**Source: Lisa Herbertson, News
Astute Bachelor fans will have noticed the change of scenery this year, with a brand spanking new Bachelor mansion. But the ladies looking for love aren't the only ones with a new home.
WITH a new season of the Bachelor comes a new Bachelor pad.
And the 25 ladies vying for a rose this season, from the charismatic Honey Badger, certainly won't be slumming it.
Starring former rugby union star Nick Cummins, the reality TV show is drawing in millions of viewers each episode and it has been revealed that it was largely filmed at a house on Sydney's northern beaches.
The Oxford Falls mansion is the scene for group dates, cocktail parties and plenty of visits from Osher Günsberg.
For the past couple of seasons the show has been filmed in Sydney's hills district, in a mega-mansion in Glenorie.
But with the owners opting against hosting the ladies this year, the crew have moved east to an equally glamorous pad.
CoreLogic records show the northern beaches' home was bought in 2010 for $2.3 million, and it is now affectionately known as Nelly's Farm.
There's even alpacas there.
The then new owners spun a huge reno-job on the property in late 2011 — spending in excess of $250k — and experts now say it could be worth more than $5 million.
“I'm from the northern beaches, so I know that property and that area well,” Buyer's Agent Peter Kelaher from PK Property said.
“If it sold for that ($2.3 million) back then, it'd be closer to $5 million now.
“And in terms of renting, it'd be hard to say — because they put a lot more on when they're doing those sort of shows.
“But it could have been around the $4000 mark.”
A blog by the owner reveals that when they bought the home it was “a small fibro shack, on several secret acres.”
“The past three years we've been building our dream home and I've fallen in love with a whole new look,” the owner wrote.
“Hamptons meets provincial meets southern with a dash of nautical.
“It's a style with warmth, heart — and by god it looks good.
“We call our secret country escape Nelly's Farm after my grandmother.”
So who is living in the house?
From a political adviser to a fashion designer and a flight attendant, the single ladies vying for the Honey Badger's heart are all aged between 23 and 34.
And with several leaving the show each night at the cruel rose ceremonies, there are now 17 remaining.
And most surprisingly, only two of them have scored a snog.
Even more surprising is when we find out that during filming the Honey Badger himself was living just 12 minutes away from the mansion — in the neighbouring suburb of Belrose.
This secret was short lived though, with both Brittany and Brooke visiting the pad during episode three — where kisses, swims, and some tackling practice followed.
For those who hadn't already figured out where the houses were a scene with the West Australian frontrunner, Brooke, revealed the details on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old was seen driving out of the mansion while her GPS flashed Oxford Falls for all to see.
It then mapped out the route to the Bach Pad, and the rest is stalker history.
Familiar roads were then pictured, before she arrived at the Forest Way acreage — which last traded for $3.55 million in 2011, and has been recorded as renting for a cool $1950 per week.
Mr Kelaher estimated it could be worth closer to $5 million now.
On the back of their visits to the Bach pad, both Brittany and Brooke are favourites to be there until the season end this year.
Sophie, Shannon, Rhiannon and everyone's favourite stage-five clinger Cassie are also at good odds, so don't be surprised if these ladies are among the next visitors to the Bachie's Belrose love nest.
The Bach pad is certainly a beauty — adjoining Garigal National Park, it is on seven acres of lush lawns.
“From the moment you enter the grand gateway and sweeping driveway to the turning circle and cottage gardens, you will feel an exquisite mixture of luxurious indulgence and soothing tranquillity,” according to the old listing.
“Every day will feel like a holiday, whether you are relaxing on the covered deck or roaming around the rolling lawns and wonderful gardens (also perfect for playing footy).”
While some decent renovations appear to have taken place — including the addition of a pool — the home was lux even when it sold almost a decade ago.
“Nothing has been spared to create a luxury residence that is not only casual, but elegant, welcoming, stylish and family friendly,” the listing at the time read.
“The outdoor entertainment area has an in-built surround sound system to give that little bit extra when you are entertaining family and friends (or Bachelor contestants).
“The grand staircase leads to five bedrooms which are luxuriously proportioned and complemented by large contemporary granite and marble bathrooms.”
What more could the Badger and his ladies want?