What does an Auckland pharmacist do when he sells his Queen Street businesses? Make a beeline for the Bay of Islands? Go Ocker on the Gold Coast? How about head to Central Otago and establish a luxury accommodation business in Naseby that, rather ironically, has medicinal connections.
Having fallen for Naseby’s charms while doing the Otago Central Rail Trail, the opportunity presented itself for Grant Bean to become a ‘former pharmacist’ and together with wife Jan, purchase what had once been the gracious home of the local doctor.
Originally an 1870s goldminer’s cottage later substantially extended by the good doctor, Grant and Jan had beautiful bones to create accommodation for Rail Trail travelers. For those who appreciate their own super-king bedroom and well-appointed stylish bathroom, guest lounge, antique colonial furniture and contemporary New Zealand works of art, then this is the place to stop. For a couple or two couples cycling or walking the Rail Trail, this accommodation is the perfect antidote to fast-paced, modern urban living.
At The Old Doctor’s Residence, Rail Trailers are also rewarded with a pre-dinner tasting of local pinot noirs, a special breakfast that includes local fruits and produce, or by prior arrangement, can further indulge themselves with a gourmet three-course dinner.
Grant and Jan provide free guests-and-bikes pick up and return to the Otago Central Rail Trail at Wedderburn, Ranfurly or further afield. |
