1886 B&B for Bethungra
The operators of a bed and breakfast on the Olympic Highway at Bethungra in NSW have big plans for the grand old building known locally as the Hotel Shirley.
Originally constructed in 1886, the stone building – and former pub – has been the place for sharing plenty of yarns and is the focus of more than a few.
Sara McPherson and Andrew Booth are hoping to start a new chapter in the building’s history by launching their business, the Hotel Bethungra Bed and Breakfast.
Mr Booth said they could not apply the name Shirley was it was registered for use by others.
While they might not be able to use the old name, both Ms McPherson and Mr Booth have big plans for the building which has 13 rooms and sits on a hectare of gardens.
“I studied business at university and I saw myself doing something like a bed and breakfast when I was older … but then this opportunity came up,” Ms McPherson said.
“People always drive through Bethungra, we want to help give them a reason to stop here,” Ms McPherson said.
Already the budding entrepreneurs have a few ideas, including tapping into agri-tourism with the family’s organic farm, the Bethungra Dam, potentially hosting weddings and leveraging other attractions in the region, including Junee, Temora and Cootamundra.
