NEW CHEER AT OLD PUB
This lovingly restored warm and cosy haven in the midst of the high country is worth the trip alone
GOOD people make good places. And the Sibley family – led by son Justin – have created an absolute cracker of a “local” with their million-dollar renovation of Tenterfield’s Commercial Hotel.
The only problem now is fighting your way to a warm spot beside the fire in among the thirsty but warm locals and snow seekers. Yes, snow seekers. This week’s snowpocalypse has created a mini-tourism boom in Tenterfield, a three-hour drive inland on the edge of Queensland.
The boom is not quite at the same level as in 1984.
Back then locals reckon the place, in then pre-digital days, ran out of camera film.
But the dusting of snow has been welcomed like Christmas in July.
Particularly for the Sibleys who spent more than 12 months restoring The Commercial to its current splendour of pressed metal finishes, exposed brick and warm timber furnishings.
It was a labour of love for the family, which has combined the passion and sweat of son Justin, mum and dad Colleen and Robert, sisters Jodie and Cassandra, and Cassandra’s husband Tim.
The love affair started with Justin, on a weekend trip with his fiance, being struck by the beauty and charm of the town itself, and the bone structure of The Commercial.
It’s a 1942 art deco building that had been sitting vacant for eight years.
Like a jilted lover, the hotel had simply been walked out on.
Eight years after closure, beer kegs were still tapped in to the cold room, beds were made up complete with folded towels and bars of soap – there was even a pot of cooked pumpkin soup sitting on the stove.
“To say it’s been a labour of love is an understatement,” Justin says.
“We’ve knocked out about two tonnes of bricks, converted 21 rooms into eight boutique hotel rooms with bathrooms and walk-in showers.
“But we’ve also gone to great lengths to preserve the charm of The Commercial.”
The hotel was originally built in 1856 before being demolished in the 1930s and rebuilt in the 1940s.
The original drawing plans from 1942 hang in the wine bar and the original wood-fire oven, discovered hidden inside the wall of the old kitchen, is now a feature piece in the 30-seat dining room.
“Our restoration was about paying homage to the hotel’s history,” Justin, 38, says.
“A lot of thought has gone into it all. We hoped to create a space that people would love but we also wanted the hotel to become an integral part of Tenterfield.”
It’s been a colossal task bringing to life the family’s vision that includes promoting Tenterfield – three hours drive from Coolangatta or 40 minutes from Stanthorpe – as the next “Yarra Valley”.
“We want to bring out the best of everything that Australia offers – great food, great wine and great craft beer,” Justin said.
Right now that evolution means chill seekers are making their way to Tenterfield where they know a cracking fire and quality wine from the Granite Belt awaits them.