Cherie Barber, Australia’s renovation queen and founder of Renovating for Profit, has revealed her next passion project: the makeover of a luxury resort 12km from Byron Bay’s town centre.
The famous property flipper purchased the 15-hectare property in September 2020 for almost $3.12 million, realestate.com.au records show.
“This project is the biggest, most expensive and most challenging project of my 30 year career,” says Cherie who has renovated hundreds of homes over the years.
In a Facebook post, Cherie revealed her plans to create a luxury 1950s-inspired resort complete with “16 cabins, a cafe, wedding venue & extensive creative landscaping.” As for her budget?
“This project is going to be a $10 million renovation,” says Cherie. “My Renovating for Profit principles will still be employed everyday on the site, but I’ll be doing it in a methodical way – especially given the amount of money involved. I need to make sure that every decision, every change has been thought through.”
In recent years, Byron Bay has become a popular holiday destination for Australians and celebrities alike. “Byron Bay is my unofficial second home,” says Cherie, who believes the region’s unique energy is what draws crowds from far and wide.
“The ocean makes people a lot happier, so most people in Byron are really chilled, they’re pretty happy and there’s a nice energy.”
While Cherie is best known for her property flipping advice and cost-effective renovation tips, what people may not know is that she is obsessed with vintage style and even owns a 1956 Chevy, “I was definitely born in the wrong era,” she says.
Her love of all things vintage will be reflected in the look and feel of the resort, which she hopes will remind people of their childhood beach holidays. “It’s going to be luxury but not high brow, not posh,” she says.
Another testament to her love of all things repurposed, was Cherie’s purchase of a converted lolly factory (previously owned by comedian Merrick Watts) for $6.2 million in February 2020.
As for the resort in Byron Bay, it will be interesting to see Cherie’s vintage vision come to life. “It’s a true passion project of mine,” she says. “I have no experience bringing a hotel to life but I’m excited about the concept of actually achieving it and succeeding at it.”
The property, located at 1 Bundaleer Road in Broken Head NSW, formerly operated under the name Bundaleer Retreat and boasts a 17-metre resort-style pool with waterfall.
Luckily for us, Cherie plants to film the entire renovation from start to finish, so you’ll be able to see the magic unfold.
“Who knows in three years’ time where I’ll be at with the project?” says Cherie, “I really don’t know, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
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