Charting a new course: The Boathouse’s family-focused success story
Mandy Clarke headed north to Airlie Beach to meet Lea and Ross Andrews and uncover how a coastal retirement dream became a bold, family-run management rights success at The Boathouse Apartments.
For Lea and Ross Andrews, life by the sea was always part of the plan, though not quite like this. What began as a dream of a seaside retirement has evolved into a full-scale family adventure. Together with their three children, Alivia, Mason and Ryan, they own and manage The Boathouse Apartments in beautiful Airlie Beach, a 4.5-star property that now embodies everything they value: family, community and coastal living.
“We’d always loved the idea of owning a place by the water,” Lea says. “Somewhere we could escape for holidays and eventually retire. But once we started looking into management rights, we realised it could be so much more — a way to combine business with lifestyle and build something for our family’s future.”
This interview was first published in our Resort News magazine. Read the December edition HERE.
A complex sale and a leap of faith
The journey to The Boathouse began during the COVID lockdowns. Like many Australians, the Andrews were reassessing life and work and spent late nights scrolling through property listings. “The Boathouse kept catching our eye,” Ross recalls. “We did our research, learned everything we could about the management rights model and decided to go for it.”
They made their offer sight unseen, an audacious move that even their broker called one of the boldest he’d seen. What followed was a six-month marathon of paperwork, due diligence and legal complexities.
“The Boathouse was a unique sale,” Lea explains. “The management rights were being sold separately from the retail section of the complex, which meant extra contracts, multiple parties and countless moving parts.”
The property itself had been operated by the same company for over a decade and the transition required careful planning and collaboration. “It wasn’t just a purchase; it was a handover of trust,” says Ross. “We wanted to honour the history of the business while making it our own.”
Fortunately, Ross had grown up around hospitality. His parents ran and managed a small country motel for 35 years, giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to create a successful accommodation business. “I knew from an early age how much work goes into making guests feel welcome,” he says. “It’s long hours, constant attention to detail and genuine care for people—that’s what makes a great operator.”
That experience gave the couple an invaluable foundation. “Ross’s background meant he understood the business side straight away,” Lea adds. “It made our learning curve a little less steep.”
Despite the obstacles, including delays, negotiations and plenty of late nights, the Andrews family remained determined. “We had a few moments where we wondered what on earth we’d signed up for,” Lea laughs, “but we never doubted that this was the right move for us.”
Finally, in June 2022, after months of persistence and a lot of patience, the sale settled. The family packed up their Queensland home and relocated north, ready to start a new chapter in Airlie Beach. “The kids were hesitant at first,” Lea admits. “But the minute they saw the marina, the boats and the pool, they were all in.”
Read more about the management rights industry in AccomNews HERE
Teamwork, trust and a family approach
Since taking over, The Boathouse has become a true family business. Ross oversees maintenance, compliance and capital projects, while Lea manages guest relations, marketing and administration. “Ross is steady and practical, and I’m the creative one,” Lea smiles. “It works because we balance each other perfectly.”
The couple also credit their loyal staff, many of whom have been with the property for years. “They’re the heartbeat of The Boathouse,” says Lea. “We have a small, experienced team who know the property inside out. Their dedication shows in everything they do.”
With 35 apartment owners and a close relationship with the body corporate, the Andrews’ management style is defined by transparency and care. “We treat every apartment as if it were our own,” Lea says. “When you do that, everyone wins — the guests, the owners and the business.”
Lea’s advice for new operators is simple: “Go in with your eyes open, be adaptable and be ready to learn every single day. It’s more than a business; it’s a lifestyle.”
Life in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach has proved the perfect fit for the Andrews family.
“It’s a small community with a big heart,” says Ross. “Everyone looks out for each other, and there’s a real sense of connection.”
Ross now serves as president of the local AFL Masters Football Club, while both he and Lea are actively involved in supporting local schools, events and sponsorships. “We try to give back wherever we can,” Lea says. “Whether it’s supporting community sport or hiring local contractors, it’s important to keep things local.”
The family’s “Tennis Thursdays” have also become a fixture at The Boathouse, bringing guests and locals together for friendly games followed by sunset drinks overlooking the marina. “It’s about creating moments,” Lea says. “That’s what makes hospitality special.”
Sustainability and smart improvements
From the beginning, Lea and Ross made it a priority to modernise and future-proof the property. They’ve renovated the reception and several apartments, upgraded the air-conditioning systems and introduced sustainable initiatives such as recycling programs, the removal of single-use plastics and energy-efficient smart lighting.
Their efforts have already earned The Boathouse Apartments both Sustainable Tourism and Accessible Tourism accreditation, something they’re particularly proud of. “It’s about protecting this incredible environment,” Lea says. “We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world and we want to do our part to look after it.”
Hospitality with heart
At The Boathouse, hospitality is personal. “We’re not a faceless corporation,” Lea explains. “We’re a family and guests feel that. We make a point of being present and approachable and we take every piece of feedback seriously.”
Of course, not every review is glowing, but Lea takes it in stride.
“You learn to spot the occasional discount hunter,” she laughs, “but the genuine feedback helps us improve. You can’t change the walls or the view, but you can always improve the experience.”
For the Andrews family, success isn’t measured purely in occupancy rates or revenue. “It’s about creating a place where people feel welcome, our team feels valued and our kids can grow up surrounded by community and nature,” Lea says.
Looking ahead
The Boathouse Apartments has become more than a business; it’s a way of life. “Someone once told us to block out time off and actually take it,” Lea says. “That’s been the best advice. It keeps us grounded and reminds us why we chose this path.”
Days off are spent boating, fishing, gardening or tackling DIY projects, and occasionally skiing at the dam, anything that lets them enjoy the outdoors and recharge.
“We’re not the kind of people who sit still for long,” Lea laughs. “But we make sure to take time to appreciate how lucky we are to live here.”
Walking the dog along the boardwalk has become a favourite routine, a quiet reminder of why they chose this life. “We pinch ourselves sometimes,” Ross says. “We get to live where people come to holiday.”
Lea wholeheartedly agrees: “This journey has taught us so much about resilience, teamwork and community. The Boathouse isn’t just where we work. It’s our home, our story and our greatest adventure yet.”
