Cathie Morison’s shift from her home town of Masterton to Martinborough in 1981 might not have been a big geographic leap, but it did take her life in a completely new direction. The young girl who’d considered being a nun, raced motorbikes competitively (and has the scars to prove it) and who’s first job was as a pharmacy assistant would go on to become the mastermind behind Brackenridge, Martinborough’s biggest hospitality venue.
Initially Cathie worked at Palliser on the cellar door. It was the early days of the wine industry and people would often ask her where they could stay. “They said it was so beautiful here, but unfortunately there were few options. That got me thinking.” When the Radium Boot Factory worker’s cottage came on the market Cathie saw her chance.
From her own experience Cathie felt she had a good sense of what people would enjoy – a relaxing atmosphere where you could just kick you shoes off, put a match to the fire and pop the bottle of bubbles. “We had so much fun doing that cottage up. I especially loved the creative part.” Soon Cathie was looking after several properties, combining this with raising three young children.
Then she spotted another opportunity – weddings and conferences. Nobody else in the area catered specifically for that market. With the backing of Anthony and Di Ratcliffe and other local shareholders the concept of Brackenridge was born. Cathie’s keen to share credit for its subsequent success that has seen the retreat expand in size and in the range of services it offers. “It was an enormous learning curve but I had a wonderful 2IC, Bryony Pettit, who provided the steady hand while I was busy dreaming up new ideas. We’ve also had very loyal shareholders.”
Since she was a teenager Cathie had wanted to set up a health and wellbeing centre. That dream’s become a reality too with Brackenridge now offering weekend lifestyle retreats as well as the day spa, pool and gym.
The secret of her success? “I guess it’s been a combination of dogged determination and really caring about our customers. I knew I wanted to work with people and help them have the best possible experience and that’s what we do at Brackenridge.” The figures prove she’s right. Almost three quarters of their guests are either return customers or have come via word of mouth.
Now Cathie’s retiring, sort of. She will finish up in March but will remain a Director and Shareholder. She can’t imagine not being busy so finding part time work and volunteering are likely to feature in her future. “I’ll miss organising weddings for all those those lovely interesting couples but after 17 years I am really looking forwarding to getting my weekends back and spending them with my family and friends.” She certainly deserves it.
Chris Cassels
