1 New England Highway
Wingen, NSW 2337

Overview

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With a history dating back to 1907, this property is the Durham Hotel, an iconic landmark in the Upper Hunter region. Situated midway between Scone and Murrurundi, the small town of Wingen serves as a unique outpost with its own distinct character. The location is notable as the gateway to The Burning Mountain, the world's oldest known underground coal fire, which has been burning for over 6000 years and can be explored via a 4km walk through the nature reserve.

The hotel offers stunning views of the Wingen Maid mountain range, named after an indigenous mythological story, providing a breathtaking backdrop to evening sunsets. The Upper Hunter region hosts a variety of year-round events such as air shows, literary festivals, race days at nearby towns, and cultural festivals, all of which present opportunities for attracting visitors to the hotel and its accommodation facilities.

Currently operating as a hotel/pub, the property offers multiple possibilities for redevelopment or alternative uses. With some modifications to internal walls, it could be transformed into a spacious family home featuring expansive open-plan living areas both indoors and outdoors. The four separate cabins on the property are ideal as private retreats for teenagers or guests. A swimming pool and ample yard space complement the living areas, and there is access to nearby public parks and reserves for additional recreational options.

Alternatively, the property could be developed into a home with a side business, utilizing the existing pub license to offer café services, a bottleshop, or accommodation rentals such as AirBnB. Its convenient location right off the highway makes it an excellent stopover for travelers, including the potential for a coffee stop catering to passing traffic.

As a real estate investment, the main building could be converted into a large accommodation space with multiple bedrooms, supplemented by the existing cabins. Given the frequent events in the surrounding towns, occupancy rates could be favorable. There is also potential to install electric vehicle charging stations in partnership with providers, offering food and drinks to drivers during charging stops, capitalizing on the property's prime highway location.

Another option is to use the property as a family holiday getaway combined with any of the business opportunities mentioned, creating a revenue stream while enjoying a personal retreat.

The Durham Hotel is prominently located on the New England Highway, one of the most visible businesses in this part of the Hunter, with an average daily traffic count of approximately 8600 vehicles. This freehold property offers a rare opportunity to own a historic business with significant potential for development or change.

The site covers approximately 4755 square meters of land adjoining the highway. The main building includes the main bar and saloon with an open fireplace, additional dining and seating areas with a pool table, and a spacious bar area with a servery opening to an outdoor deck. Beyond the bar is a full commercial kitchen and a second bar ideal for functions, which opens directly onto a covered outdoor deck with ample seating and a children's play area.

The outdoor decking and entertaining space extends around the entire length of the building, allowing for multiple breakout areas. The rear deck offers spectacular views of the Wingen Maid escarpment, especially at sunset.

Attached to the rear of the main building is the owner's accommodation, featuring three bedrooms including a master with ensuite, a second bathroom, and a large living area equipped with air conditioning and ceiling fans. The property benefits from a 100,000-liter tank water supply as well as connection to the rural water supply.

Separate from the main building are four individual one-bedroom self-contained bungalows, which can be rented for short or long stays, catering to railway workers or contractors. The cabins are spaced for privacy, with room to add more to expand the accommodation business.

Additional features include a swimming pool and landscaped open grassed gardens, making the property suitable for functions, weddings, parties, or festivals. Included in the sale is a 30-seat courtesy bus.

This Upper Hunter icon is now available for sale, offering the buyer the choice to operate it as is, develop it further, or completely transform the property. The location is excellent, the freehold is historic and interesting, and the business holds significant potential for future growth.

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