Pretoria on MyPR: Why we left Johannesburg and invested in Port Elizabeth’s Algoa Guest House:
Lisa and Roger Lucas Photo: Algoa Guest house
A little before Spring Day ten years ago Roger & Lisa Lucas made a major decision that would change their lives forever.
Both had for many years worked in Johannesburg in the corporate world – Roger as the financial director of a subsidiary of a JSE listed company and Lisa as the PA to the CEO of another listed company. At that stage they also had a three year old daughter, Emma.
They deliberated long and hard on how and where to invest their savings and, as Roger was involved in the hospitality industry their first thoughts were to buy into a franchise. After a few enquiries they decided against that, as they felt that would not really be a way of life with such a young daughter. A close friend who owned two guest houses in Port Elizabeth, suggested that they might want to consider buying a bed and breakfast or guest house, as he knew of a few on the market in Port Elizabeth.
After a few visits to the Eastern Cape, no guest house had really attracted them. Some weeks later they were advised of another guest house in Summerstrand that had been put on the market. The owners were emigrating to Australia and wished to sell their property urgently. Once again Roger and Lisa went on another trip to Port Elizabeth, this time they were lucky and loved the Summerstrand Guest House, did the deal and bought the property which was an ideal size with a comfortable private house and 8 self-contained en-suite guest rooms.
Suddenly they had to sell their house in Johannesburg and move quickly to Port Elizabeth with Granny and toddler.
On 1 September 2007 they were thrown in the deep end to become owners of the Algoa Guest House in Summerstrand with absolutely no experience, other than knowing figures and how to deal with people. For the next five years Roger continued commuting to Johannesburg on Mondays and returning on Fridays, whilst Lisa somehow managed to run what has become a very successful business, as well as looking after Granny and daughter.
Roger retired 5 years ago and he and Lisa work tirelessly together to ensure that guest’s have a really special experience at the Algoa Guest House and within the wider Nelson Mandela Bay area. Many happy guests have returned again and again with some of those clocking over 60 return visits to the Algoa Guest House. Glowing reviews from overseas guests have described their experience as exceptional
Algoa Guest House has become a well-known establishment on Brighton Drive, Summerstrand and is in close proximity to the Nelson Mandela University, beaches and restaurants. Roger and Lisa cite having met some of the most interesting people touring and visiting Port Elizabeth as the highlight of their last ten years, and look forward to the next ten.
They have not looked back, love Port Elizabeth and its friendly people, and believe it to be the most wonderful place in which to bring up young children.
Algoa Guest house Exterior Photo: Algoa Guest house
Algoa Guest house pool area Photo: Algoa Guest house
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About Algoa Guest House:
Algoa Guesthouse is an owner managed 3 star bed and breakfast in Summerstrand Port Elizabeth. If you are here to enjoy all the attractions of our Friendly City or are about to embark on a journey along the beautiful Garden Route, holiday makers and business travellers alike will enjoy a comfortable stay at this guest house in Port Elizabeth.
Algoa B&B offers comfortable air conditioned, clean and semi self-catering rooms (microwave, bar fridge, tea/coffee making facilities), flat screen TV’s with a selection of satellite channels. Wi-Fi is free of charge. Enjoy a healthy or full English breakfast in the quaint dining room which overlooks the swimming pool and attractive garden.
This child friendly accommodation is only a mere 200 metre stroll to the beachfront of Pollock Beach. Experience the warm waters of Nelson Mandela Bay (Algoa Bay) at one of beaches (Pollock Beach, Hobie Beach or one of our Blue Flag beaches (Humewood Beach & Kings Beach) which is also a popular destination to swim or surf or to go scuba diving with the dolphins at one of the estimated 400 ship wreckages.
More Info on Port Elizabeth’s Algoa Guest House here: http://www.algoaguesthouse.co.za/
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