BUYERS have the chance to celebrate Christmas every day by taking the reins of a much-loved Mornington Peninsula business.
Owners of popular tree farm and festive wonderland Santa’s Place at 320 Bentons Rd, Mooroduc are jingling all the way out the door with price hopes of $5-$5.5 million.
Vendors Ron and Judy Reaper are retiring from the family business that has made all their days happy and bright since growing it from a “vacant block full of rubbish” almost 20 years ago.
Mr Reaper said it had long been his dream to run a Christmas tree farm, and once roots were in the ground the venture “took off”.
Famous guests including Hugh Jackman and Miranda Kerr are among the Melbourne, interstate and overseas visitors that have stopped by the business at 320 Bentons Rd.
The 10.7ha property has up to 14,000 growing trees, a vast glittering gift store, a licensed cafe and playground. Three generations of the family have helped operate the business.
“For us it’s an absolute dream job,” Mr Reaper said. “To see the joy that it brings to not only kids, but all kinds of people.”
Ms Reaper added it was time to retire, but she felt sad to let the property go. “There is nowhere on earth like this,” she said.
“It’s probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone who loves Christmas.
“I hope its someone that can do it absolute justice.”
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Elders, Mornington Peninsula director Craig McDermott said the business, with highway exposure, cafe and liquor licenses and nursery permits, could be expanded and diversified.
The five-bedroom house is included, and there’s the option to buy all the trimmings.
“The potential in the property is incredible,” he said. “It’s an iconic place.”
A well-maintained five-bedroom house is also on the property, and there are paddocks, a dam, and creek.
Mr McDermott expected the festive nature of the property would see a more spirited response from potential buyers.
“It will be also an emotional purchase I believe – not just dollars and cents,” he said.
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Andrew Winter: How to flaunt your Unique Selling Point.
“It’s in the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula so you could develop and diversify into anything, whether tourism related or more of the same thing, and expand it.”
Mooroduc as a whole was in very high demand, according to Mr McDermott said.
“It’s semi-rural, very tightly held and properties rarely come up. Values are soaring.”
Originally published as Jingle all the way at Santa’s Place every day