Historic Shirley Hotel up for grabs for $100
The Shirley Hotel in Bethungra is being sold in a novel way that could see it go to the new owner for just $100.
Robyn and Allan Cox bought the hotel in 2014 for $470,000, before realising the commitment that comes with running a pub in a small community that was established in 1886.
“We bought it unseen four years ago and we had no idea what we were getting into as we thought we were just buying an old country pub,” Cox said.
“That’s when we came to the realisation that this building is a central part of the Bethungra community and everyone has a story about it.
“It’s quite an iconic building and we realised that it would be selfish to think of this as a family home.”
Due to a change in circumstances, the couple are looking for new owners to bring it new life. They have chosen a system that requires interested applicants to pay $100 for a processing fee, before choosing the successful applicant based on who has the best idea for the hotel’s future.
“We need a minimum 20,000 people to apply to cover the costs as half the money will be taxed and if we don’t meet the minimum interest required, we will refund all applicants,” she said.
“Hopefully in the next few weeks we will have an application link which will be opened for only three months.”
Located 70 kilometres from Wagga Wagga, the two-storey stone hotel boasts 13 grand bedrooms, pressed tin ceilings and French doors which open onto a wraparound veranda.
Sheridan Randall, 15th November 2018
