Despite its increasing popularity with Aucklanders looking for an antidote to busy city living, historic Kawau Island – just a short boat trip from Sandspit – retains a tranquil atmosphere, with no roads and few cars, so every day by the sparkling sea feels like a holiday.
Karen Clark at Sotheby’s International Realty says that the chance to buy a going concern, like The Beach House at Vivian Bay is a rare one – especially with so many extras on offer.
“It’s very well-known and people just love it – you only have to look at online reviews. The vendors have done a lot of work over the seven or so years they’ve owned it, renovating the nine apartments really beautifully.”
The owner agrees.
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“We’ve poured a lot of love, work and money into this and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved,” he says, adding that the property has offered guest accommodation since before WWII.
“Our job as its guardians was to bring it all completely up-to-date.”
He says that business has been brisk in spite of the closure of New Zealand’s borders last year and he and his wife have enjoyed welcoming Kiwis exploring this part of the country for the very first time.
Along with the nine weatherboard and Colorsteel apartments, each of which has its own deck, the property includes a two-bedroom home for owners or managers and a further one-bedroom unit for staff. The commercial kitchen and laundry are modern and well-equipped, and the owner says that they’re lucky to have a very good chef.
Visitors or locals enjoy a tipple and a taste at The Beach House’s bar and restaurant and the owner says that Vivian Bay is absolutely private and quiet, so guests can really unwind.
“I think there are only about 14 other properties and they’re tightly held, passing down from one generation to the next.”
He and his wife have reached retirement age and are keeping their options open for the future.
“We feel sad about selling up but we’ve done our part here and it’s time for it to move into a new era.”
He says that one of Vivian Bay’s greatest attractions is definitely its climate.
“It’s always warmer here than on the mainland, and we get less rain!”
Clark says that new owners could simply walk in and pick up from where the current owners left off.
She adds there’s potential to grow the business and add more value by actively promoting The Beach House as a wedding or conference venue.
She points out that the chattels list is extremely extensive and even includes a motorised dinghy, kayaks and paddle boards.
“Absolutely everything you need is here, in this quintessential Kiwi island paradise and Vivian Bay is by far the nicest beach on the island.”
The property is to be sold by tender, June 10.
