Ponsonby hotel exudes elegant style, history
An elegant two-storey Victorian villa in Ponsonby that started life as a boarding school before welcoming paying guests more than a century ago has been placed on the market.
Having had various incarnations for almost 150 years, the property was totally refurbished by its current owners and now operates as a successful accommodation offering, catering to international and domestic travellers.
There are 14 private suites of varying sizes each with their own bathrooms, large common areas including a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and well-planted gardens. Rooms on the upper level enjoy balconies with views of the Auckland city skyline and Rangitoto.
The north-facing property has picturebook street appeal and occupies a prime 569sq m Business—Town Centre zoned site on the Ponsonby ridge in the heart of the retail and hospitality strip.
It provides a turn-key opportunity to step into an established and proven accommodation business, or to explore alternative uses to suit individual requirements.
Ponsonby Manor is being marketed by Damien Bullick, Alan Haydock and Wayne Keene of Bayleys Auckland Central, and is being sold by tender closing Thursday 9 June, unless sold prior.
Bullick said the hotel is well-positioned to leverage further off domestic travellers, business executives and international guests.
“The hotel has been very resilient and has already returned to very high occupancy levels, due to its loyal domestic customer base,” he said.
“It’s a very successful and accessible accommodation option and has found favour particularly with business travellers who return time and again.
“It offers a homely atmosphere, with an intimate feel, great character and quality furnishings, so it hits the right note for those guests looking for a unique – yet affordable – place to stay.”
“Additionally, while the property is immaculately presented, a new owner could stamp their own mark on the property.”
Haydock explained that there is clear demand from the market for boutique accommodation – a trend that well-known major accommodation providers in the country are also embracing, recognising that big is not always better.
“There is also a sense that travellers like to ‘live like locals’ when they visit a city and so Ponsonby Manor fits that bill being right in the heart of this sought-after suburb,” he said.
Ponsonby continues to excel as a destination with its vibrant retail and hospitality offerings and remains in demand by property buyers across the residential and commercial segments of the market.
“Two years ago we sold the landmark St. John’s Church next door to Ponsonby Manor, and this is currently undergoing restoration which will only add to the charm of this location,” said Bullick.