Fitness First founder seeks to shed overweight Gold Coast property portfolio

Tony De Leede, who recently featured at number 90 on the Queensland Top 100 Rich List, has listed his redundant Mermaid Beach retreat for sale.

The three-level, four-bedroom, four-bathroom Hedge Avenue house – with massive but empty walk-in master bedroom wardrobe – is being marketed by Kingfisher Realty agent Conal Martin.

“Properties of this calibre rarely become available on tightly held Hedges Avenue, and we expect the property to stir up a lot of interest within the prestige real estate market here on the Gold Coast,” Martin says.

De Leede was the founder and former managing director of Fitness First Australia. He paid $7.3 million in 2009 after the property downturn hit the Gold Coast in late 2008. It was $1.5 million less than the asking price of its vendor, Lisa Frawley, the wife of the former Roamfree executive director Mark Frawley. Leede has says he is willing to take a small loss on the property.

The 607-square-metre house was constructed four years ago.

“It’s been only sparingly used due to Tony De Leede’s heavy business schedule, so he has reluctantly decided to sell the home,” Martin says.

“At the time of purchase, I considered this property was the best value on Hedges Avenue and made the decision to buy it the moment I viewed the home with the intention of living in it.” De Leede says.

“Business commitments intervened with my plans, due mainly to guiding the explosive development of my new business venture, Fit ‘n’ Fast Fitness Clubs.

“This has constrained my presence on the Gold Coast to far less than originally planned, resulting in the property being under-utilised.

“With two other beachfront properties in Burleigh Heads and a love of spending time at my award-winning health retreat Gwinganna in the Tallebudgera Valley, I have reluctantly decided to sell my home on Hedges Avenue.” De Leede says.

The house has a four-car garage.

The top floor exclusive parents’ area also has a contemporary en suite with spa and a private balcony overlooking the beach.

The first floor has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette area and a casual lounge area plus an open balcony.

The ground floor living area has a kitchen with granite tops and Miele appliances and walk-in pantry. A dedicated office is located on the ground level.

The grounds have a lap pool and spa pool.