Acres Of Class At Winning Business

Central Coast Herald

Thursday November 6, 2003

Matthew Kelly

WHEN Leonie Lovell nominated her bed and breakfast The Acreage in this year's tourism awards, it was meant to be a quality control check for the newly opened business.

Not in her wildest dreams did she expect to take out the hosted accommodation category at Monday night's awards ceremony.

``I thought to myself that if I got to be a finalist I would be over the moon," Ms Lovell said.

``I went to the awards night to enjoy myself and to support our local tourism industry.

``To say that I'm overwhelmed at winning is an understatement."

Ms Lovell set up the 41/2 star retreat in historic Picketts Valley 16 months ago after quitting the corporate world.

Today, the Avoca Beach business is booked out well in advance for most weekends by a growing number of city dwellers who are seeking a break from the rat race.

When it was established, The Acreage was one of a handful of B&Bs on the Coast, which now boasts 60.

``I think we've got some fantastic B&Bs but I'd like to see more operators become a bit more passionate about what they do," Ms Lovell said.

Matthew Kelly