The Block star, the scene of a bizarre crime and the Airbnb reno

A once-run-down farmhouse where a private school teacher was tied to a chair and interrogated in a bizarre kidnapping – only to be later hit by a semi-trailer and killed – has been transformed into a high-end guesthouse by a former star of The Block.

Police at the farm in February 2020

A once-run-down northern NSW farmhouse where a Brisbane private school teacher was tied to a chair and interrogated in a bizarre kidnapping – only to be later hit by a semi-trailer and killed – has been transformed into a high-end guesthouse by a former The Block star.

Anthony Stott, a popular French teacher at a private Brisbane school, died after being held captive at the Cudgera Creek property in February 2020.

The Kanes Rd property where Mr Stott was held captive was recently transformed into a quaint guesthouse called Keltara Cottage, which is being offered on sites including Airbnb after a makeover by former The Block contestant turned interior designer Carlene Duffy.

Ms Duffy was unaware of the property’s history prior to being approached for comment by The Courier-Mail. She said it was “so sad” to hear what happened in the home in the past.

“Our studio was responsible for delivering the interior design/decoration concept for this project. We didn’t manage the renovation,” she said in a statement.

According to the Airbnb listing, the property is a “charming old Australian farm cottage” located on a working farm with cows, horses and chickens.

Keltara Cottage Airbnb listing at Kanes Rd, Cudgera Creek

“Nestled in the heart of the stunning Tweed Valley, you’ll be just five minutes away from the picturesque coastal towns of Cabarita and Pottsville,” the listing reads.

“This is your opportunity to experience a slice of Old Australia heritage with all modern comforts you need for ran enjoyable stay.

“Our cottage has been newly renovated and we are very excited to welcome our guests”.

Mr Stott’s death followed a mysterious mid-air meltdown on a Jetstar flight from Sydney – during which he masturbated and yelled obscenities – as well as a late night, high-speed drive from Brisbane which ended with him skidding off the M1 in his BMW and abandoning it.

The 43-year-old then wandered onto the Cudgera Creek farm where he was tied to a plastic chair and threatened with a golf club as his drunken captors angrily demanded to know “why the f..k” he was there,” a Lismore District Court trial heard.

The trial heard that an allegedly knife-wielding Mr Stott was interrogated for several hours by a couple who lived at the farm, Mark Frost and Lauren Grainger, and their friend Craig Button.

Schoolteacher Anthony Stott died in bizarre circumstance.

During the trial, Grainger denied hitting Mr Stott with the golf club but admitted to taking photos of him tied to the chair and texting them to friends to try to find out if they knew him.

One friend, Sharnee Windley – who is not accused of any wrongdoing – gave evidence that she saw “demons” and “ghosts” around Mr Stott in the photo and it was “really scary”.

The trial heard that after the interrogation ended, Mr Stott was loaded onto a farm ute while still tied to the chair, driven several kilometres and then returned to the farm to be released.

He then wandered back to the highway where he was fatally struck by the truck.

Toxicology tests on Mr Stott came back negative for drugs and alcohol but the court heard he may have been psychotic.

Grainger was found guilty of illegally detaining Mr Scott for advantage and was last year sentenced to two-and-a-half years’ jail. She is eligible for parole in June this year.

Frost and Button pleaded guilty to kidnapping Mr Stott and received reduced sentences for testifying against Grainger. No one was charged over Mr Stott’s actual death.

Airbnb was contacted for comment.

The kitchen pictured in the listing

A bedroom pictured in the listing

Former Block contestants Carlene and Michael Duffy

Originally published as The Block star, the scene of a bizarre crime and the Airbnb reno