Luxury Marlborough accommodation and corporate hospitality business Brancott Ridge is to be auctioned today.

The 13.5-hectare property in Wrekin Rd, near Blenheim, is used as a luxury home, private lodge and corporate hosting venue. It has water rights through the Southern Valley Irrigation Scheme, allowing for 3ha of grapevines to be developed on the land.

Bayleys agent Tim Crawford said an English couple, Peter and Margaret Foster, bought it six years ago and were selling to move to Wellington, where Mr Foster had been appointed strategy and investment manager at the Science and Innovation Ministry.

Brancott Ridge would most likely draw interest from those seeking a rural lifestyle with multiple income sources, and those looking to gain a foothold in the Marlborough wine industry.

"The vineyards operating in Brancott Valley have earned a reputation for producing some of New Zealand's best pinot noir," Mr Crawford said. "Three hectares of grapes would be enough to produce about 60 barrels, or 1500 cases, of pinot noir a year."

The 355-square-metre homestead has two guest suites at one end of the home and two bedrooms at the opposite end of the property with a private living area. It also features a guest lounge, office, solar-heated outdoor pool and a fully equipped professional kitchen.

The property has a 2011 rating value of $1.65 million.

- The Marlborough Express

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