Bespoke accommodation lures cyclists, visitors to Central Otago
A bespoke accommodation complex in the popular Central Otago tourist destination of Clyde has been placed on the market by Colliers Otago, offering the opportunity to acquire a property and business that has recently undergone a full rebrand and repositioning.
The Clyde Central Boutique Motel, located at 56 Sunderland St in Clyde, is being sold as a freehold going concern. It has seven units that can accommodate up to 29 guests, plus a threebedroom residence and associated buildings on a 3321sq m site spread across six titles.
The property includes a vacant 830sq m section and supports an existing consent for a four-unit apartment development, allowing the future owner options to intensify use of the site and maximise its full potential.
Since taking over the property in 2019, the current owner has rebranded the business to position it as a unique accommodation offering, taking advantage of the growing market of free independent travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups.
This rebrand has extended to include implementing new online systems to allow full off-site management and a new booking system and remote check in/check out process, addition of bike storage facilities, and refurbishment of the historic building to provide a character schist building for breakfast and other hosted guest events.
As well as the rebranding, a comprehensive refurbishment programme has also begun with the first two units completed in 2022. The property has also been connected to the new town sewage system, decommissioning the old septic tanks.
Colliers brokers Mark Simpson and Rory O’Donnell are marketing the property by deadline private treaty closing at 4pm, Thursday, October 12, unless sold prior.
The retro-style units were originally constructed in the 1970s and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units, plus the three-bedroom house, which can be used as family accommodation or as a manager’s residence.
Simpson says the vendor has built up the business to offer a unique accommodation experience that differs from a traditional motel.
The current owner lives off-site and operates a modern online booking system which sends automated pre- and post-arrival information via text to the guests. The complex has been well set up for cyclists using renowned trails nearby, with bike transfers on request and strong relationships with cycle and tour agencies.
The owner has continually improved the offering and financial results since taking over the business in November 2019. Except for the Covid lockdown and recovery periods, this has shown steady improvement in occupancy, room rates, turnover, and profitability.