High-profile hotelier Fraser Short has picked up the acclaimed and rescued Sir George Hotel of Jugiong for $14 million.
Vendors on the sale were mother-daughter duo Liz Prater and Kate Hufton, who acquired the dilapidated Hotel in 2015 and undertook a major restoration.
Built 1845, Sir George lays claim to being the longest singularly held liquor licence establishment in Australia.
The women have built the historic pub into a popular stopover destination, offering a diverse hospitality operation starting with delicious country-style food and beverage at the bar and restaurant, complementing an artisan bakery, retail store, and ten beautifully appointed farmhouse accommodation suites converted from 1845 stone stables, which enjoy an occupancy rate of 95 per cent.
After six years and three children, Hufton says it’s time to move on but knows she leaves Sir George in good hands.
“We are so proud to have resurrected such a beautiful old hotel and created a thriving business for so many people to enjoy.
“We are sure that Fraser will do a fantastic job and take The Sir George to new levels, like he has in so many of his other venues.”
Short is behind many iconic Sydney venues, such as The Morrison and Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, and in the past few years has expanded into select regional opportunities, such as The Farm in Byron Bay and more recently the Lennox Hotel, south of Byron.
Located around three hours’ drive south-west of Sydney, on the Hume Highway, agents say sale of the Hotel reflects market strength for quality tourism assets offering “solid investment fundamentals”.
The sales campaign was managed by CBRE Hotels’ Tom Gibson and Paul Fraser, attracting over 200 enquiries and terms agreed ahead of the EOI closing date.
Short’s Sydney Collective group takes over in February.
“The Sir George is an iconic operation that represents everything good about country New South Wales,” he says.
“I am very excited to bring this rare gem into our group and carry the baton on from Kate and Liz who have done an immaculate job in bringing this hotel, its gardens and historic buildings back to life for the community and tourists of Jugiong.”
