With a history that dates back to 1907, the Durham Hotel is an iconic landmark of the Upper Hunter. Located midway between Scone and Murrurundi, Wingen is a small town that is an outpost of both these larger towns to its north and south, but with a personality all of its own. It is the gateway to The Burning Mountain - the world's oldest known underground coal fire that has been burning for over 6000 years. This curiosity can be visited via a 4km walk through the nature reserve.
The hotel looks out to the mountain range known as the Wingen Maid, a name based on a mythological indigenous story - and offers an amazing backdrop to the sunsets of an evening.
The Upper Hunter hosts year round events that the Hotel could take advantage of in attracting both visitors to the pub as well as those wanting accommodation. From air shows, to a literary festival; race days at Scone and Muswellbrook; and the Stockman's Challenge and Bush festival in Murrurundi, there is not a month that goes by without an activity to attract visitors.
The property is also being advertised as an existing hotel/pub; but there are plenty of other options to consider. With a bit of work to change internal walls etc you could:
* Create your dream home which would offer huge open plan living spaces both indoor and out. The 4 cabins would make perfect teen retreats, there is a swimming pool for all and plenty of yard space. There is also access to surrounding public parks and reserves for the family to use.
* Create your dream home with a side business. You could utilise the existing pub license and facility to offer cafe services; or a bottleshop; or just rent out the cabins as accommodation or AirBnb. How about a coffee stop for all the passing traffic - they can just stop in right off the highway itself and be back on the road with any deviation at all.
* Purchase as a realestate investment - Turn the main building into a large accommodation space with numerous bedrooms and AirBnb together with the existing cabins outside. Given the amount of events in and around Scone and Murrurundi the occupancy rate could be opportune.
* Organise with Tesla or charge fox or other EV charge providor to put in charging stations and offer food and drinks for those drivers stopping for 20 Mins or so to charge their vehicles. There are very few chargers along the New England Highway so this could be a great synergy. The proximity to the highway is perfect for this.
* Instead of the family home, turn this into the family holiday getaway and combine with any of these business options to create a revenue stream. You can have your holiday 'cake' and have some extra dollars as well
The Durham Hotel is located right on the New England Highway and is one of the most visible business in this part of the Hunter. With daily traffic movements at an average of 8600 per day, a lot of eyeballs travel past this property.
This is a rare freehold opportunity with a long established business that you can turn into whatever you want.
Set on 4755sqm of land adjoining the New England Highway, The Durham Hotel has an amazing history dating back to early last century. The main building comprises the main bar and saloon with open fireplace. There is additional dining and seating available further back, complete with pool table. The bar area is spacious and open, with a servery to the outdoor deck. Walk through the bar area to the full commercial kitchen; a second bar that is a perfect set up for functions, that has direct access to the covered outdoor deck offering plenty of tables and chairs, as well as a children's play area.
The outdoor decking and entertaining space extends from the front, all the way around extending the full length of the building to the back. It can be split into multiple break out areas; and the rear deck provides incredible views across to the Wingen Maid escarpment - an awesome sight particularly as the sun is setting.
Attached at the rear of the building you will find the owner's accommodation - a 3 bedroom accommodation including a master bedroom with ensuite, a second bathroom, a large living space, featuring air conditioning and ceiling fans. The property has 100,000L of tank water as well as being attached to the Rural water supply.
Separate to the main building are 4 individual one-bedroom self contained bungalows. These can be rented for overnight and short stays; or longer for railway workers & other contractors. There is plenty of space between each for privacy; and plenty of area to put more cabins and grow this revenue stream.
There is also a swimming pool, and open grassed landscaped gardens - this is the perfect space for functions, weddings, parties or a Jazz & shiraz festival. There is even a 30 seat courtesy bus included in the sale.
This Upper Hunter icon is now offered for sale. Buy it and run as is, develop further, or even change completely. The location is brilliant, the freehold is historic and interesting, and the business has plenty of 'Blue Sky' for the right person.