Norman Van Den Broek (centre) with patrons in the pub he’s owned for more than a decade. Photo: Adore Residential.
In his own words, Reg O’Connell is pretty familiar with the historic Araluen Hotel.
The Nutrien Harcourts Braidwood real estate manager is not only overseeing its sale, but he’s also stayed there several times as a guest.
“When I was younger and used to ride trail bikes, we used to have an annual event … We would go down through Deua National Park and end up staying at the pub,” he said.
“It was in winter that you’d be looking for a hot shower, a good meal and perhaps a beverage or two.”
Mr O’Connell said it had remained a cornerstone of life in the small town throughout its nearly 100-year existence.
The historic building was converted into a hotel in 1928 after the old Araluen Hotel burned down.
“In my lifetime, there have only been maybe three or four owners … They’re obviously looked up to by the community,” he said.
“That is the centrepiece of the town. That’s where the meeting place is.”
Now, it’s about to be handed over to a new pair of hands.
Current owner, Norman Van Den Broek, has put the historic hotel up for sale amid a change in circumstances.
He purchased the pub in 2014, after a friend suggested he would make a great publican and has overseen it ever since.
It comes with a bar, two pool tables, a jukebox, a “really big” beer garden with undercover seating for about 60 people and a commercial kitchen.
Mr O’Connell said it had been loved by not only locals, but visitors too.
“Every afternoon, at 4:30, 5 pm, the cockies come out from the paddocks and share their stories about what happened during the day,” he said.
“You’ve got the tourists who go through [the town] and they like to sit down. It’s really accommodating, really friendly and welcoming community.”
A private residence is attached to the main hotel building.
The property also has an eight megalitre water licence and 10 kW of solar panels.
It not only comes with 10 bedrooms – offering accommodation for up to 37 people across single and family rooms – but has a unique resident: a cockatoo.
Mr O’Connell confirmed the cockatoo came with the sale of the hotel.
“I think he’s over 50 years old now,” he said.
Mr O’Connell said there had been “a lot of interest” from past guests and groups coming “out of the woodwork” to save their local pub.
He said the accommodation remained popular with those seeking adventure tourism or looking to explore the region’s natural beauty, as well as visitors from nearby Canberra.
“Some locals have been trying to get together [so they can] buy it themselves.
“I’ve got a couple of interested parties from around the area, who are experienced in hospitality and have the funds to be able to do it.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to take it on and promote it.”
The hotel was previously advertised at $1.5 million.
The Araluen Hotel is located at 5943 Araluen Road in Araluen.
Sale tenders will be accepted until 28 February. Find further information on the listing.
