Tender time: Queenscliff Historical Museum president Helene Butler outside the famous pub.
By Michelle Herbison
QUEENSCLIFF’S iconic hotel is up for grabs, with its owner confirming this week the building is open to tender.
Queenscliff Hotel proprietor Johann Schuetz said he wanted to sell the 1880s hotel and retire after 11 years running its accommodation and fine dining.
“I’ve been in hospitality for 25 years and I wish to do other things,” he said.
The establishment was formally home to popular restaurant Mietta’s and comprises 15 bedrooms with en suites, three guest lounges, a formal dining room, a conservatory restaurant and a bar.
Mr Schuetz said he auctioned the hotel in 2010, attracting offers of up to $4 million, but for personal reasons decided against the sale.
Kerleys Coastal Real Estate agent Neil Laws said “preliminary ads” had attracted five “reasonably strong” registrations of interest.
Mr Laws said he planned to market the building as more than a hotel.
“We’ve had interest from people considering looking at it as a house as well as interest from people in hospitality. Maybe a group of people will look at buying it.”
Mr Laws said he planned to target all of Australia’s top chefs to suggest one build a world-class restaurant similar to Mietta’s.
Mr Schuetz said after taking over the hotel 11 years ago he spent $60,000 restoring its antique furniture.
“It’s a beautiful building and we’ve always had nice people staying here,” he said.
The Queenscliff Hotel employs about 10 staff in winter and between 15 and 20 in the warmer months.
Queenscliff Historical Museum president Helene Butler said the hotel was one of Victoria’s earliest Queen Anne-style buildings.
“It is a building that is substantially intact externally and of national importance.”
Ms Butler said Reverend Adam Cairns purchased the land in 1856 and its foundation stone was laid in 1887 by Mayor George Admans.
Museum vice-president Jocelyn Grant said the hotel was built during Queenscliff’s “boom time”.
“It’s a highly valued destination for residents and visitors, with a magnificent dining room for celebratory dinners and of course a beautiful view over Port Phillip Bay.”
The building’s heritage value would prevent a buyer from making alterations, Ms Grant said.
