Two fashion names and a design guru have just made millions on a cult Byron hinterland hotel

A group of Australian fashion and lifestyle creatives has sold Byron Bay's globally acclaimed Sun Ranch hotel for more than $15 million, just two years after purchasing the hinterland site for $3.9 million.

The 22-hectare retreat in Coopers Shoot, a rural pocket 20 minutes from Byron, was bought in 2021 by an investment collective of like-minded women under the name Rolling Thunder.

Heading the consortium were Jamie Blakey, founder of cult denim brand One Teaspoon, travel entrepreneur Julia Ashwood, and Claire Tregoning, co-founder of streetwear powerhouse P.E Nation.

Together, the trio transformed the property - originally a 1980s brick home with grazing cattle - into a celebrated, design-led destination that blends sustainable architecture with high-end hospitality.

The luxury California-ranch-meets-modern-bohemian haven was originally listed in 2024 with a $20 million guide, and then was dropped to $15 million.

Selling agent Will Phillips of Sotheby's International Realty handled the campaign, and while the final price has not been disclosed, the deal was reportedly secured for just above $15 million.

Despite fielding interest from both residential and commercial buyers, the sellers say they're thrilled that the new owners are committed to continuing the Sun Ranch vision.

"We received national and international interest, from hoteliers or people wanting to get into the game, but we couldn't have wished for buyers who were more closely aligned with our business," Ms Ashwood told Australian Financial Review.

The new buyers are understood to have bought the Sun Ranch brand and will keep on staff and management.

The centrepiece of the estate is the Rambler Longhouse (the former '80s brick pad); a five-room lodge rebuilt from the slab up with eco builder, Balanced Earth.

Surrounded by native bushland, the Longhouse includes access to a private mineral pool and outdoor showers, with rooms renting for around $2,500 for two nights.

A full property buyout for up to 34 guests comes in at approximately $35,000 per night.

Six additional two-bedroom, off-grid barns offer more accommodation on the sprawling property, which also features two infinity-edge mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna and ice bath, and access to the creek that meanders through the estate.

With approval for events of up to 150 people, Sun Ranch has quickly become a sought-after venue for brand activations, milestone birthdays, weddings and retreats.

Since launching in 2023, the property has received widespread acclaim and was named one of 'the most 'stylish hotels on the planet' by British GQ.

The women behind the project have described the experience as a blend of creativity and community, bringing together their expertise in fashion, branding and hospitality.

Ms Blakey's One Teaspoon label brought a distinct rock'n'roll edge to Australian fashion through the 2000s; Ms Ashwood was known for her blog The Vista and boutique hotel ventures and curation; and Ms Tregoning's career spans executive and strategic roles in fashion and business.

For the women of Rolling Thunder, who built one of the world's most talked-about boutique accommodations from the ground up, the sale marks the end of a transformative chapter with a major financial win.

Nearby Byron hinterland estates for sale

On the market for the first time in 40 years, this iconic property to the area is a gorgeous 120- year-old heritage home that sits on a total of 11 acres with approximately 3 acres of level land - meaning lots of extra lifestyle potential.

Spanning 42 acres in scenic Newrybar, this dreamy property is home to a beautifully updated main residence, charming converted dairy bales and a contemporary art studio. The acreage has a focus on sustainable, eco-friendly living with scope to create the ultimate hinterland sanctuary.

This multi-residence estate is the epitome of a sophisticated yet laid-back Byron escape. The almost 30-acre former mango farm now houses four independent dwellings of differing design, from beautiful Tuscany-inspired style to impressive architectural design.