A luxury resort in New Zealand, described as the most valuable property ever in Australasia, has gone on sale with bids for hideaway in the Bay of Islands expected to come from around the world.
Eagles Nest, at the tip of Russell peninsula, is among a string of luxury lodges on the market. It featured on popular US reality television show The Bachelor, and has been named among the world’s top 100 hotels by Conde Nast Traveller and Tatler.
Set amid lush forest on a sunny ridge, the 75 hectare estate boasts breathtaking views over more than a kilometre of private ocean and beachfront. It has five private villas, all with outdoor spa, wireless internet access, original artworks, home theatre system and fully-equipped gourmet kitchens. All but one have a private heated infinity pool.
Browns Sotheby’s, which is marketing the property said it is the ‘best luxury retreat in Australasia’ and ‘the most the most valuable property ever offered in New Zealand’ adding that is probably unequalled ‘anywhere in the world’.
The flagship villa Rahimoana, which has an aerofoil roof floating above three metre sliding glass walls, costs $42,000 at the peak of the tourism season last year but prices have since come down to a more modest £20,000 due to the recession.
Sotheby’s won’t say what price owners Sandie and Daniel Biskind are seeking. A spokesman said it will only disclose price to serious interested parties who sign confidentiality agreements. Inquiries have already come from the US, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK since the property went on the market a week ago.
It is just one of several luxury hotels and lodges to come onto the market in recent months, prompting speculation that they are not doing well in the recession. Although the Biskinds claim they are selling for lifestyle reasons and will remain in the area.
Other currently on sale include the Hotel du Vin, a hotel, spa, and vineyard at Mangatawhiri, south of Auckland, that went into receivership earlier this year. On Waiheke Island, the five-star boutique Te Whau Lodge, is for tender on October 14. And in Northland, Kingfish Lodge, at Whangaroa Harbour, is for sale at $4.5 million.