Sandra Masters has sold a 4-bedroom family home at 3 Bower Place, Rosedale, NSW for $1.055 million after a creative themed campaign attracted two Canberra-based buyers into a multi-offer scenario.
Sandra Masters faced an unusual challenge with the 4-bedroom home at 3 Bower Place in Rosedale, NSW. The property had been in the same family for over half a century and retained immaculate original 1970s features — polished timber floors, wood paneling, copper fireplace, blue bathroom tiles. But in a market split between small beach shacks and large renovated family homes, this one didn’t fit either category.
“I was surprised it didn’t sell in the first week,” Sandra said.
“A lot of people looking in Rosedale want something smaller they can use on the weekend, and this was just that little bit bigger. We had to wait for a buyer that didn’t see it as a renovation project, but as a wonderful little piece of time captured in architecture.”
The pivot
After an unsuccessful auction at the four-week mark, Sandra shifted strategy. Rather than fighting the home’s 1970s character, she decided to celebrate it.
She borrowed a vintage MG convertible from her mother, sourced an original 1970s Nat Young surfboard, and worked with a videographer to create an Endless Summer-themed marketing video — complete with period music and sepia tones. The home was styled with vintage furniture, including the owner’s original pieces, and small touches like multicoloured 1970s Tupperware and pots.
“Despite it not actually being a feature of the home, the Tupperware was this beautiful little tie-in that everybody commented on,” Sandra said.
“I think it reminded a lot of people of their own childhood. Who would have thought? Tupperware.”
The emotional layer
The campaign also had to honour the family’s deep connection to the property. Most of the original family had passed away, and Sandra was working with secondary family members navigating an emotional sale. The owners had kept original area maps from when the suburb was accessible only by dirt roads, plus newspaper clippings from when the home was first built.
“There was a lot of history and a lot of heart with the home,” Sandra said.
“We just made sure the campaign was handled with kid gloves and that the emotion of the home came through in the marketing.”
The buyer
After a period of minimal activity, two Canberra-based buyers — both from the area’s typical holiday-home buyer pool — fell in love with the property. The successful buyer had a particular affinity for 1970s architecture and already owned a period-inspired home in Canberra.
During a video walkthrough, Sandra watched them recognise individual pieces — the copper fireplace chimney, the timber floors, the wood paneling — as features rather than obstacles.
“They were the perfect buyer for that type of home,” Sandra said.
The multi-offer scenario pushed the final price to $1.055 million, just above the $1.05 million asking price. The campaign ran for 61 days from launch to exchange on 22 April 2025.
The location
Rosedale is a tightly held coastal suburb four hours south of Sydney or two hours south east of canberra, known for its relaxed beach lifestyle and appeal to Canberra-based buyers seeking holiday homes. The area attracts weekenders and permanent residents looking for proximity to the water without the premium pricing of more developed coastal centres further north.
About the Agent
Sandra Masters is a Licensed Agent and Auctioneer with Blackshaw Coastal, bringing more than 20 years of real estate experience across the NSW South Coast and ACT. A former agency owner, she has called more than 700 auctions and held leadership roles spanning sales, business management and industry training. Sandra has also served on the Real Estate Institute of ACT board and is recognised for her community involvement, combining extensive industry expertise with a people-first approach to property sales. Visit Sandra’s website for more info or call Sandra on 0416121155.