A new contract for the long-term lease and boutique visitor accommodation business within historic Eichardt's Private Hotel in Queenstown is under negotiation with an undisclosed party, since interest from American billionaire Julian Robertson appears to have been withdrawn.
Highland Resorts Ltd co-director Stephen Fisher, of Auckland, told the Otago Daily Times in early November he and his five partners were completing due diligence with the Robertson family for the lease of about 20 years and business within the property.
The sale price was less than $1 million and the lease would probably be transferred in early December, he said last month.
However, Mr Fisher said yesterday a new contract was being discussed, but he declined to elaborate, as it was "too sensitive".
"It's still under negotiation, I'm really not in a position to say anything at this stage."
Jay Robertson, son of Mr Robertson and general manager of the exclusive Matakauri Lodge, near Queenstown, did not return telephone calls yesterday.
The gold-rush era Eichardt's building is owned by Skyline Enterprises, of Queenstown, but the company was not directly involved in the lease and business negotiations.
"We're the landlord, so we have to approve the transaction," Skyline chief executive Jeff Staniland said yesterday.
The Robertson conditional agreement "hasn't progressed, that's for sure".
An international marketing campaign by Luxury Real Estate and Harcourt's drew about 25 registrations of interest.
