Rare opportunity knocks in Porirua

ARARE property with business potential as significant as its space is for sale in Porirua. Kenepuru Lodge, at 20 Kenepuru Dr, combines a nearnew four-bedroom home with an accommodation and conference/events centre.

Shane and Jade Minnear bought the property six years ago because they were keen to turn the original priests’ quarters for the neighbouring Bishop Viard College into a venue for weddings, conferences and longterm guest accommodation.

‘‘We were looking to invest in Porirua,’’ Mr Minnear says. ‘‘But with four children and a fifth on the way, we now want to spend more time with our family. Having got the facility to this stage, we’ve realised it needs a greater commitment than ours to realise its full potential.’’

The lodge opened in January and already has surpassed expectations, Mr Minnear says.

Built in the 1970s, the 790-squaremetre lodge has been refurbished and has 18 guest rooms, conference and meeting facilities, living/dining areas, facilities for the disabled, and a large kitchen.

It occupies a tranquil, 4349sqm site, has parking for 16 cars and is only minutes from the railway station and Porirua City.

The 290sqm, north-facing house the Minnears built in 2010 has a Coloursteel roof and exterior, a car pad and a 90sqm workshop with three-phase power.

The front door opens off a 40sqm deck into a large, living/dining room that’s open-plan with the kitchen.

It has kwila floorboards and views of the Ranui Heights hills and Porirua Harbour.

The kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, an electric oven with a five-burner hob and a rangehood, a dishwasher, an island with a breakfast bar, and bespoke lighting.

Off the living/dining area is a spacious TV room, while downstairs are four double-bedrooms, each with a fitted wardrobe, and a bathroom tailor-made for family life.

Because of its separation of spaces – dual-basin vanity, toilet, bath and shower – multiple family members can use the facilities at the same time.

Also on this level is another room that could be a teenager’s retreat.

Christine Burton, of RE/MAX Leaders, says Kenepuru Lodge will appeal to buyers who want to capitalise on the Minnears’ groundwork. ‘‘As well as offering a wonderful family home, the lodge itself has potential for international students’ accommodation, backpackers, a motel, even a rest home.’’

The property has a deadline sale date of April 18.