Billy Slater sells Byron hinterland retreat
Injured NRL star Billy Slater has sold his redundant Byron Bay hinterland retreat which he had rarely found time to visit let alone renovate.
Some of the Crabbes Creek locals were hoping for a rugby academy, but Slater has instead taken the bullish $1.375 million offer. No buyer's name yet, but apparently a Sydney legal eagle.
Slater told the Telegraph in 2014, he fancied himself settling down on the property to train a few horses as a hobby.
He actually met his wife Nicole - who is a successful artist - riding horses, and their children Jake and Tyla Rose attend riding school once a week.
There was certainly plenty of land to ride on the 36 hectare estate which he paid $1.105 million for in 2011.
But the Narbour born Queenslander realised he just had too much doing in Melbourne. It is likely the versatile fullback has spent more time flying over his hinterland property to square up against the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans than actually visiting the private estate where they envisaged a new home.
Slater, who has represented the Maroons 27 times in the state of origins, sold in around 75 days, bettering the typical 115 days on market for the popular far North Coast locality.
It comes with a five bedroom old style farmhouse, located around 20 minutes from Byron Bay.
Real Estate of Distinction Byron Bay agent Janis Perkins secured the quick sale having set a $1.395 million asking price.
Perkins colourfully added to the listing 'you will kick a goal with this solid gold investment', a hint as to Slater's property ownership.
Positioned at the end of a long private driveway, the property has a half size tennis court and machinery shed.
Melbourne have had a strong start to the season but that's been without the help of their star studded fullback, who is likely to miss the rest of the season with further damage to his shoulder.
He has quashed rumours about retirement in a recent interview with Triple M.
“The day’s gonna come where I have to hang up the boots, I just don’t feel that day is right now."
Slater signed a two year contract at the end of last year as he attempts to become the NRL's greatest try scorer for one club.
He has spent his whole professional career at the Melbourne club and has won three grand finals, the Clive Churchill medal and the Dally M medal.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.