The Tinui Cafe and Bar is going under the hammer at auction this afternoon.
The sale of the Tinui community’s hospitality hub has been long-delayed, thanks to the damage wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle. Current owners Stuart and Cindy Sowry had put the property – which features 1.9 hectares of land, a pub, and a one bedroom cottage – on the market just 10 days before the cyclone blew through Tinui, causing sufficient damage to keep the establishment shuttered since.
As such, Tremain Real Estate sales consultant Ash Thomas is at pains to emphasise the sale is very much an “as is, where is” basis.
“It definitely needs some work but for someone who’s willing to roll up their sleeves, this represents an opportunity of a good income with a cracker lifestyle,” Thomas said.
There’s been a fair bit of local interest in buying the property, as well as from out of town, “so we’re hoping for a bit of a turnout”, while community members are anxious that it continues as a going concern, given the lack of other hospo businesses in the area.
The auction – which will be presided over by Bevan Saywell – is being held at 2pm at Tremains’ Masterton office at 122 Queen Street.
