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Estoril on Moffat

Located on the magnificent Moffat Headland facing directly north, overlooking the spectacular coastline of Queensland's Sunshine Coast - providing winter warmth and summer shade - is the elegant Estoril on Moffat.

"One look at Estoril on Moffat and you will fall in love with the building," said Kay Harman. "It is a majestic lady in one of the best areas on the Sunshine Coast."

Pictures of Portugal's Estoril seaside resort are on display in the foyer and many a good story has generated from them.

After a year of research, Kay and Bruce Harman obtained the management rights through Gerard Lewis from Venz, on March 1, 2006 and are now in their sixth year. "The first time we saw it, the sun was gleaming and I went around the corner and I said to Bruce 'this is it'," said Kay.

"After many years in the hospitality industry, and holidaying on both the Gold and Sunshine Coast, management rights always appealed to us. Being interested in people and where they come and go from is always fascinating," she said.

Kay and Bruce have an interesting and diverse skills background that contributes to their successful business today. Kay has worked in secretarial and accounts most of her working life, and Bruce being a handyman and outside worker, had the necessary background for this work.

"We do everything ourselves, such as cleaning and gardening. After coming from Melbourne we found the humidity was intense when we first started. After the first fortnight we looked at each other and said 'what have we done?' " Exclaimed Kay, "That feeling didn't last long and we got on with the job."

Married now for 44 years, the Harmans are used to being committed to their work and pride themselves on maintaining a very high standard within the complex and cleanliness is a priority. "We are both workers and we knew that we could make it work together," Bruce said.

"We have received many great compliments about the cleanliness," smiled Kay.

Offering the uniqueness of individually furnished strata apartments, the 20 spacious, tastefully decorated apartments are two-bedroom and completely self contained, with 13 in the letting pool. Every apartment has beach and ocean views. Guests only need to bring their clothes, pool towels and food as everything else is supplied.

With just one hour's drive north of Brisbane, and 25 minutes from the Sunshine Coast airport and within easy reach of all Sunshine Coast attractions, Estoril on Moffat is the place to unwind, relax and breathe in the sea air a stroll 200m to the beach. Facilities include a heated pool, spa, sauna, games room, barbecue, free cable Television and secure undercover parking.

"We utilise all local business, whether it be white goods, appliances or bedding as they all work well with us and we have a good rapport," said Bruce.

Bruce & Kay HarmanEstoril is a great place for families with many repeat guests. "We endeavour to assist with corporate bookings and also sporting clubs that are attending events at Caloundra. Sometimes, we have up to 20 gymnasts staying with their carers," said Kay.

This developing area has earned a fine reputation for excellent restaurants, interesting boutiques and nightlife.

Many a bride and groom have stayed to prepare for their big day - generally at Moffat or Shelley Beach. There are great honeymoon specials, with complementary champagne and it is a special place for that romantic getaway for couples, or those who just want a short break.

When Kay and Bruce need some time out, Kay's brother and his wife come from Melbourne and take over the reins giving the Harmans three weeks off, generally during the quiet season in May. Often they return again in November to relieve for a few days before the main season starts. During the peak seasons, extra staff is employed, because trying to do five to six back to backs on your own can be very difficult.

"We have enjoyed several of the canal cruises in the local area. Unfortunately time does not permit us to do more, so we gather information from guests about their experiences and how they enjoyed the tour recommended to them," shared Bruce.

Some nearby attractions are: Australia Zoo; Underwater World and The Mooloolaba Wharf; Corbould Park Race Course; Pelican Waters Golf Course; Ettamogah Pub & Aussie World; Sunshine Plaza and the Big Kart Track. Adjacent to Estoril on Moffat are 4.5ha of unique parkland with a delightful variety of native trees and bird life. Specialised walks have been designed throughout the park.

Every month Kay emails a newsletter to the owners to keep them up to date to with general news and prospective projects. "We work well with owners in suggesting things that need to be done in their units," said Bruce. "We keep an interactive online feedback from guests so it is good for the owners to see what guests are saying."

Every guest is given Kay's special homemade pecan shortbread biscuits on arrival, a favourite for late guests—with a little note saying they have nuts in them.

"We care about Estoril and take pride in continuous quality improvement. It is important that we present Estoril in the best possible way to guests and do the owners proud," agreed Kay and Bruce. "We all work together to provide the best outcome for Estoril on Moffat."

What more could you ask? Great complex and great guests!

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