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Long-standing luxury lodge up for sale

Monday 30 May 2011, 2:15PM

By Bayleys

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Ridge Country Lodge is ready for new owners to take the business to the next level
Ridge Country Lodge is ready for new owners to take the business to the next level Credit: Bayleys
Ridge Country Lodge is ready for new owners to take the business to the next level
Ridge Country Lodge is ready for new owners to take the business to the next level Credit: Bayleys
Ridge Country Lodge is ready for new owners to take the business to the next level
Ridge Country Lodge is ready for new owners to take the business to the next level Credit: Bayleys

PAPAMOA

A family run luxury lodge in the Bay of Plenty is set for new owners to take the business to the next level.

The Ridge Country Retreat is set within 13.83 hectares of native bush in the Papamoa Ranges, with views looking out to the Pacific Ocean – all within a 15 minute drive from Tauranga.

Since it opened just over a decade ago, the retreat has catered for business conferences, weddings, private functions, as well as international and domestic tourists. 

The Ridge Country Retreat is one of only a few wedding venues just outside of Tauranga which can cater for large weddings with onsite accommodation, and currently hosts around 20 weddings each season.

The business is for sale by tender through Bayleys and is being marketed by salesperson Jeremy Pryor.

Mr Pryor said the sale would provide an opportunity for a new owner to put their individual stamp on the business.

“The current owner built this business from scratch 12 years ago after purchasing the land and they have built it to a standard now where they believe it is time to pass it on to new hands,” he said.

“The business was originally set up as a retreat but has become a popular wedding venue and also caters to high-end conferences.”

The 750 square metre main complex with a redwood exterior, features five luxury double bedroom/ensuite suites, and, combined with an additional six studio villas, can sleep up to 22 people.

Additionally, the business features three high tech’ conference facilities which can cater for small team building exercises to functions of up to 120 people. The retreat also provides a helipad for those whose time is at a premium.

Onsite is a geothermal lap pool with panoramic views across the rolling green hills, a spa pool, as well as a massage and therapy suite. Each villa features its own private geothermal outdoor bath. 

International cuisine is prepared onsite by the retreat’s executive chef, catering for gourmet breakfast, lunch or a five course dinner. The business also offers catering packages for large groups, weddings, and conferences, with the majority of staff employed on a contractual basis.

Mr Pryor said while there was currently private quarters onsite for the owner and operator to live in, there was also a resource consent to build a four-bedroom house on the property.

“The owner and operator of Ridge Country Retreat can literally retreat themselves, between administration, welcoming guests, and overseeing functions,” he said.

“With skilled and knowledgeable staff on site, the new owner could seamlessly fit into the hospitality business.”

Mr Pryor said the current operators could also be available to transition over to the new owners.

“The retreat has that point of difference which drives demand, and has remained popular even during volatile economic times,” he said.

Tenders close for Ridge Country Retreat on June 2.