costs and appeals to environmentally-conscious travellers,” says Hutchins.
Unlike most cabin park businesses, the property does not require owners to live on-site among the population of about 1200 residents, as the business “almost runs itself”.
“The vendors currently manage the property remotely thanks to the excellent systems they have in place,” she says.
“The incoming owner could continue with that, or, if they want to be hands-on, become an owner-operator.”
An owner’s residence could be converted from a guest cabin, should investors instead wish to live on-site.
“That’s easy enough to do,” Hutchins adds.
The generous land parcel also offers scope to expand with additional cabins or guest amenities.
“The retreat is sitting on more than 4000 square metres so there’s enough surplus land to expand, either with more cabins or additional guest amenities,” Hutchins says.
“That’s a great foundation for the incoming owner to stamp their own identity on the retreat once they get established.”
Hutchins says the retreat’s idyllic setting is what captures buyers’ attention first.
“As a fishing village, Greenwell Point is as quaint as they come,” she says.
“South Coast Retreat is just that – a retreat. It makes the most of its idyllic position.”
