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Chris and Allen Guthleben 107 Leander Avenue Baudin Beach Kangaroo Island PO Box 765 Penneshaw KI 5222 SA Australia |
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The Fig Tree Quality Accommodation on Kangaroo Island |
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AAA Rating |
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Chris and Allen A Seachange |
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Our objective when we invested in The Fig Tree, was to utilise our superannuation in a meaningful way, both controlling our investment and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.
In a previous life, Allen had a small business importing office equipment supplies. Chris (a life long potter) sold her pottery through galleries, markets and craft expositions
In Sydney, we had lived in the Northern Beaches area for 30 plus years, as we tired of the hustle and bustle and expense of maintaining a capital city lifestyle, we discussed our future, to plan our next move.
We laid out the ground rules. Whatever we did, it had to be a joint effort We had to have access to extra income Chris had to have space and inspiration to continue her pottery Allen had to have space to indulge his mucking about with wood We both had to continue our inter relationships with people We would avoid the usual retirement areas that Chris dismissed as “God’s Waiting Rooms”.
Having decided that a Bed & Breakfast or similar would provide the answer, we considered the following to be important. It would have to be at a destination rather than “on the way” as this would result in easier to manage multi-night stays. The level of service and requirements of a 5 star property would probably result in the need to employ staff and negate our want of a lifestyle change It would have sufficient accommodation to maximise peak periods. It had to have had a consistent AAA Star Rating to ensure a good reputation. It had to have facilities to cater for the needs of independent, self drive travellers. It had to have clearly defined areas so that we and our guests could have privacy
The Fig Tree B&B on Kangaroo Island appeared to meet our criteria, we asked our daughter to check it out for us. With the aid of her digital camera, she confirmed that it would fit the bill. The B&B met our criteria and would provide an additional income The owner’s residence would be very comfortable for us The Boat shed could be converted to a Pottery Studio The maintenance shed would be ideal for muckin about in We would meet interesting people. The garden would be a challenge
As it met our ground rules, we sold our Sydney home, invested in The Fig Tree and moved to Kangaroo Island in 2002 It has been all and more that we wanted it to be. The visitors to our B&B come from all around the world Kangaroo Island has a vibrant artist’s community There is always something to do The garden is no longer a challenge, but a joy We can close up and visit the Grandkids whenever we want We are in control of our life
By investing in The Fig Tree B&B, we have been able to maintain the value of our investment and achieve a supplemental income. This however has proved to be secondary to the relaxing lifestyle that we have at beautiful Baudin Beach.
For more information about The Fig Tree, contact the owners at figtree@thefigtree.com.au or by phone at 61 8 8553 1326.
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Chris and a saggar pot |
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Inside the potters studio |
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The boat shed / studio |
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Allen and the workshop |
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Inside the workshop |
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The workshop |