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It’s the house that Batemans Bay built and now, after more than a decade, it’s ready for sale.
The concept of Red Rose House was born in a blaze of glory back in 2005 and launched with a community ball that raised about $15,000.
But building a charity house with volunteer labour and donations proved a bigger challenge than anyone expected.
“It’s hard to build a house with no money,” former Batemans Bay real estate agent Michael Skuse said.
Red Rose House, at Malua Bay, will be the largest ever fundraising project for Cystic Fibrosis Australia when it goes to auction on January 28.
Mr Skuse said the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was financed through fundraising, sponsorship and donations.
It was built in Wattlebird Way, on land donated by Sea Breeze Estate, and with the support of LJ Hooker Batemans Bay, and countless Eurobodalla contractors, builders and suppliers.
Mr Skuse said both he and project manager Bernie Basevi were proud of what the community had achieved, with so many individuals and businesses donating time, goods and services.
“We had the first open house on Saturday, which went very well,” Mr Skuse said.
“No buyer unfortunately, but the feedback was very positive.”
Mr Skuse said Red Rose House was not only a lovely home but helping a great cause, cystic fibrosis research.
“It is going to have good karma isn’t it.”
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease affecting the mucus glands of the internal organs.
In Australia, one child is born with cystic fibrosis every four days and there is no cure.
LJ Hooker Batemans Bay sales consultant Karen Van Der Stelt said there was an open house between 10am and 10.30am, every Saturday, until the auction.
“I have come in toward the end of the project – it’s been a real team event,” Ms Van Der Stelt said.
“The whole team is donating time and services – we have all attended cleaning bees.
“We have corporate auctioneer Ben Mitchell running the auction.
“We are expecting a price in the mid to high 400,000s,” she said.
