A NOTORIOUS bed and breakfast that was to become Australia's first swingers resort is about to go under the hammer.
Receivers are auctioning off the infamous Club Belavista at Brinsmead, which has been on the market for about four months.
The club sparked headlines 10 years ago after its owner applied to Cairns City Council to extend the bed-and-breakfast into a 45-room international swingers resort.
Club Belavista had 40 Cairns couples as members in 2000, and was advertised on the internet as a swingers club.
The application was rejected by the then council, its most vocal opponent being former councillor Paul Freebody.
Mr Freebody said there had been concerns about the type of business activities being conducted on the premises.
"Neighbours had contacted me with concerns about their children witnessing people having adult fun in the backyard," Mr Freebody said.
"We, through the council, addressed it that these types of establishments that were largely unchecked, should be treated in the same way brothels were and should be situated in a business or industrial area."
The 550sq m five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is now being marketed as a quiet rainforest retreat, featuring views over Freshwater Valley and Redlynch.
It has three levels, with a theatre room complete with bar area, a large office, dining room and kitchen.
Quest Realty agent Grant Stone described the home as the most unique property he had ever been asked to sell.
Despite the home’s unique architecture, Mr Freebody said the club had created some embarrassing moments for neighbours.
