Lakeside land and buildings in one of the North Island’s foremost tourist destinations, Taupo, have been placed on the market for sale at a time when the area is rapidly becoming the adventure playground of the North Island.

The iconic property known as The Retreat is located directly beside Lake Taupo, and comprises an inventory of eight two-bedroom cedar-clad superior apartments contained within four duplex accommodation suites offering a high level of guest comforts.

The property at 31-33 Rutherfurd Lane in Taupo comprises 1,060 square metres of two-storey accommodation buildings situated on 4,714 square metres of pure lakefront real estate. The Retreat complex also includes the original homestead known as The Ponderosa, which comprises a 284 square metre four-bedroom/four-bathroom two-storey dwelling.

The land and buildings sustaining The Retreat at Rutherfurd Lane are now being being marketed for sale by tender through Bayleys Real Estate, with the tender process closing on December 9, 2022.

The location is zoned residential environment under the Taupo District Council Plan. Bayleys Hotel, Tourism and Leisure salesperson Gordon McGregor said that subject to council approvals, there were multiple future use options for The Retreat property including:

• Demolition of the existing buildings to redevelop the site as a high-end private residence - making the most of the property’s private lakeside location with exceptional views across the lake to the mountains, along with wonderful privacy
• Demolishing just some of the buildings but retaining some of the luxury apartments for guesthouse use by family and friends
• Segregating the individual apartments and main homestead into unit title ownership which could then be sold off as separate entities
• Removing The Ponderosa homestead and constructing a block or blocks of multi-level apartments with garaging and storage below
• Occupying the homestead as an owner/manager’s residence, and letting out the apartments as either permanent rentals or short-term high-end tourist accommodation
• Upgrading the main homestead to operate as a high-quality lodge with the potential for utilising some of the existing apartments as a combination of both staff quarters and guest accommodation; or
• Selling the leasehold of the property for commercial operations but retaining the freehold rights.

“The land and building assets associated with The Retreat really are a blank canvas opportunity for any new owner – allowing for redevelopment on multiple scales, for conversion into an outstanding private residence, or for a business model to be initiated at the venue as a commercial accommodation provider,” said McGregor.

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The apartments in the Retreat complex were built in 1985, and have been well maintained over the ensuing decades – with owners committed to retaining the exclusive and comfortable atmosphere of the property.

“The lower level or each apartment includes a kitchen, laundry, bathroom and lounge/dining are opening onto a timber entertainer’s deck. The apartments’ upper levels have been configured into a master bedroom with ensuite and private deck, along with a second bedroom and ensuite,” said McGregor.

“The design and layout of the apartments is of a high standard – delivering occupants spacious accommodation. The apartments are constructed with cedar weatherboards, timber pile foundations, timber framed walls, and timber window joinery.

The Retreat’s main two-storey Ponderosa homestead is substantial and has an interesting history. The ground floor contains three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a spacious lounge, dining room and large kitchen, along with an enclosed sunporch which was previously a deck.

Upstairs is an impressive billiards room, as well as another bedroom with kitchenette and bathroom, and another sun deck. Under a lodge style configuration, this upstairs area has the potential to sustain an owner/manager’s residence.

The new owner will have the ability to swim in Lake Taupo at the end of The Retreat’s lawn surrounded by mature trees and gardens, The Retreat also has two spa pools, along with a heated swimming pool – all enclosed in a high-stud standalone building with expansive windows and skylights showcasing the surrounding vegetation and greenery.

“Imagine catching a trout from your own backyard and sharing it with friends and family over a glass of wine on the entertainer’s deck,” said McGregor.

Taupo District Council’s residential environment zoning has the discretion to allow a range of non-residential activities – provided they do not interfere with the existing surrounding neighbourhood characteristics of Rutherfurd Lane, which is located close to Lake Taupo’s marina and harbour area.

“The proximity of Taupo marina across the harbour entrance would enable a new owner of The Retreat, or owners if the unit titling reconfiguration option is pursued, to have their marine craft moored just a few hundred metres away from their residence, with the potential to apply for council consent to build a jetty at the end of the Rutherfurd Lane property,” said McGregor.

“With multiple future options, this property is a rare find as there are few large parcels of pure lakefront land in the locale, and even fewer that come on the market. This is an opportunity for the new owner to add their own touch and capitalise on the prime location and privacy to create wonderful lasting memories.

“There is no doubt that the new owner will enjoy pride of ownership and capitalise on the potential growth in value over time that is a feature of waterfront locations.”

For more information contact the agents via the contact details below.

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