Serene site ideal for health spa

Serenity Lodge at 411 Old Taupo Rd sits on private, park-like grounds, close to Rotorua CBD. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua's Serenity Lodge, originally known as Barron Cottage, and then reopened in 1962 as Muriaroha, is being marketed for sale by tender closing May 28 through Paul Sanford, special projects realtor for Harcourts Rotorua.

Located at 411 Old Taupo Rd opposite the Arikikapakapa Golf Course the property is ideal for golfers who can stroll across the road with their clubs and trundlers.

Serenity Lodge is set on private, park-like grounds on the southern boundary of Rotorua close to the CBD, the city's geothermal and tourist attractions, and a short drive from Rotorua International Airport.

The well-known property occupies 7136sq m of land split into five titles. The complex comprises a four-bedroom house, three-bedroom house, a restaurant, conference facility and bar rooms, two accommodation blocks and private mineral pools.

"It's an investor's dream because it offers so many opportunities given its location, separate titles and topography of the land with regards to subdivision," Sanford says.

"It's a special property encompassing the charm of yesteryear with beautifully landscaped surroundings and modern conveniences.

"The place is all set for new owners to inject their ideas into it and to take the business forward into the future."

Sanford says the present restaurant, conference and accommodation operation could be split up into some residential properties with the potential to set up a health and spa facility.

Serenity's Papillon Restaurant specialises in fine dining and is open to the public as well as guests.

"The conference facilities are under-utilised and could be enhanced." Sanford says. Muriaroha Villa is the property's flagship accommodation unit and contains two large bedrooms, the pink and the blue room, each with its own natural mineral spa and en suite, separated by a large lounge and dining area, with a small kitchenette. There is also a split level, self-contained, three-bedroom chalet with its own private garden, plus an owners' bungalow which is available for letting most of the year. Set in picturesque gardens the two-bedroom bungalow features an in-ground thermal pool and barbecue area.

In the main lodge there are two studio rooms available, each with separate ensuites. "An opportunity worth looking at, with the appropriate consents from local authorities, would be the development of a secure community of 10 titles that would include access to an exclusive thermal bore," Sanford says.