11 Nov 2024
Words Nicole Mayne Geelong Advertiser, News.com.au

Historic Queenscliff boutique hotel Athelstane House listed for sale

Queenscliff’s historic Athelstane House has an established reputation as a popular bed and breakfast but could also be repurposed into an amazing private home.

Queenscliff’s oldest operating guesthouse, Athelstane House, is up for sale, marking a new chapter in the landmark building’s 164-year history.

The two-storey bed and breakfast has been successfully trading as a 10-room boutique hotel for many decades.

Originally built in 1860, it occupies almost 1000sq m of land at 4 Hobson St, Queenscliff, in the heart of the historic Bellarine Peninsula town and just a short walk from the beach, Citizens Park and the harbour.

The guesthouse is being offered for sale as a freehold going concern with $4m price hopes via an expressions of interest campaign through Kerleys, Point Lonsdale agent Damian Cayzer and ResortBrokers West Victoria agent Hugh Thomas.

Mr Thomas said it presented a significant opportunity for growth and future expansion.

“This an opportunity to own a piece of history and perhaps create some of your own,” Mr Thomas said.

“The buyer has the option of continuing the property’s existing operators as a boutique hotel. Or they could repurpose it as a private residence.

“As a business, the hotel has proved hugely popular with guests as shown in its exceptional OTA (online travel agency) ratings. It is consistently rated as one of the best hotels, if not the best, in town.”

Athelstane House was sympathetically renovated in the 1990s and has ensuites to all rooms, a guest lounge and a spacious one-bedroom owner’s apartment.

A commercial kitchen serves an on-site restaurant and living area, while a west-facing grand balcony and courtyard provide beautiful settings for guests to unwind.

“The restaurant offers an additional revenue stream for owners,” Mr Thomas said.

“There’s ample scope to extend its trading hours to attract a larger client base from among the local community.”

Prominent Victorian retailer and founding Queenscliff Borough councillor William John Craig originally built Athelstane House, which has been extended and altered over the years.

The listing follows the $5.5m sale of the nearby Queenscliff Hotel in 2022.

That grand 16-room hotel is currently undergoing a major restoration and renovation, with the owners pushing ahead with plans to re-open the venue as a restaurant, accommodation and day spa.

Expressions of interest for Athelstane House close on November 22 at noon.