Tranquil rural retreat ready for next chapter

RETIRED Quiksilver business leader Clive Pitts is selling his family’s 20-acre Freshwater Creek property that has provided the perfect escape from decades of a busy corporate lifestyle.\

Clive and his wife Sally moved to 1405 Blackgate Road, Freshwater Creek almost 40 years ago – selling their car at the time to make their Surf Coast hinterland dream a reality.

The rural oasis provided the perfect foil for Clive’s work with international surf brand Quiksilver.

He ended that career as President Asia Pacific for Quiksilver Inc., and was in charge of the company’s entire wholesale and retail operations for the region.

The top regional role followed a nearly 20-year career with the business which started as an accountant and progressed to managing director and board member during the tenure.

Back at Freshwater Creek, the former farmhouse has since undergone significant transformation into today’s family home complete with features such as a pool, spa, studio, gym and flood-lit tennis court.

The home is also enshrined in the hearts of its departing family, as the childhood home and wedding venue of both the family’s daughters.

Clive said he had the best of both worlds by working in the vibrant surf community of Torquay, and living close by in Freshwater Creek.

“I always loved returning home to the peace and seclusion of this environment.

“It provided a perfect haven in contrast to a sometimes hectic working life.”

The property has also been the source of great inspiration for Sally, who created her own studio at the Blackgate Road property.

The studio has hosted solo exhibitions of her creative work such as drawings, painting and sculptures and has opened to the public for events such as the Surf Coast Arts Trail.

She said her studio – surrounded by sights and sounds of native bush – provided the ideal serene environment to boost her creativity.

“There is a wonderful feeling of space here, both physical and mental, that helps me get into the frame of mind for making art.”

The property is surrounded by its 20 acres of grassy woodland in a resort-style sanctuary that retains the convenience of being within minutes of Torquay and freeways accessing Geelong and Melbourne.

The Rodney Ball-designed and Bell & Fulton-built home has four bedrooms with potential for a fifth from a flexible office space, four bathrooms and multiple living and entertaining zones.

The swimming pool is solar-heated and is complemented with a large 170sqm deck to accommodate the most expansive of entertaining events.

Other standout features include a mud room, open fireplace and central heating indoors, and a stone triple lock-up garage with workshop.

Soulful Living Real Estate is selling this property, with an expected price of $3.25 million.