News Corp Australia
First published 28 Nov 2025, 12:30am
Ever dreamed of having a famous neighbour?
A family home on the Limestone Coast is right across the road from a world-renowned icon – yet promises a peaceful lifestyle with no celebrity drama.
In fact, vendors Karyn and Peter Roberts say they hardly notice the cars parked outside their home at 11 John Watson Road, Mount Gambier, all wanting to view one of Australia’s most popular attractions.
“Visitors get excited (about the home’s location) but we tend not to notice – like a lot of things, you just tend to take it for granted,” Mrs Roberts said.
“But lots of people come here. Especially through the holiday times, you get a lot of tourists.”
11 John Watson Dr, Mount Gambier. Supplied
When agents say: “Location, location,” this is what they mean … Supplied
The famous neighbour is none other than Mount Gambier’s spectacular Blue Lake, situated in the crater of an extinct volcano.
Named as one of Lonely Planet’s must-see attractions, the 75m-deep lake is internationally recognised for its mysterious changes in water colour – from steely-grey in winter to an intense sapphire-blue in summer.
The lake serves as a reservoir for the town’s drinking water and is a popular picnic spot.
Mrs Roberts said homes adjacent Blue Lake were so sought after that John Watson Drive had earned a reputation as the “dress circle of Mount Gambier’’.
The grand home. Supplied
The light-filled kitchen. Supplied
Open-plan living’s the dish of the day. Supplied
Despite living in the Tuscan-inspired property for 30 years, the couple had remained undisturbed by tourists, with the home’s orientation ensuring the upmost privacy.
“While we’re just across the road (from Blue Lake), once you go inside you can’t see the lake so it is very private,” said Mrs Roberts, who instead enjoys the sweeping views of treetops and the city.
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“We don’t have any curtains or any blinds or anything because we don’t need it. We barely even see our neighbours from the inside of our house.
“We like that because we don’t love living in other people’s pockets. It doesn’t feel like you’re in suburbia at all.”
Mrs Roberts said the four-bedroom home, set on a large 1285 sqm block, had been a wonderful spot to raise their now-adult children and, spread over two levels, had more recently provided plenty of space for visiting grandchildren.
How’s that for a couch? Supplied
The idyllic backyard. Supplied
It was also a brilliant entertainer, she said, capable of hosting up to 70 guests who could spill out from the open-plan kitchen and living room to two outdoor patios and a recreation room with its own bar.
Ray White Mount Gambier principal Tahlia Gabrielli said the home had an unmistakeable sense of grandeur but its location and stunning views were the biggest drawcard for buyers.
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“Being right on the edge of the Blue Lake, it is very unique,” Ms Gabrielli said.
“It is a popular tourist attraction but (the home) is also very private, once you shut the front door.”
Offers for the property, which is listed without a price guide, close on Tuesday, December 16.
The property’s proximity to the Blue Lake. Supplied
Perfectly positioned to take advantage of the lake’s running trail. Supplied
– By Lauren Ahwan
English (US) · 