1 week Ago By Duncan Bailey
One of Tasmania's premier tourism destinations is on the market. or signup to continue reading Expressions of interest for , located in Nabowla in the state's north-east, opened through Elders Real Estate on October 16. The iconic landscape boasts more than 660,000 lavender plants, along with a licensed cafe and retail shop as well as a residential dwelling and additional buildings associated with production and sales of lavender products.
It's been a labour of love for owner Robert Ravens, who took over the estate in 2006. "We've brought it to an absolute peak," Mr Ravens said. "It's in an extraordinary state of health and productivity; we've achieved what we set out to achieve which was to completely restore a very amazing business.
"We're getting to such a mature age that we think it needs some younger and more energetic owners to take it to its next logical step." The estate has a long history in Tasmania , when London perfumer CK Denny migrated to Tasmania with his family with a packet of lavender seeds sourced from the French Alps, and the dream of distilling lavender oil. The lavender was first planted in North Lilydale, and 25 years later it was moved to Nabowla where it still stands today.
Mr Ravens said when they bought the business in 2006 it was "in a terrible state". "The fields were still intact, but it was desperate for new ownership," Mr Ravens said. "We've just spent the last 18 years building on the concept of value-adding to this famous product.
"We think we've optimised our vision and now it's time to release it to somebody else who's got some bigger, better, brighter plans and can take advantage of a lot of the groundwork that's been done." Mr Ravens said the farm "underpinned the surge of Asian tourism" in Tasmania. "There's no question - Bridestowe Estate together with a couple of businesses in the South saw the potential for engaging with Asia through Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and eventually China," Mr Ravens said.
"Bridestowe Estate certainly to the North of Tasmania, and that brought tourism to the forefront as a potential value-added industry for Tasmania." While there are too many good memories to count, Mr Ravens said he'd always admired how "endearing" the business was to Tasmanians. "To be recognised globally; it's loved by the community and we've respected that passion that they have," he said.
"Tasmania has been overwhelmingly kind to us as well. "It's been a pleasure to be so recognised ..
. to be the face of the ABC's website in China was an astonishing recognition." The property has only just been listed but Mr Ravens believed it would create a "significant buzz".
"It's not an easy business, it's very complex - we want the legacy to be preserved and certainly want the integration with the community to be enhanced." "It's certainly in brilliant health at the moment ..
. we want it to go to the right owners and keep the legacy going." Expressions of interest close November 12 at 4pm, and can be made through Passionate about all things happening in the North East focusing on health and science.
Curtin University Alumni. Got a story? Get in touch: duncan.bailey@examiner.
com.au Passionate about all things happening in the North East focusing on health and science. Curtin University Alumni.
Got a story? Get in touch: [email protected].
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