Tassie tourism developer sells beloved East Coast getaway after 20 years
Updated a month ago by Hamish Geale
One of Tasmania's most high-profile getaways has been listed for sale for the first time.
Avalon Coastal Retreat, just south of Swansea, has been a prolific guest-puller since Tasmanian businesswoman and developer Brett Torossi opened it two decades ago.
The three-bedroom stunner has won countless awards - "it's the most awarded property of its type in the country" - and boasts expansive views towards the Freycinet Peninsula.
Selling agent Kim Morgan, of Peterswald, said the property had attracted more than 50 enquiries in its first week on the market.
Some buyers planned to use the house as a private weekender, while others would continue its use as an Airbnb.
One even enquired as to whether a helicopter could be landed on the property.
Mr Morgan said the three-acre property was nearly unmatched in its sustained success as an Airbnb.
"It has better than 70 per cent occupancy year round," he said.
"If you try and book a night at Avalon between now and April next year, you can't get one.
"There are guests who come back every year, there's one fellow who books it for the same month every year, he's a Hong Kong based financier who just comes back every year.
"It's probably the best property of its type in Tasmania."
Avalon's listing comes about three years after its sister getaway Rocky Hills Retreat - a one-bed home further inland - fetched $1.8 million.
A price guide has not been disclosed for Avalon, but it is expected to fetch a sizeable sum.
"The best of the coastal properties that have sold in the last couple of years - the ones that really stand out as being something really special - have sold anywhere from $4.5 million to $5 million or more," Mr Morgan said.
"I think you might argue that Avalon could be amongst the best of them, if not the best.
"It's quite possible that it may sell around $5 million, if not more."
Avalon has hosted many weddings over the years.
Staying there isn't cheap - it costs $1050 a night Mondays to Thursdays and $1250 a night on weekends - but it has consistently pulled five-star reviews.
Best of all, the property is just a short stroll to De Gillern Beach, which you almost certainly won't be sharing with anyone else.
"While there are technically no private beaches in Tasmania, the only way you can access this little beach is via Avalon pretty much, it's as close as you're going to get," Mr Morgan said.
"It's a gentle stroll down, it's crystal white sand and a gentle rolling surf on to the beach."
Expressions of interest close December 11.