The chance to buy the leasehold for the boutique White Swan hotel in the south Wairarapa village of Greytown is on the table.
ABC Business Sales broker Belinda Wotton says this is not just a great business venture but a lifestyle opportunity in a beautiful part of New Zealand.
The hotel is renowned for stylish, themed rooms, local wine and exceptional cuisine.
“The business has been in need of a working owner with the current owners living overseas,” says Wotton.
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“Currently run under management, sales have been increasing over the past three years to show it is now trading profitably.”
The lease expires in 2035 and includes the right to operate the restaurant, bar, accommodation business and associated activities, and occupy the manager’s accommodation. It also includes 26 sealed car parks at the rear of the hotel.
The White Swan has a fascinating history, beginning life as a railway administration building at the Woburn railyard in Lower Hutt.
In December, 2002, the building was cut into six pieces and trucked over the Rimutaka Hill to be put back together in its new home of Greytown.
“The result is a beautiful Victorian-style hotel in the heart of the main street that looks like it has been there forever,” says Wotton.
Greytown was voted New Zealand’s most beautiful town in 2017 and is a popular destination for tourists and day-trippers attracted by the boutique shopping and high-end eateries which stretch the length of the main street.
“Increasing numbers of Wellingtonians are making the move over the hill and thousands now work in the Wairarapa and commute daily to the city,” says Wotton.
“With over 30 vineyards in the region, the area is a must stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Events taking place every year include Wings over Wairarapa, the Balloon Festival, Toast Martinborough, Harvest Festival, Tauherenikau Races and the Jazz Festival.”
These events attract thousands of visitors each year and accommodation is in high demand, particularly over the summer months.
“Greytown is also known for its stunning scenery, nature walks, cycle tracks and horse trekking, plus there are many great swimming spots in the local Ruamahanga River and local baths,” says Wotton.
Wellington is an easy one-hour drive away, making the White Swan a popular choice for a weekend getaway.
The hotel is located in the heart of “wedding country”, meaning the business feeds off the “massive and highly lucrative” wedding market with guests arriving throughout the season.
The hotel’s restaurant and bar feature Martinborough wines and locally produced artisan food prepared daily by a team of chefs.
There are a variety of themed rooms for guests to choose from — the Madison, Ruby, Hunter, Mandarin, George, Bombay and the White Room, and there are another five modern suites in the garden.
A separate wine room is used for overflow and private functions and this has a large collection of local wines. The outdoor deck is popular in summer and is a popular spot for patrons to enjoy a drink and watch the sun set.
The business would be an ideal opportunity for a working couple who have a background in hospitality or accommodation, says Wotton.
