Paleo Pete sells Byrrill Creek property after lengthy sales campaign

After a drawn-out sales campaign, former My Kitchen Rules judge Pete Evans has finally sold his resort-style property in Byrrill Creek.

The wellness retreat known as Evolve Sanctuary was sold by private treaty on October 22nd for an undisclosed amount, after previously being listed for $3.6 million.

Evans and his wife, model Nicola Robinson, purchased the land in 2020 for around $1 million and then built the lifestyle property.

The 7.9-hectare rainforest estate is located roughly an hour's drive inland between Byron Bay and Coolangatta and was described by the listing as a "natural haven" with retreat-style infrastructure.

"Evolve Sanctuary is a site for visitors to engage in deep rest and a holistic experience with nature and wellness at the centre," the listing stated.

It includes a main residence and seven guest cabins, accommodating up to 17 people, as well as a pilates studio, Japanese tea room, spa, and meditation room.

In line with Evans's wellness beliefs the property has only filtered water on site (he is famously against the fluoridation of water), a sauna, ice bath and in-ground magnesium swimming pool.

The sale was managed by agents Tania Sheppard and Elizabeth Hickey from Jet Real Estate.

The property was marketed as a "leader in wellness tourism with a strong cashflow," and the vendor even offered a lease-back option whereby Evans might continue running the business if the buyer wished.

Pete Evans rose to fame as an Australian TV chef and restaurateur.

He co-hosted and judged the popular series My Kitchen Rules for many years, and wrote several cookbooks, particularly promoting the paleo diet.

In recent years, Evans has been embroiled in controversy.

He has been heavily criticised for disseminating COVID-19 misinformation, promoting devices or supplements with unproven claims, and for posting imagery linked to extremist iconography.

These controversies led to Evans stepping away from the mainstream TV spotlight and turning his focus towards the wellness industry and lifestyle ventures (including the retreat).

Most recently, Evans has been linked to prominent anti-vaxxer and United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy.

Evans' latest venture, a children's cookbook titled Healthy Food for Healthy Kids, was published by a charity chaired by Kennedy Jr. and includes paleo and keto friendly recipes for kids.