Fashion designer’s sanctuary on market
A former wellness retreat in the heart of Waikato that is owned and run by fashion entrepreneur Annah Stretton is for sale.
The lodge – formerly known as Te Atawhai – on Te Kawana Rd on the outskirts of Te Aroha has five bedrooms, each with their own ensuite, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a pond.
Although it only operated for two years as a commercial accommodation venue, when it was a going concern Te Atawhai commanded rates of up to $2200 for a four-night health and wellness package encompassing yoga, massage, meditation and fitness sessions.
Now the 365-square-metre lodge on 10,000sqm of freehold land is up for auction on March 7 through Bayleys Hamilton.
All the furniture, fittings, manchester, whiteware, and guestroom amenities are included in the offering.
The two-storey lodge has openplan communal living, cooking and dining areas and an office on the ground level, with guest bedrooms on the upper floor.
The guest amenities include a saltwater swimming pool and a grass tennis court.
‘‘With the physical infrastructure already in place, it would be relatively straightforward for any new owner of the property to establish a new lodge or commerciallyrun B’n’B-style accommodation business at the address,’’ salesman Josh Smith said.
‘‘With a vast flat lawn space immediately in front of the lodge’s portico entry capable of sustaining a sizeable marquee, commercial activity could be scaled up for the property to operate as a wedding reception venue. Should the venue morph into a luxury lodge, the lawn could also sustain a helicopter landing pad.’’
Stretton, who owns retail stores throughout New Zealand and works with charities such as Women’s Refuge and Unicef, has her head office in Morrinsville.
The designer and philanthropist is also an author of seven books, and is an Order of Merit recipient for her services to business, fashion and the community.
At the time Te Atawhai began operating in mid-2016, Stretton said the idea came from business partners Rebecca Skilton and Sherryll Gordon, and she came on board after a recent introduction to ‘‘wholeness’’.