When looking to relocate from Manly, David and Amanda Gazzard were soon enamoured by the rolling hills of Kangaroo Valley.
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Twenty years on, the Gazzards still live in Kangaroo Valley, and own antiques and collectables business The Nostalgia Factory.
"Wherever you look, it's very scenic," Mr Gazzard said. "It's only two hours from Sydney.
"It's a very attractive place to live, very friendly, and has great community spirit."
During their time living in the area, the Gazzards have seen the valley's popularity grow as a destination for weddings and also among high-profile buyers looking for a weekender.
Mrs Gazzard said the area's strengths include its peaceful feel and the "magnificent" views many properties offered.
"Since the Peter Stefanovic wedding, everyone wants to come and have a look at Kangaroo Valley," Mrs Gazzard said.
"Now there are quite a few celebrities here, but they're up in the hills, and a lot of them like to stay private. The real estate is just going gangbusters here."
TV host Larry Emdur and wife Sylvie were the latest high-profile buyers to snap up a property in Kangaroo Valley (see story below).
Di Jones Southern Highlands agent Michael Cawthorn was the selling agent for this property.
"I think they wanted something unique," Mr Cawthorn said of the Emdurs.
"It's just the most amazing structure... It's really funky, and has a pretty view over the valley. And it's private and quiet."
Mr Cawthorn said the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing desire to have a getaway property had made an already appealing location like Kangaroo Valley even more enticing to high-profile and out-of-town buyers.
"It's everyone from Sydney basically, they want to get out normally, but this has just heightened it," he said.
"With COVID they can work from home now, we've got good NBN.
"They can have a bigger place, better quality of life, for either the same money or less money, and just less stress.
"That's why we're being inundated with people.
"You can go left and in 40 minutes you're up in the Bowral area, or you go to the right, and in half an hour you're at the beach.
"So you've just got the best of both worlds."
Among the high-end properties for sale in Kangaroo Valley at the moment is 'Camp David', which is located at 45 Cavan Road.
Boasting a price guide of $5 million, it's a resort-style home that features luxuries such as a swimming pool and a full-sized tennis court, but on the privacy of two-and-a-half acres.
Co-selling agent, Kylie Poole from Belle Property Berry said while Kangaroo Valley in terms of high-end sales is still a little behind the prices achieved by towns like Bowral and Berry, it's rapidly catching up as buyers are drawn to the more picturesque views and better value at Kangaroo Valley.
"It is still a small country town; very appealing to those wanting a tree change it offers privacy and tranquility for those wanting to escape the city," she said.
Celebrities flocking to the area
The Kangaroo Valley area continues to be a popular location for high-profile buyers looking for a getaway outside of Sydney.
Channel 7 Morning Show co-host Larry Emdur and wife Sylvie have bought a property at Kangaroo Valley for $2.15 million.
'Sky Ridge' will reportedly be used as a weekender and for Airbnb-style letting.
The off-grid, solar-powered, eco-friendly home sits on four hectares.
Meanwhile, Tim Minchin and wife Sarah recently purchased a home in Kangaroo Valley.
The Sydney-based actor, comedian and musician paid $1.08 million for the home at 1420 Kangaroo Valley Road.
The two-storey house sits on nearly five hectares of bushland with a creek, and features four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
This follows film director George Miller (the Mad Max franchise) buying the Kangaroo Valley property 'Willabrook' for $4.35 million from INXS guitarist Tim Farriss in July.
In mid-2018, Farriss and wife Beth listed their Kangaroo Valley farm/cottage retreat after 30 years.
The Farriss' sold their long-time property after two years on the market.
'Willabrook' is a 37-hectare property at 30 Parrishs Road, Upper Kangaroo River, and initially had an asking price of $4.5 million to $4.9 million.
In 2018, Midnight Oil's Peter Garrett and wife Doris paid $1.2 million for a Kangaroo Valley property.