The property, at 735 Racecourse Rd, Omakau, is the base for Central Otago Country Weddings. Photo / Supplied
The property, at 735 Racecourse Rd, Omakau, is the base for Central Otago Country Weddings. Photo / Supplied
A magical Central Otago wedding venue, comprising land, buildings and a commercial operation run from the property, has been placed on the market for sale.
The 1942sq m freehold property, at 735 Racecourse Rd, Omakau, is the base for the business trading as Central Otago Country Weddings.
ABC business sales agent Sami Chesterton is selling the freehold land, homestead, outbuildings and chattels for a total asking price of $1,950,000. This is made up of $1,870,000 for the property and $80,000 for the business including a comprehensive list of chattels and plant.
Chesterton says a range of high-end amenities on-site include a four-bedroom homestead. This is now rented out to wedding parties, and also used as accommodation.
Meanwhile, the wedding/conference facility on the property, known as The Woolshed, was fully renovated for commercial use four years ago.
It has seating and is fully consented to serve up to 140 wedding (or conference) guests at a time. It is licensed to serve alcohol and includes a commercial kitchen, bathroom and office facilities.
"Present owners operate Central Otago Country Weddings from the property, while living off-site. They rent out the homestead for the both wedding parties and Air B&B clients," says Chesterton.
"The venue, called The Homestead & Woolshed on Racecourse, has been hosting about 20 to 30 events per year.
The renovated woolshed can seat up to 140 wedding or conference guests. Photo / Supplied
"However, with approval to host up to 50 events-per-year, the room for growth is evident," she adds.
"The events hosted here certainly make the most of an awesome Central Otago location. There are spectacular 180-degree valley and mountain views, providing a superb backdrop for photos. So also, do the well-planned grounds, which are a mix of exotic plantings, a cottage garden, native plants and strategically placed props. These gardens are particularly stunning in the colourful Autumn and Spring months."
Built in 1905, the 215sq m homestead comprises:
• four double bedrooms, • two bathrooms, • an open plan kitchen with a large Aga, dining room and gas fire, • a further lounge area with wood burner, and • decor in keeping with the era of the house, beautiful soft furnishing and period style fixtures.
Chesterton says the property lends itself to events-based activities (corporate/large group/family functions), but it would equally make a wonderful home/lifestyle property with room for projects, or a small cottage industry business.
She notes that tourism industry in the Central Otago region is based around wine, food and fun.
"And this operation is perfectly situated to tap into the tourist dollars being spent locally on wine and rail trails. Property here is also highly desirable in itself, with both local and international buyers competing to buy a slice of paradise.
"Overseas investors see New Zealand as a 'safe haven' and this has been reflected in the massive increase in property prices in the Central Otago Region over the last five years."
Chesterton points to a wealth of attractions on offer within a two-and-a-half hour drive time from the venue.
She says Omakau township is just a five-minute-drive from the property, while larger townships like Cromwell and Alexandra are only a little further.
"This is a location where peace and tranquillity can be enjoyed and for which this area is renowned - but with all the needed services and facilities at close hand."
The nearest airport is Queenstown, about an hour and 15-minutes'drive away, with both internal and international flights. The nearest city is Dunedin (about two hours and 15 minutes' drive), with a strong cultural heritage and is the gateway to the beautiful Otago Peninsula and the Catlins.
The present owners Judy and Andrew fell in love with the Omakau property four years ago, Chesterton says.
"They immediately saw the potential to renovate the woolshed and start up a function venue business. The homestead was already beautifully maintained and had a recent addition, enlarging the kitchen/dining area, but the woolshed is where Judy focused her attention. After months of hard work, the old woolshed was transformed into a beautiful function venue.
"Judy runs the events allowing two days for each one and further time throughout the year showing the venue to prospective clients and managing bookings. She successfully uses a well-designed website, social media and wedding expos to promote the venue. However, maybe the most effective marketing has been the hearty word-of-mouth recommendations from people who've attended weddings or events at the property."
