After nearly 80 years in the hands of the Bowden family, the landmark Marburg Hotel is for sale as the long-timers look to step down.
The two-storey pub is considered an institution in town and the wider Lockyer Valley. It is the only hotel in Marburg, built 1881 on a 6,748sqm lot zoned Town Commercial. It is seen as architecturally significant, and was heritage-listed.
After a recent renovation, it provides a public bar, restaurant seating over 50 people inside plus a covered outdoor area for another 20 that flows into the beer garden, which is able to accommodate another 100 patrons. Upstairs there are nine accommodation rooms.
The pub has been owned and managed by the Bowden family since 1944, and current generation Dan and Julie Bowden are looking to retire, leaving a long-standing reputation for their tireless hospitality. Its history and standing in the community are such that many locals would recall drinks, birthdays and social occasions at the Marburg, including those exiting dances at the nearby Marburg Hall.
Marburg is located at a juncture of three cities, close to Ipswich (25km), Brisbane (53km) and Toowoomba (68km), with local population approaching 1,000 souls.
A large part of the hotel’s block is licensed, providing a variety of options for a buyer, such as potential subdivision and sale.
Sale of the asset is being managed by Off Market Hotels’ Chris Novak, with vendors’ price expectation of close to $2 million.
“We have had substantial enquiries from hoteliers and restauranteurs with a real vision for the hotel,” reports Novak. “Some of them wish to make it a destination.”
Immediate upside for a purchaser is noted in the unutilised accommodation rooms on the second level.
“There is a desperate shortage of rental accommodation in Marburg and the Ipswich Shire region,” furthers Novak.
“Unlocking the revenue and profit potential of the upper floor nine rooms – either short-term for tourists or long-term tenants – would further allow for packaging up accommodation and food and beverage, as a dining option or room service.”
The freehold going concern of the Marburg Hotel is being sold via Expressions of Interest.
