Note: Words are inadequate to explain how unique and special this property is, so I’ve tried to show as many photos as possible on the regular websites. To see individual photos, please click on or type in this link to my website: https://www.jessadamsrealty.com.au/properties/6845-south-coast-highway-walpole/ Watching the aerial drone video (arrow) will help you understand the layout of the property.
Magnificent Riverside Retreat is an eco-tourism, short-stay holiday retreat set on 23ha/57ac in one of the most idyllic settings in the Great Southern. It’s a unique piece of real estate boasting 500m of Frankland River frontage on the southern boundary with an approximate 150m width opposite the main homestead.
The property is a bird watcher’s paradise including rare Tawny Frogmouths. A vast variety of wildlife including resident quokkas and honey possums thrive in the natural setting while wildflowers and rare orchids like the Flying Duck can be found during spring. Dolphins often come up the river to chase fish in the shallows. It’s an unforgettable experience to witness – whether you’re in the water, on the jetty or riverbank – or from the comfort of the large glass-fronted living area in the main residence.
The Frankland River is a major stream that commences well inland at Tambellup and winds through the forest area then passes the property to the Nornalup Inlet approximately 3 km downstream. The Inlet is a large area open to the Southern Ocean all year round and no other inlets along the south coast have this feature. It’s truly significant because recreational craft are able to have access to the river and ocean for fishing. A large variety of species are caught all year round, together with crabs during the summer months.
This property offers 6 self-service chalets. Four secluded two-bedroomed chalets positioned closer to the river – originally built in 1996, and two 1999 built three-bedroomed units on the higher slopes of which one is wheelchair friendly and the other has an enclosed sunroom/patio. There is also a two-bedroomed caretaker’s house in a private position with river and forest views plus a large 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom owners’ residence in prime position meters from the river, enjoying spectacular views.
The current owners live on the property so have the reception area at the main residence though it’s easy enough to move if you prefer to employ a manager and/or caretaker.
The property is situated close to the boundary of Denmark and Walpole, just off the South Coast Highway with a myriad of top tourist attractions within easy reach to explore – ensuring a steady flow of visitors for the chalets all year round. Walpole is a mere 10-minute drive away, Denmark a scenic 40 minutes’ drive while the City of Albany is roughly an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from the property.
A shortlist of the top tourist attractions within easy drive includes the Tree Top Walk, ancient Giant Tingle Trees, Mount Frankland National Park and Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The popular long-distance hiking and cycle tracks – the Bibbulman and Munda Biddi – pass right to the north of the property making it an ideal stop-over for adventure tourists. You also have the Bibbulman Track, The Right with its monstrous waves, Conspicuous Cliffs, Peaceful Bay, Williams Bay, Green’s Pool, Elephants and Monkey Rock – all roughly within a half an hour drive. Fernhook Falls, Mandalay Beach, the Circular Pool in the Frankland River, Nornalup Inlet, the Hilltop Lookout and Monastery Landing all provide exquisite scenery and stunning photo opportunities.
Lots of new development in the area will attract even more visitors. The Great Southern Adventure Trails Project is a State Government Recovery Plan initiative, investing $15 million in new and upgraded trails, visitor facilities and infrastructure. Project works and funding will be staged over the project period to June 2024. The latest update is for $6 million worth of projects in the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA’s) Warren Region, which includes the Denmark and Manjimup local government areas.
The plan includes Valley of the Giants trail networks and an ancient empire trail extension at the Tree Top Walk plus an upgrade of paddle craft launch and landing facilities at Nornalup and Monastery Landing with a key objective to have the State’s first paddle craft launch structure suitable for Parapaddlers. It also includes upgrades and extensions at William Bay that will become the new Munda Biddi Trail. This section of trail will form part of the Wilderness Ocean Walk Trail and will cater for wheelchairs, prams and disabled people. A viewing platform will be constructed above Elephant Rocks.
A few popular activities include wilderness cruises, wildflower and orchids (August to end October), bird watching, fishing, swimming, kayaking, surfing, nature photography, and even hang-gliding and paragliding at Point Hillier – Parry Beach for the more adventurous types. There are also numerous outstanding wineries, restaurants, and art galleries to visit in the region. Magnificent bike and walking trails are always popular in our cooler climate and there are many to suit all ages and capabilities. The list of exciting things to see and do is truly endless… This is what memories are made of so consider making a sea change before it’s too late.
Riverside Retreat’s chalets are well-spaced over the property for maximum privacy and enjoyment. The block is dry except for a couple of minor wet areas like the big dam at the main entrance and 2 soaks. The highest point is approximately in the middle of the block with gentle slopes and stunning views in all directions, especially southwards towards the river.
Six self-service chalets offer total peace and tranquillity and are an affordable and secluded base for many visitors to relax and unwind while enjoying nature at its best. The chalets were designed to be easily maintained and kept clean with tiled floors, pine panelling and paved surrounds. The 2-bedroom units are timber-framed with weatherboard cladding and metal roofs while the 3-bedroom chalets are timber-framed with metal cladding and metal roofs.
The roads are very well maintained and there are lots of open spaces between beautiful, mature trees and natural bush where kids and adults can enjoy kicking a footie or play a game of cricket. Kids are safe to ride their bikes around the retreat, play a game of tennis, or try their luck at fishing with mum or dad on the private jetty.
The registered jetty is convenient to fish from or to tie up river craft while there’s an additional site on the southeast end for launching smaller craft. An annual nominal fee is paid to the Department of Transport while larger boats can be launched at Nornalup, only 1 km upstream.
A full tennis court plus racquets and balls are available for guests to enjoy and four two-person canoes are also available for personal use.
The property is almost completely surrounded by 364,000 ha of Walpole Wilderness reserve, a well-known biodiversity hotspot with national park status. This is very reassuring for the property owners as the property will never be surrounded by other developments or houses, preserving its privacy and uniqueness while adding an immense opportunity for growth to its intrinsic value.
The owners’ residence is a 3-split-level home with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 4 toilets. A large entertainment/games room with a balcony overlooking the tennis court and river is on the upper level. The kitchen and lounge are all on ground level (no stairs) while the master suite with a large wooden sundeck in front enjoys magnificent riverfront views. The large glassed-in living area (approximately 6 x 10 m) is on the same level ensuring splendid views – whatever the weather. An indoor vented BBQ area, informal lounge, dining area and a private sauna forms part of this spectacular living zone.
4 Bedrooms and 1 bathroom are on the lower level with a direct exit from one of the rooms to the flower-filled outdoor patio – complete with a BBQ and wood-fired pizza oven. The well-equipped office/reception area is positioned at the side entrance of the home so causes minimum disruption to the household.
This easy to run business with a very healthy turnover can easily be managed by a couple without casual outside help but if you want more time to enjoy life, consider a family move of parents and kids like the 7 current owners (shares in trust) or establish a joint venture or partnership with close friends.
If you’re ready to retire and enjoy life, consider employing a manager to take care of the business side of things, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy this most enviable lifestyle. You can still keep an eye on everything while earning a tidy income.
Managing Riverside Retreat is very straightforward as it’s all been set up for maximum efficiency and runs smoothly: In short, it involves payments and bookings (electronically), cleaning of the chalets on exit and ensuring that it’s ready for the next group (can easily be outsourced) and regular maintenance of the property and equipment (again easily outsourced).
If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to get out of the rat race and live in a pristine green environment where you can breathe some of the freshest air available on earth, then don’t delay.
It’s a no-brainer that this area is becoming more popular daily which makes the uniqueness and rarity of properties such as Riverside Retreat an exceptional investment.
Please contact the exclusive agent Jess Adams on 0410 631 335 for more information or to book a viewing. Please note that a signed confidentiality agreement will be required for business records.
What you need to know:
• Absolutely unique 23ha/57ac property with 500m riverfront • The Nornalup Inlet is open to the Southern Ocean all year, ideal fishing • On the border of Denmark and Walpole, so in the heart of the tourist route and 10 minutes’ drive from the iconic Tree Top Walk tourist attraction. • 6 chalets: Chalets 1 to 4 are 2x1x1’s near the front, while the two 3x1x1’s – chalets 5 and 6, are at the back • Chalet 5 is wheelchair friendly and chalet 6 has an enclosed sunroom/patio • The chalets are all in good order and designed to be easily maintained and kept clean • The caretakers’ cottage is in a private position near the main residence with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, laundry, 2 living areas, an enclosed sunroom, carport and a large verandah. It enjoys stunning river and forest views. • Chook pens, vege gardens and a netted orchard with a variety of fruit are next to the caretaker’s chalet and watered by a permanent soak. Maintenance/storage sheds are close by. • Numerous sheds include: o The original 13.4 x 11m high clearance main shed – concrete floor, power and loading ramp, 2 sliding doors, lockable o 2016 built steel frame and colorbond shed of 14 x 8 m, 2 roller doors, lockable + 2 vehicle carport + a lean-to suitable for a caravan, boat or additional vehicle o A 6.4 x 8.2m shed similar to the main shed with 2 high-clearance sliding doors, lockable with a concrete floor, lean-to, power and split-system air conditioner. The lean-to is fully enclosed with lockable doors, power and lights. o A 3 x 3m pump house that supplies the 4 two-bedroom chalets o 2 x 4m corrugated iron building – used as a shared laundry for guests • Covered 600l diesel storage tank with powered pump • 21kVa fully automatic diesel generator – can power entire property at full load in outages • Mobile fire-fighting unit on a custom-made trailer • Ground maintenance mowers, tractor and assorted tools included • Self-sufficient water supply over 550,000 litres. Tanks are inter-connected and can be pumped wherever required, also backed up by a bore. One of the 16,500 litre tanks is connected to a permanent soak for gardens, a few toilets and for fire protection. • Electric pumps operate the water supplies and spare pumps are kept on hand • Fully stocked storeroom with hire linen and chalet spares + a carport near the office • All houses and chalets are connected for satellite TV and there is reliable mobile reception • The homestead, caretakers and chalet #6 also have NBN satellite internet • Collected rubbish go to the transfer station in Walpole • A variety of office assets and grounds maintenance equipment are included in the sale, including an unlicensed chalet-cleaning vehicle. • The property is being sold as a running concern with land and business • Inspections strictly by appointment • Very fairly priced, so don’t miss out!
