A retreat for war veterans on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is up for sale due to the declining health of its founder, retired Warrant Officer Class One John, who has vowed to continue supporting fellow soldiers even if the property changes hands.
John, a former sniper with 17 years of military service in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Russia, and Crete, established The Unknown Soldier retreat near Foul Bay with his wife Lisa seven years ago.
The 43-hectare farm stay offers free accommodation to veterans and their families, with access to nature, animals, fresh produce, a gym, and the coastline.
“I would love to stay here until I die but I need to be closer to hospital,” said John, 63, who suffers from heart issues, stroke-related complications, and radiation poisoning.
“If someone else is not going to run this then I will get a smaller place closer to the city and set it up exactly like this.”
John said the retreat was inspired by a pact made with fellow soldiers on his last tour. “That’s a promise made in blood,” he told Real Estate.
The property, featuring a three-bedroom sandstone home and guest accommodations, is listed with Urban and Rural Partners for $1.75 million to $2 million.
If a buyer chooses not to continue the veteran-focused mission, John plans to open a similar retreat closer to medical facilities.
“You can keep busy here,” he said of the retreat’s benefits for mental health. “When you stay busy, you don’t think about the hardships… But it’s also very secluded… sometimes that’s what you need to capture your thoughts.”
Source: Real Estate.
