26 | A country retreat for many occasions Brackenridge is a popular choice for weddings and conferences, able to host up to 150 people and accommodate 64. Wairarapa Business Awards - Brackenridge Country Retreat and Spa T T Virginia Wright “The cottages have a timeless elegance surrounded by their own garden and post and rail fencing. When you turn the lights out, you can easily see the Milky Way on a clear night. It’s outstanding,” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Brackenridge Country Retreat and Spa, approximately 75 minutes’ drive from central Wellington, is an oasis of beauty and calm on the outskirts of Martinborough. Twenty-four years ago, Cathie Morison had a vision of turning a piece of Southern Wairarapa into a sought-after destination. The result was a high-end conference and wedding venue with 10 stand-alone two-22- and four4-bedroom cottages, almost deceptive in their country charm and designed to reflect their peaceful surroundings while at the same time offering the best of modern comforts. Ten years later, eight studio units were added, along with a day spa, gym and 20-metre indoor saltwater lap pool. Everything was carefully planned to cater for the needs of the guests, be they independent travellers combining work and pleasure, or groups celebrating one of life’s joyful events. Shelley Major’s connection to Brackenridge is a result of her husband, Dave Frow, being one of the early investors. A chartered director, she was invited to join the board in July thislast year. When asked soon afterwards to fill a temporary gap in the management team, she already knew enough about the calibre of the business and the team who run it to accept the acting general manager role on a parttime basis. She enjoys bringing the skills she normally uses as an independent management consultant ,working with top organisations in the public and private sectors to help out in the venue that has become an iconic part of the Martinborough landscape. “The cottages have a timeless elegance surrounded by their own garden and post and rail fencing. When you turn the lights out, you can easily see the Milky Way on a clear night. It’s outstanding,” she says. Brackenridge is a popular choice for weddings and conferences, able to host up to 150 people and accommodate 64. Various experiences can be organised, such as clay bird shooting or enjoying the night sky through a telescope onsite. If there’s a hen party using the day spa, their partners can use the heated indoor lap pool or gym facility, or cycle to the many wineries surrounding the village. The Brackenridge Country Indulgence packages are very popular and could be the perfect way to show appreciation to a valued member of staff. Despite its country setting, the facility’s fast- speed wWi-fFi feeds into all the technology neededs to provide a seamless and professional experience, whether for a conference, an AGM or a team training exercise. Everything is set up for parents to work from ‘“home’” while their children enjoy the country. The Brackenridge ‘Country Indulgence’ packages are very popular, and could be the perfect way to show appreciation to a valued member of staff. Whatever the reason for people’s stay, Shelley knows from both her personal and professional point of view that the staff will do what they can to ensure their maximum enjoyment. “We’re blessed with a passionate and long-serving team here, who love the environment and truly want to ensure you have an exceptional experience,” says Shelley. While the accommodation is fully geared for self-catering, for those wanting a catered event on site while making the most of what Shelley describes as “a blissfully relaxing, peaceful environment”, Brackenridge has one of the Wairarapa’s top chefs ready to bring his Michelin-star flair to the freshest local ingredients. This March, Brackenridge looks forward to being the Wairarapa hub for the NZ House & Garden Tour, and being able to showcase their own beautiful spot in the Martinborough countryside. Proudly supporting Brackenridge Country Estate www.modeliving.co.nz 0800 223 732 tony@securatel.co.nz
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