But when he and his wife went to check out a property they were particularly interested in, there was, fortuitously, a homemade "for sale" sign at the gate, he said
Mr Guy said he called the owners and made them what he believed was a good offer but didn't hear anything for about three weeks, but after a further phone call, it was a done deal.
Over the next three years the rural land was cleared and The Point Lodge was built by local craftsman Alistair Goring, working from meticulous plans by renowned architect William Algie.
"We were very much inspired by reading Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence and we have also organised regular wine tours of France for several years," he said.
Set in a 5155sq m elevated site at the end of Tuapiro Rd stretching down to the water's edge of Tauranga Harbour, The Point Lodge offered guests seclusion, indulgence and comfort.
Some of the key features included the use of non-treated macrocarpa throughout, a high-end chef's dream kitchen, French-inspired courtyards and three luxury suites.
That included The Romantic Turret Suite which occupied most of the upper floor, with its high-vaulted timber ceiling and extensive harbour and rural views, which were a big hit with honeymooners.
The downstairs Montrose Courtyard Suite was also spacious, with unique curved ceilings and exposed timbers, and it had French doors which opened out to a courtyard.
The Chardonnay Luxury Suite on a separate upper floor also offered privacy.
The Point Lodge property, which had a capital value of $1.77 million, also had 500 grape vines which produced almost 1.5 tonnes of wine last year.
The Point had won several awards, including runner-up and winner of the Bay of Plenty Tourism Awards in 2002/2003 and winner of the Guest and Hosted Accommodation Tourism Awards in 2004.
After hosting numerous guests from around the globe including Hubbard Foods founder Dick Hubbard and his wife, Mr Guy said it was time to "downsize" to another Katikati property.
"Anne and I created The Point as one of those indulgences that one should have at least once in your life.
"We have had endless pleasure from this unique property, but it's now time for someone else to take over and realise their own dreams. It's definitely not a chrome and glass palace but it's the sort of place you love and it loves you back," he said.
Bayleys salesperson Brent Trueman, who was marketing the property, said the lodge could continue to be run as a boutique accommodation or make the perfect home for a family.
"The lodge offers a potential new owner a niche tourism business with an established reputation, with guests and local suppliers and operators."
Mr Trueman said there was also an option for the vineyard to be run or leased to provide an ongoing income stream while the lodge would make a stunning home for a growing family.
