The Marlborough Lodge (formerly Old St Mary’s Convent B&B), has opened in Marlborough after a significant renovation, meeting the needs of the region’s rapidly growing premium tourist market
The property was purchased by Marlborough Tour Company in May and underwent a major refurbishment program, including increasing accommodation capacity from five rooms to 10 luxury suites and offering evening dining courtesy of an in-house chef team. Chris Godsiff, the owner-operator of Marlborough Tour Company, says his family-owned business has been looking to get into the luxury accommodation market for a long time and is very excited by the opening of the Lodge.
“There is a gap in the market for a luxury lodge accommodation among Marlborough’s vineyards, and we’re very pleased to be filling it.”
Chris and Sue Godsiff are born and bred in Marlborough and have operated Marlborough Tour Company for 20 years, before which they were marine farmers of NZ’s famed Greenshell mussels in the Marlborough Sounds. They and their sons, Ryan and Ben, are hands-on in both businesses.
Marlborough Tour Company General Manager Scott McKenzie is thrilled to have a true luxury lodge in the company’s portfolio. “It really completes us; it means we can offer the full luxury Marlborough experience with wine touring, cruising and accommodation. We can now treat our guests to the very best of the region – our guides can wow them during the day and our chefs can spoil them at night.”
Peter White, Lodge General Manager, brings a wealth of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector. He is thrilled to have moved to Marlborough and finds the region and finds it “the most special place”. “There’s something about Marlborough sunshine that I just can’t get enough of.”
“Bookings have flowed in steadily over the past few months and look set to continue. Feedback from early guests indicates the Lodge meets the mark in terms of quality of suites, dining and service.”
Jason Brown, Head Chef, is excited by the new commercial kitchen at the Lodge and creating lavish lodge-style cuisine that makes the most of the abundant Marlborough and top of the south produce, which matches perfectly with wine predominantly from Marlborough and New Zealand.
A 10-minute drive from Blenheim and the airport, and 25 minutes from Picton, the grand historic building that was originally a Victorian Convent in Blenheim township is set on 16 acres of parkland and vineyards. In 1994 the Convent was moved in five pieces to its present location in Rapaura, Marlborough.
The Marlborough Lodge – Where and how
The Marlborough Lodge
776 Rapaura Road,
Blenheim,
7273,
Marlborough,
New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 570 5700
Web: www.themarlboroughlodge.co.nz