A Hawke’s Bay couple who took a punt and bought a run-down, dilapidated building are thrilled their hard work and determination have paid off.
Tom and Esther Seymour’s gorgeous B&B, 415 Marine Parade, Napier, won
A Hawke’s Bay couple who took a punt and bought a run-down, dilapidated building are thrilled their hard work and determination have paid off.
Tom and Esther Seymour’s gorgeous B&B, 415 Marine Parade, Napier, won the 2023 Rising Star Bed & Breakfast of the Year – open to operators who have been running their business for less than two years — at the Bed & Breakfast Association New Zealand awards.
“The award has really vindicated our willingness to take a punt,” Esther said.
“When this property came on to the market, it was great timing for us. We had been in the corporate motel business for 25 years, but we could feel things changing and decided it was time to move in a new direction.
“It’s the best decision we have made. We have absolutely no regrets and are loving it.”
Esther says the very best thing about running a B&B is the people.
“We have met some amazing people from all over New Zealand, and this summer, international guests have returned. It’s so nice sitting down for a chat. We hear some incredible stories.
“Guests often become our friends, and then I have to say, ‘Sorry, but I have to charge you money’,” Esther laughs.
She says it had been a lot of hard work to get the former Mon Logis B&B ready to open.
“We pretty much gutted it, re-piled it, put in a lift and refurbished it. It took about 18 months, and then we opened in the middle of Covid.”
As soon as I walked in the door, I knew I was going to like the place. The colours are soft; the lighting is stunning. The lights in the entranceway are amazing, with a copper glow which is warming, inviting and eye-catching.
The bedrooms have access to a balcony and sea views. They are spacious with a relaxed vibe, decorated in a similar theme with sightly different toning and have underfloor heating. Nice!
Esther says she and Nolleen Cheethan worked together to create a restful coastal feel.
They certainly hit the brief.
“Our B&B is much more than accommodation,” Esther said.
“It’s so different to corporate motels. There, [guests] pick up the key from the office, and most of the time you don’t see them again. This is much more personal. We welcome our guests in, sometimes joining them for morning or afternoon tea. I cook for them; we recommend local restaurants and places to visit.
“We get to know many of our guests really well.”
It’s easy to see why this couple gels with their guests so well. They are friendly, welcoming and so easy to talk to.
Esther says they were supported well by Kiwis when they first opened, but this summer it has just “gone crazy” with international visitors returning.
They were “tapped on the shoulder” about the awards and asked if they would consider entering.
“We ummed and aahed about it. Then I started working on it and Gabrielle hit. It was a while before I went back to it. There was a lot involved, but I’m glad we did it.”
The judging panel said:
For more information, go to: www.415marineparade.co.nz.
Linda Hall is a Hastings-based assistant editor for Hawke’s Bay Today, and has 30 years of experience in newsrooms. She writes regularly on arts and entertainment, lifestyle and hospitality, and pens a column.
Awards represent the pinnacle achievement in the industry.