Upmarket lodge in strategic location goes up for sale

A boutique luxury lodge with potential for conversion into an upmarket residential dwelling has been placed on the market for sale.

Qualmark five-star rated Rata Lodge overlooking the Firth of Thames near the Miranda Hot Springs resort. Each of the lodge’s three suites has exceptional sea and country views, ensuite bathroom amenities, in-room dining facilities, TV/DVD blackware, and deck access. One of the suites has a private outdoor bathtub.

In addition to the guest suites, the lodge has a double bedroom which serves as the staff quarters for the manager. Rack rates at the lodge range from $450 per night, to $550 per night, depending on the suite. The lodge sits on almost 15 hectares of land.

The property is being marketed by Bayleys through a tender process closing on October 28. Sales consultant Michael Block said the lodge was already operating in a commercial capacity and also offered the potential to covert an existing garage building into an additional bedroom with ensuite facilities.
“The lodge, with its five-star rating, is regarded as the best accommodation provider in the vicinity, and offers a high-end get-away alternative to the campground, motel or country hotel options within the immediate area,” Mr Block said.

“The lodge is strategically located on the Pacific Coast Highway route linking Auckland to Thames and the other tourist destinations along the Coromandel Peninsula.

“There is little in the way of competition in the immediate vicinity for accommodation of this standard - giving Rata Lodge a competitive advantage which could easily be exploited through increased marketing into the Auckland and Waikato populations.”

Built some 10 years ago, Rata Lodge has recently been refurbished - with new furnishings and fittings added. Communal space within the lodge includes a tastefully decorated lounge area with open fire, and a separate conservatory where meals are served from the highly spec’d domestic kitchen.

“While Rata Lodge is currently operated as a commercial accommodation provider with a manager in place and on-call access to a local chef who is brought in on an as-required basis, the venue could just as easily be bought as a private residence or holiday home – particularly as it is just 45 minutes drive south from Auckland, and has easy access to nearby boat-launching facilities,” Mr Block said.

“With a large, flat, open space area adjoining the existing lodge, there is the space to build additional accommodation units and increase the range of recreational facilities which could be offered to guests. Any such rooms or amenities would have equally impressive views over the Firth of Thames.”