The Sir George Hotel in Jugiong, has sold to long time publican and hotel operator Fraser Short. Short is the owner of The Farm at Byron Bay and Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel on Sydney Harbour as well as operating several venues across NSW. Short and his team will take the reins of The Sir George from mother-daughter ownership duo Liz Prater and Kate Hufton in February of 2022.
Mr Short told the Hotel Conversation, “The Sir George is an iconic operation that represents everything good about country New South Wales.” “I am very excited to bring this rare gem into our group and carry the baton on from Kate and Liz who have done an immaculate job in bringing this hotel, its gardens and historic buildings back to life for the community and tourists of Jugiong.”
The Sir George has been a popular stopover destination going back to colonial days and was reinvigorated 5 years ago and reopened. It now has 10 beautifully appointed farmhouses, alongside delicious country style food and beverages.
Built in 1845, the hotel is famous for being the longest singularly held liquor license establishment in Australia, spanning over 165 years. It offers a diverse hospitality operation, including an artisan bakery, retail store, restaurant and bar.
Owners Liz Prater and Kate Hufton said, “We are so proud to have resurrected such a beautiful old hotel and created a thriving business for so many people to enjoy. We are sure that Fraser will do a fantastic job and take The Sir George to new levels, like he has in so many of his other venues.” The sales campaign was managed and negotiated by Tom Gibson and Paul Fraser of CBRE Hotels. “
The deal represented a price per key record for regional NSW and highlights the strength of the market for quality tourism assets that offer solid investment fundamentals,” Mr Gibson said. According to CBRE the campaign attracted widespread national interest with over 200 enquiries and terms being agreed to prior to the Expressions of Interest due date.
