A hotel owner and broker have touted the Riverina as the place to be as two much-loved watering holes prepare to go under the hammer.
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The Kings Own Hotel Motel, based at The Rock, hit the market just two weeks ago, joining Mangoplah Hotel, which is also up for sale.
It comes after the heritage listed Ariah Park Hotel recently changed hands.
Riverina broker Ian McDonald, who is selling both the Mangoplah Hotel and The Kings Own Hotel Motel, said regional interest was growing.
“Most hotels in these sorts of towns are the hub of the community – country pubs are all about the food and giving people reasons to come,” he said.
“Most of the city pubs are very expensive and have large gambling outlets.”
The Kings Own Hotel Motel is advertised for $750,000 while the Mangoplah Hotel is for sale for $400,000.
Mr McDonald said he had received all sorts of inquiries for both hotels, but the Kings Own had created interest from Sydney and Queensland buyers.
“Inquiries come from people in all walks of life but The Rock has created a bit of local interest from people from Wagga,” he said.
“Quite often people want to work for themselves rather than work for somebody else.
“It’s the driving factor behind being their own boss – it’s long hours and demanding work but it’s also a great way to make a living.”
Mangoplah Hotel owner Trine Browne said after 13 years it was time to retire.
Ms Browne had previously worked in the industry when taking the reigns of the hotel.
“It’s been going great guns, it’s a pretty big part of the town and a place where local people can come to meet,” she said.
“I will be sad but it was time for us to retire and give someone else a go.”
While Ms Browne said she won’t remain in the area, she hoped the hotel would continue to be family-friendly.
“We hope they keep it as a classic country pub but it’s up to them (the future owners) in the end,” she said.
Ms Browne said about 25 couples had walked through the hotel with several from out of state and city areas but they were not in any rush to see it go.
“Lots of people seem to want to get away and try something new,” she said.
“It will happen when it happens.”
While Mr McDonald said there were “no rules” with how long a hotel can sit on the market, both properties had received strong interest.
In Wagga, The Duke of Kent officially changed hands in June last year, selling for $3.5 million.
It joined the likes of of Romano’s Hotel, Palm and Pawn, and The Red Steer Hotel Motel; all of which changed hands in 2016.
