The Wharf Boutique Apartments
Serial Gold Coast holidaymakers, Carmel and Terry Wilkinson had never thought a management rights business would be their future career. Originally from Dalby, the Wilkinsons spent 25 years holidaying on the Gold Coast and it wasn’t until their last visit, when their children were in their final years of schooling that Carmel and Terry realised this holiday lifestyle could become a permanent one.
“Every time we left a holiday on the Gold Coast, we always thought managing a complex would be a good job, it looked like something we would be interested in. So, in 2005 we attended a Venz seminar and found out about the industry. Having liked what we learnt, we relocated to the Gold Coast and began searching for our ‘perfect building’ and in November 2006, we purchased The Wharf Boutique Apartments.”
Carmel said the searching for their ‘perfect building’ consisted of a comprehensive checklist that included what they wanted in a property and what they required.
“Everyone writes out a checklist and when marking things off against it, The Wharf Boutique Apartments had the most checks and it seemed to suit us. We liked the area, the building’s close proximity to the beach, we liked the size and layout of the one- and two-bedroom apartments and when we walked in, we just got that feeling, that you just know this is the right one.”
So, with no previous experience in the accommodation industry, what did this husband and wife team previously do in country western Queensland?
“I used to be a dressmaker of formal wear, weddings, school uniforms and so on, whilst Terry worked at the Department of Natural Resources as an admin officer. He actually still works for the Department of Natural Resources and is currently employed at their Robina office. Terry also does all the pool and ground maintenance at The Wharf on his days off while I do all the general office and administration.”
It has been almost three years now since the Wilkinsons purchased The Wharf Boutique Apartments and Carmel said they have learnt a lot and have had a few interesting and novel experiences occur during that time.
“We have found that the support and grounding that is received by attending the Gold Coast ARAMA meetings has been invaluable in our education of the industry. However, after all this time we are still learning as new situations confront us and it becomes personal growth as you learn to deal with new simple and complex issues but after living in the country for most of our lives, it has been interesting dealing with all nationalities of guests and learning about their cultures. We once had some guests staying from Singapore. They wanted to play lotto so after explaining how it works and sending them to the newsagent, we had the pleasure of checking that ticket a few days later and informing them they had won Division 3 and a large sum of money was waiting to be collected.”
Luxury With A Difference
Located on Wharf Road in Surfers Paradise, The Wharf Boutique Apartments has 25 apartments spread out over the 10-storey building, whilst the 16 in the letting pool are all fully self contained, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Each apartment features air-conditioning, cable television, kitchen complete with microwave and dishwasher, large balcony with ocean views, laundry, ensuite of master bedroom and wireless broadband is available.
In the complex, guests can enjoy the all-year-round heated swimming pool, half-sized tennis court, barbeque facilities, security parking and entry, car rental and comprehensive tour desk.
Carmel said in the past three years they have only embarked on a few minor developments such as putting in new lighting around the grounds and swimming pool but 2010 will be the year of great changes.
“We have just been doing the small ongoing projects to start with but next year we will be repainting the building and conducting general room refurbishments.”
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