A prize of the northern rivers has hit the market, with sale of the blank canvas Argyle Hotel in the popular and under-pubbed coastal community of Maclean.
The two-storey sandstone hotel first opened in the centre of the town in 1894 and was hailed as “the handsomest commercial building In Maclean” and reputedly the “best finished” hotel north of Sydney.
Set on a 1,006sqm lot, with access from both River and Argyle Streets, it benefits from a large council carpark at the rear. The pub shares a long history in the region, but is not heritage-listed due to extensive alterations done in the 70s.
After being closed for several years starting in the late teens, Dhugal Cowan purchased it in February 2020, determined to restores its place as a popular pub.
The massive restoration has taken the past three years, and included reinstating the expansive balconies, complete replacement of the plumbing and wiring, all new services to the bar area, full commercial kitchen, new commercial bathrooms and galvanised steel roof, as well as the installation of ducted air-conditioning, CCTV, Wifi and disabled access.
Eight pub-style rooms have been converted into four suites, with ensuites and kitchenettes, and the property’s expansive layout offers space to further the offering.
There is also ‘The Stables’, boasting a grand long lunch room, well suited as a function space for events or conferences.
Cowan aimed to restore the Argyle to “its former glory” while blending its historic charm with modernity. Having reached the point of securing a new liquor licence, he is ready to pass the baton to an experienced operator to kick-start the new era.
There is an approved DA to shape the bar and restaurant areas, allowing potential for multiple bars, diverse dining spaces and a spacious beer garden. The property could easily house a microbrewery or be pitched as a culinary destination or boutique hotel, catering to locals or the region’s many visitors.
Since the Clarence Hotel was destroyed by fire, outside of the RSL there is only one pub in town with gaming, being the Maclean Hotel.
Maclean is located on the Clarence River, in northern NSW’s Clarence Valley. It is an LGA in growth, with around 3k local residents and known for its water-based tourism attractions. Council’s Masterplan for the Clarence River towns intends to further develop this appeal.
The wider region has seen plenty of high-profile sales, with acquisitions by big-name hoteliers, seen in the Short-Laundy buys of the Lennox Heads Hotel and the Illawong Hotel in 2021, and more recently the Pottsville Hotel.
The appeal of the NSW north coast has only accelerated since the pandemic, and roughly half an hour north of Grafton, Maclean is on an upward trajectory and the Argyle well positioned to capitalise.
“This untapped potential is down to its strategic location, painstakingly restored heritage features, and dynamic design, which allows for it to expand its business offerings and drive revenue,” suggests Paul Mueller of RAAS, marketing the asset with colleague Christopher Jones.
“This storied establishment has played a pivotal role in the community’s narrative, and now it’s someone else’s chance to be a part of its legacy.”
The vacant freehold of the Argyle Hotel Maclean is being sold via Expressions of Interest, closing 13 October.
