Lou Vincent, the former Black Caps player, has sold his beachfront property in the Karikari Peninsula for $1.075 million. This three-bedroom home, affectionately known as the 'Beach Bum' bach, is a testament to Vincent's unique lifestyle and his journey since his cricketing career ended in scandal. The property features a cricket-ready lawn, a retro caravan turned Airbnb, and a hair salon caravan, all of which reflect Vincent's eclectic taste and his desire to create a functional, fun space for himself and others.
Vincent's decision to sell the bach is a reflection of his ongoing personal growth and his desire to move on from the past. After being banned for match-fixing, Vincent found himself starting over with no clear plan. He began by renovating his old villa in Kaukapakapa, and then sold it to move to Raglan, where he developed The Surf Shack accommodation into a popular Airbnb. This led to a nomadic lifestyle, with Vincent and his wife traveling in a bus and eventually settling in Southland, where they bought and renovated a railway cottage in Lumsden.
The Karikari bach was a significant part of their lives, as they got married on the property and had their first child there. Vincent describes the home as a contemporary coastal retreat, with a surf theme and a dedicated wall showcasing his cricketing past. The property also boasts a cricket-ready lawn, which Vincent enjoys using for bowling practice.
Vincent's sale of the bach is a strategic move towards his ultimate goal of moving to Wanaka. He and his wife are saving up to trade up, and Vincent is open to moving wherever the opportunity arises. This nomadic lifestyle has been a defining feature of his life, as he followed the cricketing seasons during his playing days and now embraces the freedom to travel and explore.
The sale of the bach marks a new chapter in Vincent's life, as he continues to educate young sports players about the dangers of corruption in sport and focuses on his role as a guest speaker and mentor. His journey from match-fixing scandal to successful entrepreneur and family man is a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
