The 3714sq m private guesthouse Whitesbeach at 1335 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Torquay, is listed for sale by expressions of interest.
An exclusive family compound built by a Malaysian “sheik” who hosted royalty and was later converted into a popular guest house has hit the market in Torquay.
Whitesbeach is an exclusive compound at 1335 Horseshoe Bend Rd, about 200m from the sand at Torquay’s Whites Beach.
The three-storey, about 30 room residence is set within a 3714sq m gated property that offers a synthetic grass tennis court, a Noah’s ark themed playground, a mini golf course, croquet circuit and a covered swimming pool.
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The undercover pool is in the heart of the property.
The billiards room has an original Thurston’s table.
Features inside include a teppanyaki grill in the dining room, a lavish billiards hall with an original Thurston’s 12-by-6 pool table and an Egyptian-themed suite inspired by the tomb of Ramses V.
Owners Brian and Maria Handley are selling the freehold as they wind down the guesthouse side of the property, but are offering the business on a walk-in, walkout basis.
Torquay agent Eliza Gold has listed the freehold with an expressions of interest campaign closing on April 29.
Price expectations are $5.3m to $5.83m.
The teppanyaki grill is in the Wheelhouse dining room.
Upper floor suites offer ocean views.
There’s plenty to keep young guests entertained, including the Noah’s ark themed playground.
A basement suite has an Egyptian theme.
The Handley family purchased the property in 2012 after it had already been converted to a guest house.
“Historically, it was never a guest house – it was built by a Malaysian family. He was affectionately called the Sheik and in fact Malaysian royalty did stay here on more than one occasion,” Mr Handley said.
When Brian and Maria took over management in 2017, they concentrated on group bookings, including corporate clients.
“The Geelong Football Club had their induction course here one year when Gary Ablett Jr came back. (Son) Stephen was quite chuffed about that as they had all the stars here for the week while they did their induction,” he said.
Mr Handley said Avalon Airshow organisers, who are repeat guests, would be their last booking in March.
The sythetic grass tennis court has all the trimmings.
Guests can flip over the built-in trampoline.
There’s plenty of communal spaces to entertain outside.
“It’s really converted to the family compound that the Sheik built this property for. He had his own family but he loved to entertain so always had guests here,” Mr Handley said.
“We’ve got four adult children and three of them live overseas and they often come back so it’s perfect for us as well.
“It’s got every conceivable amenity you would want – and it’s got seven-plus suites so you can basically hide away, have your privacy, and then come down to the common area, which is very large, for your gathering.”
The seven suites have their own ensuites, while the upper level suites have ocean views.
The gated property opens from Horseshoe Bend Rd.
“There’s been no physical modifications to the building, per se,” Mr Handley said. “It was tailor made for a seamless conversion into a guest house.”
Whitesbeach is expected to draw strong interest from buyers who value exclusivity and rarity, Ms Gold said.
“Whether envisioned as a magnificent private residence or a continuation of its legacy as a luxury retreat, this extraordinary estate holds immense appeal for discerning local, interstate, and international buyers,” she said.
“With its rich history and exceptional potential, this is a rare opportunity for those seeking a property that offers both prestige and a promising future.”
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