Homes We Love: Wellness retreat is good for the soul, mind and pocket

This versatile property with two dwellings and stunning views could be a great business opportunity, writes SANDRA GOODWIN.

Acouple who’d explored wellness retreats internationally were so impressed with this Waipu property and breathtaking views they bought it from the other side of the world.

Kiwi-born Chris and his English wife Rachel were in the UK when they spotted this striking property with two dwellings on the internet. They had Chris’ brother, who lives in Mangawhai, check it out.

“He said ‘it’s amazing – if you don’t buy it I will’,” says Chris. They purchased this property in mid-2014 intending to run it as a wellness retreat, renting it out as holiday accommodation until they returned to NZ to live in 2019.

The property, now known as Paradise View Retreat, has a substantial 2003 lodge and a circa 1998 cottage on 6527sqm of land.

“The lodge is striking; apparently the owners who built it had the shape of a marae in mind,” says Chris.

It’s one hour and 40 minutes drive from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, swathed in wonderful views.

“You drive up the road and turn into our driveway and the view is just spectacular, looking right out across Bream Bay. It’s an amazing setting with serene grounds visited by so much birdlife,” says Rachel.

Their significant upgrades include overhauling the cottage, adding a massive yoga room, redecorating the lodge throughout and installing advanced solar heating.

“It’s been a total labour of love,” says Rachel.

It is being sold as a going concern, currently successfully operating as a meditation, yoga and wellness retreat available to hire, which also hosts wedding and corporate away-days.

“I think the fact it’s beautiful and luxurious, filling the gap between bunk-room style retreats and hugely expensive lodges few people can afford, explains why it is in such high demand,” says Rachel.

The striking peaked roof lodge’s frontage is predominantly glass and sliding doors to enjoy the outlook. Exposed steel detailing and ply ceilings accent its interior. It has a spacious openplan living-dining served by a roaring fireplace and an upgraded kitchen with butler’s pantry. A quiet reading room can alternately be a media room.

Its seven luxurious bedrooms across two levels are served by five bathrooms (three as ensuites), a powder room and laundry.

Rachel has taught yoga in the renovated two-storey cottage’s big lower-level yoga room, purpose-built with heated timber flooring. Upstairs the lounge-dining-kitchen and neighbouring bedroom with walk-in wardrobe open to the deck, supported by a second bedroom and bathroom.

“This is an incredible opportunity for someone to pick the business up or explore other possibilities such as operating it as a home and income”.

Landscaped grounds integrating extensive open-air parking harbour a swimming pool, spa pool, treatment room and meditation garden.

Rachel says they see themselves more as creators than operators so it’s time to hand the property on to new owners while they explore new opportunities.

Bayleys agent Damien Davis says, “This property is soul food for people to visit and relax in, in a unique setting which makes it truly magical. This is an incredible opportunity for someone to pick the business up or explore other possibilities such as operating it as a home and income.”

Sale: Auction, May 5

Contact: Damien Davis, Bayleys, 021 387 345; Sue Maich 021 793 822