Mosman local lists $22 million Byron ‘hideaway’ with Michael Coombs – so is Hollywood actor Zac Efron the buyer?

A tsunami of cashed up “lifestyle buyers” – many from the lower north shore – are flocking to Byron Bay as demand in the northern NSW town continues to surge.

Homes in the former hippy haven now lure serious money, with the big dollars flooding into the exclusive enclave of Wategos Beach.

Michael Coombs, Founding Partner of Avnu, says he received 100 calls within 24 hours of listing the Marine Parade hideaway of Mosman resident Geoff Morgan, co-founder of recruitment firm Morgan & Banks.

It’s the first Byron Bay property celebrity agent Coombs has taken to market, as his growing prestige real estate brand expands beyond the confines of Sydney’s lower north shore.

More than $20 million is expected for Morgan’s part-time residence on Wategos Beach; a four-bedroom, four-bathroom multi-level sanctuary that Coombs describes as “the best property in Byron.”

“The home has direct access to the beach, epic ocean views but most importantly, it offers privacy from the thousands of tourists, celebrities and influencers who visit Wategos in the summer,” he says.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a buyer looking to purchase the best property in Byron.”

Built with 100-year old recycled timber, the dress circle trophy home sits on 664 sqm, boasting resort style entertaining, open fireplaces and a heated, wet-edge pool.

Coombs says there’s also a secret “paparazzi free” entry via a back lane with double lock up garage.

The booming hotspot, now one of the world’s most enviable addresses, has seen an influx of A-listers and corporate giants in the past decade, most notably Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky who left Los Angeles in 2014, for Australia’s east coast.

Superstar Matt Damon is also believed to own a Byron Bay holiday home.

“There are just 84 houses at Wategos,” Coombs says, “and 13 of them are on Marine Parade.”

“Limited housing on that particular street is why the rich and famous want to live there. The amount of legitimate interest in this home is next level.”

Coombs would not be drawn into rumours that Hollywood star Zac Efron has his heart set on the residence.

The actor, currently renting close to Wategos, is said to be starting a new life in Byron with Australian girlfriend Vanessa Valladares.

“I’m speaking with many different people from the business and entertainment world, who are looking to relocate to Wategos permanently,” he said.

“Covid-19 has changed our way of living, meaning ultra-prestige buyers are choosing regional areas like Byron ahead of the big cities,” Coombs says, “so you’ll just have to wait and see who the lucky new owner is.”