Three regional NSW hotels have been snapped up by prominent publicans, with the Sir George Hotel setting a record.

One of Australia’s oldest and most iconic hospitality venues, the iconic Sir George Hotel in Jugiong has sold to long time publican and hotel operator Fraser Short for a reported $14 million.

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.

“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 sales campaign was managed and negotiated by Tom Gibson and Paul Fraser of CBRE Hotels, on behalf of mother and daughter owners Liz Prater and Kate Hufton.

The campaign attracted widespread national interest with over 200 enquiries and terms being agreed prior to the Expressions of Interest due date.

“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,” Gibson 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 mother-daughter duo said.

The Sir George is a popular stopover destination with 10 beautifully appointed farmhouses, delicious country style food and beverage on offer and it’s situated three hours from Sydney along the Hume Highway on the Sydney-Melbourne and Canberra-Wagga Wagga corridor.

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 11 luxury accommodation suites, artisan bakery, retail store, restaurant and bar.

Meanwhile the freehold interest in the Traveller’s Rest Hotel in Long Flat was sold to Flower Hotels, which is owned by Alistair and Renee Flower, and partners Debbie and Aage Christianson. The Christianson’s are local to the area and live in close proximity to the venue itself.

JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group executive Greg Jeloudev handled the off-market transaction on behalf of long-term private owners the Thompson family.

The hotel occupies a massive 9.5-acre lot and resides on the banks of the Hastings River with direct access to the Oxley Highway. Enjoying flexible RU5 Village planning regulations, the sale includes 4 valuable gaming machine entitlements and a midnight license.

“The acquisition of Traveller’s Rest Hotel by Flower Hotels is the groups 7th venue in the LGA of Port Macquarie-Hastings. This strategic acquisition reflects strong confidence in the area, and we wish Alistair and his team all the best with their new purchase.” Jeloudev said.

Prominent hoteliers Ben Lawler and Ryan Haynes have snapped up the Royal Hotel in Camden.

HTL’s Blake Edwards, Sam Handy and Dan Dragicevich negotiated the off-market sale on behalf of a property developer who only acquired the hotel in 2015 for $5.5 million.

The Royal Hotel operates a 2am liquor licence with 24 gaming machines attached and is situated on a 1,526 sqm site, presenting an expansive trading footprint. It recently underwent an extensive renovation and refurbishment.

Edwards said the sale was a strong example of the agents working closely with and intimately understanding individual buyers’ investment criteria.

“The opportunity was keenly contested with the final price reflective of the current under supply of quality south west Sydney freehold hotels,” he added.

This latest pub transaction follows the sale of Pimpama Central Tavern for $22.2 million, the Varsity Lakes Tavern in Burleigh Waters for $38 million and the Laundy family led syndicate of hoteliers to buy the Cabbage Tree Hotel in Fairy Meadow.

Last month JLL reported that there was still $300 million worth of pubs in negotiations set to change hands before the close of hyperactive year for the hotel market.

JLL is expecting to close another $160 million in pub deals before Christmas.