The acclaimed Armatree Hotel is back on the market amid surging migration, while making news as the state’s first vaccination hub in a pub.
Built in 1929 on a huge lot of around 10,000sqm, the Hotel is home to a classic country bar and commercial kitchen, eight accommodation rooms and onsite camping sites, both powered and unpowered.
The tired country local was purchased in 2007 by Ash and Lib Walker, who came with no prior experience but a strong desire to return it to the community. They have painstakingly restored the classic exterior, and modernised the interior.
Having made moves to sell pre-COVID, the Walkers have listed it again in the new era of regional prospects.
“It’s been a great journey over the past 14 years or so and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved, but now it’s someone else’s turn to take over this iconic pub and make their mark on a piece of history,” says Ash Walker.
Armatree is a township 38 kilometres north of Gilgandra, part of the Orana district, around six hours’ drive north-west of Sydney.
The capital flight migration prompted by the pandemic has created increasing demand for strong regional hotel assets, with prices hitting unprecedented highs in the wake of buyer competition.
The Armatree boasts an enviable reputation as a district watering hole, effectively the reigning champion Best Bush Pub, having won the AHA NSW Awards of Excellence in the category in both 2018 and 2019.
Always willing to go the extra mile, the Walkers answered the call of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to become the first vaccination hub in a pub in New South Wales.
After the medicos asked to use the well-known pub, over the weekend an RFDS doctor and two nurses delivered first Pzifer jabs to more than 200 locals. They will return later to deliver the second doses.
“We organised it all in 24 hours and people travelled huge distances to come in here and get vaccinated, and get some take away food and drinks as well,” says Walker.
“It was great for the community, who are pretty isolated out here and can’t wait to be back sitting together in the public bar.”
Country pubs are the heart of their communities and never fail to step up in tough times, says AHA NSW CEO John Whelan.
“The Armatree Hotel is a real community hub and this is a great initiative.
“Vaccines are now available and we encourage all staff and patrons to be vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the Hotel is being marketed by Resort Brokers’ Chris Kelly, with asking price of $1.2 million.
“The Armatree Hotel is one of those classic pubs with accommodation, which is something of a tourist destination in its own right, and it’s also reaping the benefits of the surge in domestic and drive tourism.
“These properties that can provide a pub, a bistro or restaurant and somewhere to stay all under the one roof are high on the radar of domestic tourists, because of border restrictions and overseas travel limitations.”
