Former Swisse Vitamins owner buys Wategos, Byron Bay retreat

Melbourne-based former Swisse Vitamins owner Stephen Ring has bought the Byron Bay holding of art collector and onetime Skilled Engineering group boss Greg Hargrave.

Hargrave, who is also based in Melbourne, paid $7.55 million for the home when buying from medico David Kirwan, who secured the 800 square metre oceanfront reserve property for $900,000 in 1996. 

The original two bedroom cottage had been on and off the market for seven years before its recent sale through Byron Bay Property agent Vicky Innes.

There were $10 million hopes for the property that came with approval for a luxury six bedroom home designed by Harley Graham Architects.

Ring, who's dad Kevin opened a naturopathics shop in St Kilda in the early 1970s, also spent $7.58 million on the Sorrento cottage Iluka on the Mornington Peninsula in 2016.

In the hinterland, Friday Hut Estate, the luxury estate belonging to the family of Cricket Australia board member Michelle Tredenick, has been listed for sale.

Bangalow Real Estate agent Gary Brazenor is marketing the 2005 built, eight bedroom retreat with 18 metre infinity pool.

This article was first published in the Weekend Australian.